NASA and the History of Radiant Barrier

The history of radiant barrier begins far back as the early 1920's when radiant barrier was used to insulate residential and commercial buildings in the United States. In 1945 the product was produced commercially by a New York company, but the government ruled the company a monopoly and shut down production. Radiant barrier was lost to the world until the mid 1950's when Clark E. Beck, P .E. refined and led the Team Wright Labs pioneered the development of the product for NASA.

In the mid 1950s, when Clark E. Beck, PE, of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base discovered and pioneered the development of radiant barrier technology for NASA and the space program, he couldn't have envisioned the variety of applications for which this insulation material would someday be used. But today, radiant barrier technology has been spun-off into products as diverse as energy-conserving building insulation, agricultural insulation, automobile insulation, protective clothing (like used by firemen), and many other products.

NASA was trying to find a way to protect the astronauts during space walks from the extreme temperature shifts ranging from -273 degrees Celsius to +238 degrees Celsius. They discovered that they would have to have a seven-foot thick protective layer on the space suit if they attempted to use conventional insulation. Obviously, this was way out of the question. Instead of trying to insulate the suits, they turned to reflective technology and used aluminum foil radiant barrier to solve the problem. NASA reflected the heat of their own body back at the astronauts to keep them warm, while at the same time they used the foil to reflect the deadly direct radiation from the sun (radiant heat) out of the space suit to keep them cool.

The material provided a reflective surface that kept more than 95 percent of the radiant energy from reaching the interior of the space suit. Small holes allow moisture to escape, while keeping longer heat waves from getting through. Weighing only slightly more than 17 pounds per thousand square feet. The material maintained constant, comfortable temperatures inside the space suit. Radiant barrier has been in use by NASA since the Gemini and Apollo missions. The insulation was the prime element of the environment control system that allowed Apollo astronauts to work inside the Command Module in shirt sleeves, rather than in bulky space suits. Since the Gemini and Apollo missions, the radiant barrier has been used on virtually all spacecraft, including unmanned missions where instruments required thermal protection.

Tricks to help cool your home!

As the temperature rises, so does the cost of cooling your home, especially when your cracking down your air conditioner lower than you have to.

Fans and Ceiling Fans
If you’re looking for ways to beat the heat, a ceiling fan can be a great investment for your home. This one appliance can make a room feel 6 or 7 degrees cooler, and even the most power-hungry fan costs less than $10 a month to use if you keep it on for 12 hours a day. Good fans make it possible for you to raise your thermostat setting and save on air-conditioning costs. Fans don’t use much energy, but when air is circulating, it feels much cooler. Ceiling fans are best, but a good portable fan can be very effective as well.
You should remember that even mild air movement of 1 mph can make you feel three or four degrees cooler. Also make sure your ceiling fan is turned for summer – you should feel the air blown downward.

Shades, drapes, or blinds
Install white window shades, drapes, or blinds to reflect heat away from the house. Close blinds, shades and draperies facing the sun (east-facing windows in the morning and west-facing windows in the afternoon) to keep the sun’s heat out and help fans or air conditioners cool more efficiently. Always remember that the best way to keep your home cool is to keep the heat out.

Add Radiant Barrier and Insulation

A Radiant Heat Barrier will reflect heat AWAY from your attic and living space. Otherwise, the heat will simply penetrate into the living space. Some companies use spray on product which is not a True Radiant Barrier. According to the U.S. Dept of Energy a radiant barrier must have a minimum of 90% reflectivity or 10% emissivity (our product is 97 and 3) and have a dead air space above it. Sprays under the best possible application will have 75% reflectivity and 25% emissivity and in real life most are FAR less than that. So spray satisfies neither requirement of a true radiant barrier. Make your home more comfortable year round by adding attic insulation. The project can pay for itself in as little as two years in reduced energy costs. While older homes typically have less insulation than homes built today, adding insulation to a newer home may also pay off.

Have a room you can NEVER get cool enough?

One of the most frustrating problems is having comfort issues with a particular room in your home. These are rooms that you can NEVER get quite cool enough no matter how hard you try.

In order to fix the problem, you must first ask, “What exactly IS the problem”?

Keep the heat out – We want to STOP heat from entering so we don’t have to deal with it in the first place. Start with the windows. If a window catches direct sun you need to shade the window. Solar screens, window film, awnings or natural shade (trees) will all help – take your pick.

Radiant barrier foil should be applied above and around any problem rooms. Ceilings should be sealed airtight and have plenty of insulation and ductwork should be checked for leaks or constrictions.

Pull MORE heat out! If you have done everything to keep the heat out and you still can’t stay comfortable, then the only other option is to pull more heat out. This usually requires the expertise of a good air conditioning contractor. You could need larger ducts, more ducts, additional return vents or a combination of these.

Most times than not Radiant Barrier and Insulation along with proper ventilation will do the job!

Can Radiant Barrier Help Sell Your Home?

The answer is YES! Many people are having a hard time selling their property due to the housing market slow down. Something they should know is that the underlying factor for all prospective home buyers is, “How much is the utilities going to cost me?” Many new home buyers are inquiring about the utility bills of a home prior to buying. By installing radiant barrier you are adding value to your home and reducing the electric bill, which will help sell your home.

Roof temperatures can rise to over 200 degrees. Attic temperature can be as hot as 140 degrees. This heat creates moisture that falls to your attic floor on your insulation. This causes your insulation not to work properly and lowers the insulation value. Radiant barrier works three-fold by reflecting heat from your home, lowering the temperature in your attic that allows your insulation to work more effectively and this causes your A/C unit to work less. An additional benefit is that you’re A/C duct work lasts longer because it isn’t exposed to such high temperatures that induce drying and cracking creating air leaks.

All in all, radiant barrier is an energy efficient product that works, you will maximize your savings and increase your home value. Americans can assist our nation by making their home more energy efficient. Radiant barrier is the most energy efficient product available for your home and will add value to your real estate.

Spray is not a True Radiant Heat Barrier

A Radiant Heat Barrier will reflect heat AWAY from your attic and living space. Otherwise, the heat will simply penetrate into the living space. Some companies use spray on product which is not a True Radiant Barrier.

According to the U.S. Dept of Energy a radiant barrier must have a minimum of 90% reflectivity or 10% emissivity (our product is 97 and 3) and have a dead air space above it. Sprays under the best possible application will have 75% reflectivity and 25% emissivity and in real life most are FAR less than that. So spray satisfies neither requirement of a true radiant barrier.

We are not like other companies. We don't do it the easy way, we do it the RIGHT way. If we were to put your foil radiant barrier on the bottom of the attic that would be doing it the easy way. You might ask if by doing it the hard way that makes us more expensive, the answer is no. Although we are uncompromising in the quality of the work we do, our pricing is competitive.