Home insulation methods and materials vary according to specific needs of the homeowner or the design and structure of the house. Among the different kinds of insulation techniques available is radiant barrier insulation. Materials used in this kind of insulation tend to reduce radiated heat rather than conducted heat.

Materials used in radiant barrier insulation

Glass windows with low-emissivity coating are one way of introducing radiant barrier insulation in a house. The invisible metal coating in this kind of glass reflects the radiation generated in the house back inside the house and the radiation from outside is reflected back outside. This helps to keep the house warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Other radiant barrier insulation materials include foil covered polyurethane panels which work more like vapor barriers. Even reflective paint is one kind of radiant barrier insulation which reflects radiation back and provides the heat back to the house instead of letting it escape during the winters.

How effective is radiant barrier insulation?

Radiant barrier materials only reflect back the radiation received on their surfaces. They may prove to be ineffective in areas where the temperatures are extremely cold or hot. Add to this, the maintenance of such insulation is to be done regularly. Also, this kind of insulation is not efficient in the case of some areas in the house. Hence radiant barrier insulation cannot be called a complete insulation solution.

Resources for home insulation

It is advisable to seek professional help and hire an insulation contractor who would be able to determine the extent of insulation required in a house. The specifications would be determined based on the location of the house, the normal weather conditions and the kind of living and non-living space within the house. Most of the materials used for insulation are available with insulation contractors or even with home improvement materials suppliers. The cost of insulation would depend upon the size of the area covered in the house, the materials used for insulation, the hire charges paid to the insulation contractor and the cost of any maintenance that would be required over a period of time.