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What is reflective insulation? It is a type of thermal insulation that uses the idea that heat loss can be reduced substantially by using highly reflective materials such as aluminium. For example, heat from the sun can be reflected back out so it does not heat up your home during the summer months when you are using air conditioning to cool the house.

For that reason, it is ideal to use reflective insulation on the roof and attic. Most energy transfer from home to environment and vice versa occurs through those spaces. Thermal insulation reduces the heat transfer from a building and its environment. When there is a difference in temperature between two bodies, heat flows naturally from the warmer body to the cooler one. To maintain a comfortable temperature within the home, we turn our heating systems on in the winter and use air conditioning during the summer.

A lot of the energy we use in our homes goes towards just maintaining a good temperature. Reflective insulation can help greatly reduce this huge waste of energy constantly heating or cooling the air.

A well insulated building allows little movement of the air so reducing the amount of heat that can be transferred from one body to the next. This will mean that you use less power to warm up or cool your home, therefore lowering your cost of maintenance. This is also in line with our aim to generally reduce the rate at which we are using fossil fuels and conserve energy so the method is very environmentally friendly.

There are a few varieties of thermal insulation using reflective materials on offer that can be quite easily installed by professionals. Insulating the roof and attic using reflective insulation is a very effective method as it works on the area where the energy transfer and wastage is the greatest.

AtticInsulationGuide.com has the answers to all the questions that you were afraid to ask about attic insulation! Check out the site to make sure that you are in the know about saving money with attic insulation.

Rigid Foam insulation is often used for unfinished buildings and everyday products including installing attic insulation. The beads are shaped under extreme heat and pressure to custom fit. There are three types I will discuss each one and their uses. I will also discuss precautions to take with this insulation. Before long you will have a better knowledge when installing attic insulation

The first is polystyrene. This type of insulation uses deep heat and pressure to mold into shape. It is best used in walls and installing attic insulation. Although it is more expensive than the other two its characteristics makes it a lot stronger and more durable than the others.

The next type of rigid foam board insulation is polystyrene known to most as bead board. This product has beads that expand to make a perfect fit; this characteristic makes it ideal in every day products. The quantity of beads used allows for different thickness. Unfortunately bead spacing allows water absorption.

The third is polyisocyanurate and polyiso foam boards. Because of its strength and durability to withstand extreme temperatures it is ideal when installing attic insulation. It has a wonderful moisture barrier when it’s applied with aluminum foil facing.

Before using rigid foam insulation when installing attic insulation, there are two things to consider, moisture and flame resistance. Because of climate change moisture can escape and be trapped into the walls, causing mold and wood rot. It is highly recommended to use a vapor diffusion retarder. It takes a lot for rigid foam board insulation to ignite but when it does it burns steady. Resistant material like panel, dry wall or gypsum wallboard over top of the insulation is required

Bugs like to make nests in the insulation so if you are insulating basement or floors it is wise to use insecticide treated insulation. Also by placing the insulation on the inside you will discourage bugs.

Next we will discuss flame resistance and sunlight damage. Although it takes a lot to burn when the rigid foam board insulation begins it will burn steady. It is required to use a fire resistant material like gypsum wall board, panel or dry wall over top the insulation. If you are installing attic insulation you need to protect the insulation with roofing felt, tar, asphalt, rubberized paint or acrylic silicone.

Rigid foam insulation can be used for many things ranging from coffee mugs to homes. Although it is cheaper than some insulation correct installation is essential to get desired results. If installing the product be sure you know how know all the safety precautions and building regulations for your area.

AtticInsulationGuide.com is the Internet’s premier resource for DIY attic insulation, with facts and articles on topics such as reflective insulation, and much more. Click the links above for more information !