Radiant Shield® is a cross-woven polyethylene material with an aluminum layer that reflects up to 94% of radiant energy. It is lightweight, easy to use and engineered to withstand tough jobsite conditions. Non-perforated Radiant Shield® has a very low perm rating and qualifies as a vapor barrier.

Radiant Shield® comes in 18", 26" and 48" widths for easy installation in a variety of applications. Radiant Shield® is most commonly used as a radiant barrier in residential or commercial attics and post frame buildings, although it can be used anywhere that a radiant or vapor retarder is needed. It is often used in conjunction with mass insulation to create a more efficient insulating system.

How do radiant barriers block heat transfer?

In every building, heat transfer occurs across walls, floors and ceilings in three ways: conduction, convection and radiation. Because most mass insulations are aimed at reducing conductive and convective heat flow, radiation typically goes unaddressed.

Aluminum foil, the operative material in Radiant Shield®, reflects thermal radiation very well. In fact, when facing an air space, the foil surface can reflect up 94% of the radiant heat energy that it encounters. Installing Radiant Shield® results in a more complete insulation system that addresses all three modes of heat transfer.

Recommendations - Foil surface should be installed facing a minimum 3/4” air space. If air space will be present on both sides of the material, install the foil side in the direction where dust accumulation is least likely to occur (i.e. facing down or toward an enclosed space). Dust accumulation on foil surfaces has been known to decrease reflectivity and increase the emmisivity of a radiant barrier material.

	*The temperatures depicted here are for illustration purposes only and are not based on any one test or study. Actual temperature reduction will vary.