Can I use Radiant Barrier instead of regular insulation?
• There are some venders which suggest the use radiant barrier instead of regular insulation, but we always recommend using it in conjunction with regular insulation. The reason is that they work to perform different functions. Regular insulation primarily slows down conductive heat transfer, but does not prevent radiant heat from penetrating. Radiant Barrier blocks radiant heat, but not conductive heat transfer. A good system utilizes both radiant barrier and mass insulation to reduce both types of heat gain or loss.
