Current Energy

Radiant Barrier

Polar-Ply radiant barrier is an aluminum foil reflective material that is installed in residential or commercial roofs to increase energy efficiency by reducing solar heat gain. Radiant barrier reduces the radiant heat gain to ducts and insulation located below the radiant barrier by deflecting radiated heat from the roof. Polar-Ply radiant barrier's unique pure aluminum foil sheet prevents 97% of summer radiant heat from entering your attic, reducing attic temperatures as much as 50 degrees. Living areas and air conditioning ductwork stay cooler, minimizing the energy needed to maintain comfortable temperatures. As solar heat increases, so does the effectiveness of radiant barrier; the hotter it gets, the better it works!

Radiant barrier sheathing is pure aluminum laminated to the underside of plywood roof sheathing. It also reflects radiant heat and is primarily used in new construction or re-decking of an existing roof. It also has 97% heat reflectivity and can also reduce the attic temperature as much as 50 degrees. Furthermore, it will reduce the temperature of a garage by 15-20 degrees and has a 20-year warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Polar-Ply radiant barrier save money?

Savings are achieved through a combination of several related physical changes impacting the radiant energy in your home and the systems used to cool it. Essentially, the savings are achieved by reducing the amount of electricity consumed by your HVAC system while maintaining the same comfort level you desire.

A reduced attic air temperature results from lower amounts of radiant energy entering the attic space.

Lower attic air temperature and decreased levels of radiant energy lowers the surface temperature of the fiberglass insulation, which in turn reduces heat transfer through the ceiling into the living space.

Fiberglass absorbs less radiant heat so the house cools down more quickly in the early evening.

Due to the effect of the first three items, the interior ceiling transmits less heat; the occupants of the house absorb less radiant energy (heat) and feel a comparable degree of comfort at a higher thermostat setting.

For those homes with duct work in the attic, Polar-Ply provides an environment of lower operating temperatures, which translates to a more efficient air conditioning system.

Which way should Polar-Ply face?
In order to block the radiant energy from your hot roofing materials, the foil side of Polar-Ply must face the attic space. The high purity aluminum (99.45%) laminated on Polar-Ply requires an air space in order to provide radiant thermal shield benefits. Polar-Ply must not be installed with foil side in contact with roofing materials.
How does Polar-Ply reflect the heat if it faces down?
The aluminum that is laminated to Polar-Ply reflects radiant energy very efficiently and does not radiate heat well. The fact that the foil faces the attic creates the air space required for a radiant thermal shield to function. Installation in this manner allows Polar-Ply to emit (transfer) only about 3% of the radiant energy to the cooler air space below it. Therefore, some 97% of the radiant energy that is ordinarily transmitted into your attic space is blocked. An additional benefit of facing the foil down is that it does not gather dust which can limit the effectiveness of a radiant thermal shield.
Will Polar-Ply damage my shingles?
No. There is a wide range of mechanisms at work that dissipate the heat blocked by Polar-Ply. Studies have shown that shingle temperatures only rise approximately 2-5°F using Polar-Ply and remain will within the 200°F shingle temperature warranted by most shingle companies.
Will Polar-Ply affect the reception performance of an antenna or satellite dish mounted in the attic?
Although it is rare, Radiant Barrier Sheathing may interfere with reception quality when antennas or satellite dishes are mounted in the attic. Exterior mounted antennas and satellite dishes are recommended.
Can other materials be installed against Polar-Ply in the attic?
No, there must be an airspace.