FAQ's
Q: Do Reach products have an R-Value?
A: Reach Barrier products utilize reflective
insulation's (radiant barrier's). Reflective insulation's are not measured in
R-Value. They are measured by reflectivity (% of radiant heat reflected) &
emissivity (factor of heat emitted through the material).
R-Values are attributed to thermal insulation's (fiberglass, foams,
cellulose). It is more a measurement of "time" - time it takes for
heat/cold to pass through the material. Reflective insulation's are
"blockers" less than .05% of heat passes through the material or is
"emitted" to the other side. The majority (95%+) of radiant heat is either
blocked or retained depending on the use of the material.
Q: Why are Reach Barrier products better?
A: Our Silvertanium™ radiant barrier is America’s Favorite Radiant Barrier for good reason, simply put it is the most advanced product on the market today, which is why the best retailers in the world like Home Depot choose to offer our products. Most other reflective barriers sold in America today are manufactured in Asia; they are laminated (several layers pressed together). Laminates tend to separate under typical attic conditions and become less effective. Our Silvertanium™ is not a laminate; it is a one piece material that won’t come apart in your attic. It is three times stronger and one third the weight of other materials. It is easier to work with and is the most effective barrier product you can buy. It reflects 95% or more of radiant heat and it only emits (gives off) less than 5% of heat – plus it’s made in America – creating more American JOBS.
Q: Why put Reach Barrier in the attic?
A: Without Reach Radiant Barrier, your roof radiates solar-generated heat to the attic and insulation. The insulation absorbs the heat and gradually transfers it to the ceiling and your living space below. This heat transfer makes your air conditioner run longer and consume more electricity. Installing Reach Barrier Silvertanium™ will block 95% or more of the heat radiated down by the roof keeping your attic up to 30 – 40 degrees cooler! Additionally, most homes/attics contain A/C equipment (air handler) and duct-work. Reach barrier further cuts air- conditioning costs by blocking the downward heat gain into the attic space therefore reducing the hotter air temperature which typically surrounds the A/C equipment and duct-work. Radiant barriers can also help you use more spaces in your home. For instance, spaces that are uninsulated and are not air-conditioned such as garages, porches, and workrooms can be more comfortable with Reach Barrier.
Q: How do radiant barriers "block" heat transfer?
A: Reach Barrier, has two physical properties.
1. It reflects thermal radiated heat very well 95% or more.
2. It emits (gives off) very little heat – less than 3%.
Q: How much money can Reach Barriers save me?
A: Since everyone's home and lifestyle are different, we can't exactly calculate your personal savings from attic radiant barriers. Depending on how energy efficient your home is now, it's reasonable to expect that adding a Reach Barrier to your attic, can reduce your annual energy bills by up to 20% or more.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: That’s the best part Reach Barrier is made in the USA and is very inexpensive, usually half the cost of other less effective insulation's like fiberglass and foam. It’s easier to work with and unlike many of those other insulators Reach Barrier is safer and won’t give off unhealthy fumes or fibers.
Q: What’s the best way to install Reach Barrier in my attic?
A: Well the best way is to have a Certified Radiant Barrier Installer do the job for you but if you can’t do that you can install it yourself using simple tools you probably already have. The most effective way to install a radiant barrier in an existing attic is to staple the foil material to the underside of the of the roof trusses or joist (rafters). Envelope as much of the roof and walls that receive a lot of heat or direct sunlight. Cut around any vents or obstructions. Overlap the seams an inch or two and staple off.
Q: Does the radiant barrier have to be airtight in order to work?
A: No; you're installing a barrier against radiated not convected heat, so you don’t want to cut off air motion. In fact, ventilation from soffit to peak improves radiant barrier system performance. Small tears and holes will not significantly lessen the performance of the radiant barrier, so don't worry if you must cut and patch around obstructions such as vent stacks and truss supports.
Q: Can't I just roll the material out on top of the insulation?
A: Placing the material directly on top of insulation is not recommended. In this type of installation, dust will accumulate on the foil surface facing the roof. In time, the dust will negate the radiant barrier effect. In addition, the duct work and air handling equipment that is above the barrier will not receive any relief from the heat as your attic will remain hot.
Q: Will heat build up in the roof and damage my shingles?
A: The Florida Solar Energy Center has measured the temperatures of roof shingles above attic radiant barriers on hot, sunny summer days. Depending on the color of the shingles, their peak temperatures are only 2-5° F higher than the temperature of shingles under the same conditions without a radiant barrier.