Radiaflect™ vs. foil radiant barrier
While ordinary foil radiant barrier may reduce radiant heat transfer, it has no R-value – almost no resistance at all to heat transfer from conduction or convection. Radiaflect delivers unsurpassed power to stop radiant heat transfer and its unique closed-cell polyethylene core adds critical R-value – as much as six inches of additional fiberglass – to block conduction and convection.
Radiaflect vs. other closed-cell foam
Other products offer reflectivity and R-value, but only Radiaflect, using a patented process, heat-welds its foil to both sides of its closed-cell polyethylene core for a lasting bond. Only Radiaflect is protected by US patents and is made in America by American workers. One widely advertised foam product, made overseas, bears a superficial resemblance to Radiaflect – but instead of heat welding, it uses a volatile adhesive that can delaminate over time. And only Radiaflect has been performance tested by accredited testing agencies. In fact, no other radiant or reflective insulation product has passed the stringent fire safety tests required for use in attics by most building codes.
Radiaflect vs. mylar
Like foil radiant barrier, reflective mylar reduces radiant heat transfer but it has no R-value. Its reflectivity can diminish over time, and mylar is flimsy and difficult to install, especially in rafters. Radiaflect provides a better radiant barrier, features R-11 resistance to convection and conduction, and it’s far easier to install, which can lower your installation cost.
Radiaflect vs. metallic spray
Aluminum-filled paint can be sprayed on the underside of a roof deck to reduce radiant energy transfer. It requires specialized respiratory gear and spraying equipment to be safely sprayed in an attic’s enclosed space. The most costly reflective paint applied to the highest standard delivers only a fraction of the energy-saving reflectivity of Radiaflect. Also, unlike Radiaflect, metallic sprays offer no R-value.
Radiaflect vs. mylar-covered bubble-wrap
Some installers offer a product made of conventional bubble-wrap sandwiched between reflective surfaces. The encapsulated air spaces provide some R-value, but stapling, handling and cutting can rupture them, reducing the product’s effectiveness.
Even more important, mylar-on-bubble wrap should not be used over mass insulation because it cannot be perforated to allow vapor to escape from the mass insulation below. This will breed moisture, which can reduce the efficiency of the mass installation and rot the wooden structure of your home.
Radiaflect provides your home with a consistent R-11 insulation value – even with rough handling and stapling – and our attic-floor product is perforated to prevent moisture build-up and the problems it causes.
Radiaflect vs. fiberglass-filled radiant barrier
Fiberglass-filled radiant barriers sandwich a thin layer of fiberglass between foil surfaces. This adds some R-value, but can cause problems when used over mass insulation. According to ASHRAE (the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers), a 1.5% increase in moisture can reduce R-value in fiberglass by 36%.
That’s one reason any barrier placed over mass insulation must be perforated to allow water vapor to escape. With fiberglass-filled radiant barrier, these same perforations could admit enough moisture to compromise the R-value of the fiberglass within the foil.
Radiaflect was designed to be perforated without compromising its effectiveness, and it’s also safe to handle without any protective equipment or clothing.
Radiaflect vs. chips
Reflective chips are small squares of reflective foil or mylar that can be blown into an attic to provide a radiant barrier over mass insulation. This method contributes no R-value, and chips can only be used in an attic floor installation – in warm climates, a rafter installation is almost always preferred.
Radiaflect™ provides a better radiant barrier, it features R-11 insulation capability, it won’t clog your attic vents, and it can be installed on your rafters.
