Attic Insulation Radiation Vs Conduction

A radiant barrier blocks the third type of heat transfer.

Attic insulation radiation vs conduction.

While conduction is the transfer of heat energy by direct contact convection is the movement of heat by actual motion of matter. The transfer of heat by contact with solid objects such as the ceiling walls or floor is called conduction see figure 1. While heat is radiated and conducted in all directions it always moves from hot areas to cold areas. Considering the large square footage of attic space in the average house and a roof s exposure to direct sunlight an attic is a significant source of heat transfer into the conditioned space of a home source.

Radiation occurs when electromagnetic rays transfer heat into an object like when the sun heats up concrete or sand and they re too hot to walk on. Traditional insulation blocks convection and conduction. The matter is present around us in three states solid liquid and gas. Radiation infra red is augmented by convection and conduction.

Conduction is best represented through heating a pot of water on the stove. The barriers consist of a highly reflective material that reflects radiant heat rather than absorbing it. They don t however reduce heat conduction like thermal insulation materials. Once temperatures soar that high there is little that the conventional insulation types like batt and blown combatting convective air transfer can do to stop the heat before it makes its way to the living spaces of your home.

Radiant barriers are installed in homes usually in attics primarily to reduce summer heat gain and reduce cooling costs. Over 90 percent of us homes are improperly insulated. If you re looking to improve your energy use check out these five different ways to make your attic more energy efficient. Despite this it s easy to overlook the benefits of proper attic ventilation radiant barriers and energy efficient insulation.

Positioning a radiant barrier in the attic ceiling allows it to reflect radiant heat entering through the roof to keep the attic significantly cooler. Convection is when heat is transferred through the air inside the attic and heats the insulation and conduction occurs when heat moves through the insulation to the building below. This is because foil insulation reduces radiant heat gain rather than slowing conductive and convective heat flow. Insulation works by slowing the transfer of heat which can move in three ways.

Radiation is the transfer of energy with the help of electromagnetic waves. It is when something is heated by something else which also can heat something else. Conduction convection and radiation.