What is the “R” Value of Radiant Barrier?
The “R” value depends on the number and size of the airspaces surrounding the Radiant Barrier and on the direction of the heat flow. Since Radiant Barrier is usually installed on top of existing mass insulation, its R-value is a moot point. It is Radiant Barrier’s ability to reflect heat that makes it such an energy saver.
• An R-Value is a measurement of resistance to the flow of conductive heat transfer. Since Radiant Barriers are designed to reflect radiant and not conductive heat, they do not have an actual R-Value. Any “theoretical” or “equivalent” R-Value depends heavily on the method of installation and the size and number of airspaces surrounding the material. We do not attempt to assign any R-Value to Radiant Barrier as it is not relevant and somewhat misleading. It is the RB’s ability to reflect radiant heat that makes it such an energy saver.
The R value depends on the number and size of the airspaces surrounding the Radiant Barrier and on the direction of the heat flow. Since Radiant Barrier is usually installed on top of existing mass insulation, its R-value is a moot point. It is Radiant Barriers ability to reflect heat that makes it such an energy saver.
