What materials are typically used to construct radiant barriers?

Radiant barriers are a type of insulation specifically designed to reduce heat transfer by reflecting radiant energy. The primary material used to construct radiant barriers is reflective foil, which is effective because it can reflect up to 97% of radiant heat away from a space. This characteristic is essential in maintaining cooler temperatures in buildings, especially in warm climates where cooling costs can be significant.

Reflective foil barriers work by facing outward, typically in attics, to reflect sunlight and reduce the amount of heat that enters homes. Their installation is crucial in energy-efficient designs, particularly because they can enhance the overall insulation performance of a building by lowering indoor temperatures and consequently reducing reliance on air conditioning.

Other materials listed, such as wood composites, fiberglass, and polyurethane foam, serve different purposes in insulation and construction but do not have the radiant-heat-reflecting properties required for effective radiant barriers. Wood composites and fiberglass are primarily used for thermal insulation through mass and resistance to heat flow, while polyurethane foam is known for its excellent thermal resistance but does not reflect radiation effectively.