Radiant Barriers: Myths Busted and Facts Explained

Radiant barriers are utilized to reduce summer heat gain in attics and help to improve the efficiency of green building envelopes. A radiant barrier can lower heat transfer from attics to the building below, keep the attic space cooler and lower cooling costs by up to 17% in warmer climates. We take a look at how radiant barriers work, the different types of radiant barriers and some of the misconceptions surrounding them.

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Understanding R-value and U-value

Knowing what R-value and U-values mean is key to following energy issues and to selecting products that best suit the climate zone you are building in. R-value is essentially a product’s resistance to heat flow. Adversely, U-value measures the rate of heat transfer. This means that products with a lower U-value will be more energy efficient. It is tempting to think that these two values are direct opposites of each other, but there are some important differences to note.

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Better Home Insulation Tips

It secures a home’s energy envelope which means the homeowner saves money on energy bills and it makes for a more comfortable home. Proper installation of insulation is the key to success. It doesn’t matter what kind of insulation you choose, putting it in right will be the best way to ensure success.

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Minimizing Buckling for Asphalt Shingles

As much as 95% of US roofing starts with wood panel sheathing. This is because it’s easy to work with and provides a sturdy substrate for roofing materials. However, if the wood sheathing panels are not installed correctly, bucking may occur and this will telegraph through to the shingles causing a ‘wavy’ look. This can result in very expensive call backs for the construction company, so ensure that you follow these guidelines and the manufacturer’s instructions as well as your design professional’s outlines in order to avoid problems.

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