What are radiant barriers?

Radiant barriers are specifically designed to reflect infrared radiation, which is essentially heat energy, back toward its source. They work by preventing heat from entering a house during the warm months or by keeping it from escaping during colder months. This function is particularly beneficial in climates that experience extreme temperatures, as it contributes to improved energy efficiency and comfort within the living space.

These materials, often installed in attics or roofs, are usually made of reflective surfaces such as aluminum foil, which effectively redirects radiant heat. This mechanism significantly reduces air-conditioning costs by keeping indoor environments cooler and helps maintain a more stable indoor temperature.

In contrast, materials intended to absorb visible light, provide sound insulation, or serve as structural elements do not serve the same function as radiant barriers. While those materials have their own purposes, they do not reflect heat to help with temperature control in a building.