Learn first
Guides and answers
Plain explanations before you buy anything. If a question is not here, ask us.
Specification sheets and current options come with your quote. Nothing here is a performance promise.
The basics
How heat gets into a building
Conduction
Heat travels through solid materials, like a roof deck or an attic floor. Insulation slows it.
Convection
Heat moves with air. Ventilation and air leaks matter here.
Radiation
A hot roof gives off infrared energy toward cooler surfaces. Reflective surfaces address this.
See it
Where a radiant barrier sits
Illustration only, not to scale.
Myths and facts
Common misunderstandings
Myth: it keeps all the heat out
A radiant barrier only addresses radiant heat. Conduction and convection are separate.
Myth: any foil works
Foil needs an air space, and the surface has to stay clean to reflect well.
Myth: more layers is always better
What helps depends on the building. Extra layers can add cost without adding benefit.
Myth: it replaces insulation
They do different jobs, and many buildings use both.
Glossary
Words you will hear
- Radiant barrier: a reflective layer that reduces heat transfer by radiation.
- Emissivity: how much heat a surface gives off. Reflective foil has a low emissivity.
- Reflectivity: how much radiant heat a surface bounces back.
- Air space: the gap next to a reflective surface that lets it work.
- R-value: a rating of resistance to conducted heat. Ask for the maker data for the exact product.
- Conduction, convection, radiation: the three ways heat moves.
- Ventilation: airflow that carries heat and moisture out of an attic.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is a radiant barrier?
A reflective material that reduces heat moving by radiation. How much it helps depends on the building and how it is installed.
Does it replace regular insulation?
Not always. They work differently and many buildings use both.
Will it lower my electric bill?
We cannot promise a saving. It depends on the building, the weather and how you use it.
Does it need an air space?
Yes. A reflective surface pressed against another surface does little.
Is it safe around wiring?
Foil is conductive, so we keep it clear of live parts and follow local code.
Will dust hurt it?
Heavy dust on the reflective side reduces how well it reflects, so placement matters.
Can I install it myself?
Some owners do. Attic work is hot and tight, and mistakes with wiring or ventilation matter, so we install it.
How do I know if I need it?
Tell us about your building. We will say whether it is likely to help.
Do you work on commercial buildings?
Yes. Use the trade quote for projects.
How long does the work take?
It depends on the building. We give an estimate with the quote.
Before you hire
Questions to ask any installer
- What exactly will you install, and where?
- What air space does it need, and how do you keep it?
- Is there a maker test report?
- How do you handle wiring, flues and lights?
- What is covered by the warranty, in writing?
Radiant barrier and reflective insulation, installed by Kexova.
Serving Texas homeowners and builders.
Performance depends on the product, the building and the installation. Specification sheets are provided at quote.
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