Radiant Barrier Offers Better Value Than Foam Insulation
Builders, architects, insulation contractors and homeowners have a variety of choices when it comes to residential insulation. While some of those choices may, on the surface, seem to offer the same benefits, when one looks deeper, the true value becomes clear.
Many builders have turned to low-density spray foam insulation systems because of a perceived difference in cost and profit margin. The truth is that radiant barriers – specifically Fi-Foil’s Silver Shield® High-Performance Attic Radiant Barrier – significantly improves the quality of a home and, with a standard mark-up, is far more profitable.
Under Florida’s Building Code, foam insulation is required to be covered with drywall – it cannot be left exposed. Not so with radiant barriers. The code also requires a 1-perm or less vapor retarder over the foam to the exterior of the roof deck for asphalt shingles. The vapor retarder will get punctured when the shingles are installed. With Fi-Foil’s Silver Shield® High-Performance Attic Radiant Barrier, that problem is obviated by the fact that field and inside support personnel, along with insulation contractors, are readily available to service your needs on a local level. With foam insulation, you must rely on licensed dealers and distributors to service your needs.
As for the cost issue, Fi-Foil’s Silver Shield® High-Performance Attic Radiant Barrier plus R-30 Fiberglass Batt Insulation equals about $1.25 per square foot when installed; while low-density .05 lb. spray foam insulation runs approximately $2.00-$2.50 for R-19 value. What’s more, homes will achieve 12% for vented attic Radiant Barrier system versus standard R-19 insulation. And peak demand reductions are 16% — 3x more effective than adding more insulation. With spray foam, energy savings is only 9% compared to standard R-19 insulation on ceilings as tested by the Florida Solar Energy Center Flexible Roofing Facility in 2000, with a peak demand reduction of just 5%.
As a result, homeowners will enjoy a far better return on investment with Fi-Foil’s Silver Shield ® High-Performance Attic Radiant Barrier plus R-30 fiberglass batt insulation versus spray foam with standard R-19 insulation.
For saving energy and improving comfort, Fi-Foil’s Silver Shield®