"COMFORTABILITY"
is the most important element for mankind. The major contributor to comfort is
temperature.
Heat is the source of temperature changes, which can be transferred
in three way: Conduction, Convection and Radiation. The transfer of heat occurs
from a warmer to a colder region. Conduction and Convention can only be transferred
through a medium or physical contact, whereas Radiation can be transferred across
a perfect vacuum as the radiant energy travels in straight line through space.
As
shown in Diagram I*, in a close environment, the contribution of Radiation is
the highest among all sources of heat.
The roof is the surface of a building
that is most exposed to solar radiation and the solar gain absorbed by the roof
is directly transmitted down to the attic space. When a radiant barrier is placed
underneath the roof covering, leaving an air space, almost all radiant heat will
be eliminated. In cold climate regions, the radiant barrier holds the heat inside
the building closed environment.
Installing a Radiant Barrier is the best
solution to save energy, either in a hot or cold climate region. The Radiant Barrier
performs at its best if combined with other roofing solutions that provide a batten
cavity space and ventilation.