Is Radiant Barrier Better Than Insulation?

If you’re looking for ways to improve your home’s thermal performance by better insulating your attic, you’re likely familiar with fiberglass insulation but maybe not so much radiant barrier? What exactly is radiant barrier, how does it work, and is it better than fiberglass insulation? Let’s explore answers to these questions.

What Is Radiant Barrier & How Does it Work?

Unlike most radiant barriers on the market, our reflective insulation combines both 97% reflective radiant barrier AND conductive insulation in one superior product. That is to say, rather than simply contain warm air like fiberglass insulation does, radiant barrier reflects it. So, the primary purpose of fiberglass insulation is to keep the warm or cool air generated by the HVAC inside the home, while radiant barrier helps to keep the attic cool. Keeping the attic cool, especially if the HVAC unit is installed there, is essential for home energy efficiency.

Advantages Over Fiberglass Insulation

Radiant barrier tends to be more expensive than fiberglass insulation, but the difference in price can be quickly made up with the savings in energy costs that radiant barrier delivers. In fact, radiant barrier can lower the temperature of an attic by as much as 50 degrees and can lower energy costs by 35%. That’s a great return on investment!

Radiant Barrier Experts

At Texas Pro Insulators, we have such confidence in the performance of radiant barrier that we consider it to be the No. 1 improvement you can make to your home if improved energy efficiency is your goal. However, fiberglass insulation is also important. Indeed, the two products complement each other and, when combined with other upgrades such as attic ventilation and a programmable thermostat, can go a long way toward lowering your monthly energy bills.

To learn more about radiant barrier and how it can improve your home’s thermal performance, contact Texas Pro Insulators today.