A reflective insulation reduces radiant heat transfer across air spaces by use of one or more high reflective/low emittance surfaces (Reflectivity of 90% or higher - Emissivity of 10% or less). This rate of heat transfer can be quantified in an R-value (for a specific application).

In the same way fiberglass or other mass insulations provide benefit, reflective insulation reduces conductive heat transfer. When a highly-reflective/low emittance material (such as aluminum foil) is installed in a building assemblage, in conjunction with an air space, (foil side of product) it provides a quantifiable R-value level of benefit. See similar questions...

Reflective surfaces will give a greater performance when an air barrier is present (like behind a radiator). If buried within a cement layer then the reflective surface will now act as a conductor and transfer heat or cold. No useful gain can be attributed to a reflective surface when applied in this way. If choosing tile backer boards as insulation these types of boards can be expensive. See similar questions...

Yes, if you like.Our BTUFOIL tm Reflective Insulation and BTUBUSTERS tm PREMIUM RADIANT BARRIER can be used in conjunction with fiberglass insulation creates a highly energy efficient insulation combination. Together, both types of insulation can substantially help reduce energy costs. See similar questions...

Reflective insulation and radiant barrier are designed to block RADIANT heat. Radiant heat travels through space from a warm surface to a cooler surface. It can be heat from the sun, an electric heater, or even holding your hand above a warm stovetop. Reflective insulation will block up to 97% of radiant heat, while regular bulk insulation (fiberglass, foam, etc.) will only block 10 - 20% of it. See similar questions...

Both radiant barriers and reflective insulation reflect radiant heat away from the building envelope. In fact we offer a line of radiant barriers called BTUBUSTERS tm PREMIUM RADIANT BARRIERS. The difference between the two is that a radiant barrier is used in an open space like an attic whereas reflective insulation is used in an enclosed space like a wall and a ceiling. See similar questions...

Our BTUFOIL tm Reflective Insulation is among the few insulation not affected by humidity. It's insulating value remains unchanged whether in a dry or very humid climate. In contrast, the r-value of mass insulation diminishes more than 35%, from an R-21 to R-13.65, with only 1.5% moisture content in the air. The average moisture content in homes typically exceeds 1.5%. See similar questions...

R-value is a measure of the resistance to heat transfer. R-value does a good job of measuring the effectiveness of mass insulation but has no meaning in terms of the reflective protection against radiant heat. See similar questions...

As R-values are used to measure the effectiveness of mass insulation; Reflective and Emissive ratings are used to measure the effectiveness of reflective insulation with radiant heat. A high Reflective value helps block more radiant heat and a low emissive value means the insulating material releases less of the heat that it absorbs. Better performing reflective insulation like our BTUFOIL tm Insulation is made from 99.9% pure aluminum for very high reflectivity and very low emissivity. See similar questions...

An air space allows heat to be converted into radiant energy. Installing reflective insulation adjacent to an air space allows this radiant energy to be reflected away from the building envelope. The r-value of a horizontal assembly (e.g. stud wall) with our BTUFOIL tm Reflective Insulation is 6.8, downward (e.g. crawlspace or attics) it is 10.6 and upward (e.g. ceiling) it is 5.3. This effect is caused by the direction of convective airflow around the assembly. See similar questions...

The exterior walls will yield a value of R-21 consisting of R-19 bats, exterior sheeting, siding, drywall and house wrap. The ceilings have blown insulation rating R-41. The basement will have an R-11 insulation. We also install a basic soundproofing package. Top See similar questions...

Learn more about the Standards & Regulations for high visibility that require various trim placements See similar questions...

The reflective diary is a tool for practitioners where they can actively reflect on events, cases, interactions etc that had a significant impact on their thinking about how they practice and that may have led to changes in practice. As such it is a powerful educational tool for the individual practitioner and is not intended to be viewed by others. In the case of CPD audit, the College does not require nor desire access to the practitioner's reflective diary. See similar questions...

You must not compromise structural integrity for insulation. Insulation has very little weight bearing strength. A topping slab over extruded polystyrene is satisfactory only for light residential loads. If you cannot insulate underneath the slab, then you should insulate well at the perimeter where most heat loss occurs. An uninsulated slab may not be as responsive as one with insulation, but the overall heat loss could be acceptable. See similar questions...