Install a Radiant Barrier to Reduce Cooling Costs

When you are considering a roof replacement to increase the energy efficiency of your Savannah home, it’s time to investigate radiant barriers. Radiant barriers are highly reflective products installed in the attic to help reduce summer heat gain and lower cooling costs. These barriers reflect the heat instead of absorbing it like thermal insulation. In our warm southern climate here in Savannah, they’re ideal for helping you stay cooler this summer.

Radiant Heat and Your Roof

Your Savannah roof is heated by the radiant energy of the sun; this radiant energy warms up anything solid that absorbs it. That energy and heat then travels by conduction through the roofing materials and into the attic space below. The heated roof materials radiate energy onto the cooler attic surfaces, like the attic floor and any air ducts, which warms them up and makes cooling systems less effective.

Radiant barriers reduce heat gain by reflecting radiant heat rather than absorbing it. Installing a radiant barrier will create a protective surface that will reduce heat transfer from the underside of the roof to surfaces in the attic, such as the floor and any ductwork.

Installation of Radiant Barrier

Installing a radiant barrier during your roof replacement aids in effective heat reduction in your attic. The reflective surface of the radiant barrier faces an air space and is installed in a way that effectively minimizes any dust accumulation that would reduce its reflective properties. The barrier is most effective when installed perpendicular to the energy hitting it.

When there are cooling air ducts located in the attic of a home in a hot, sunny climate, installing a radiant barrier can reduce cooling costs up to 10%, according to some studies.

Radiant Barrier Materials

Usually one or both sides of the radiant barrier are made of aluminum foil or some other highly reflective material. The foil is attached to substrate materials like plastic films, cardboard, oriented strand board, kraft board, or air infiltration barrier material. To improve durability, some radiant barriers feature fiber reinforcement for easier handling and installation during roof replacement.

Combining radiant barriers with other insulation materials in reflective insulation systems increases their effectiveness and efficiency.

If you plan on a roof replacement for your Savannah home, call Tri County Roofing & Siding, for more information on installing a radiant barrier, too. Radiant barriers can also be installed on many existing roofs.

Tri County Roofing is factory-certified by GAF and is a GAF Master Elite Contractor. You can depend on them for their professionalism and honesty. Contact Tri County Roofing & Siding for your roof replacement, today.