Radiant Barrier
The radiant barrier that has been developed in the last few years consisting of a double bubble with a layer of aluminum foil on both sides is the best that we have found to use with radiant heating systems. This product stops 94% of all radiant heat, is non irritating, is very easy to install, saves labor and costs less than any other suitable product.
15.4 R Value In The Crawl Space
Benefits of Radiant Barrier Insulation:
- Saves time and money
- Non-toxic, no fiberglass = no itching
- Excellent vapor barrier
- Installs easily with razor knife and foil tape
- Class A, Class 1 Fire Rating
- Superior thermal performance
- Reduces condensation
- Improves insulation systems performance
- Insect Resistant
- Seals Tight Around Fasteners
- Works well with fiberglass
There are several companies getting into the foil barrier business now. This is the only product we have found that the R value is certified. Several we tested do not have the foil protected by an additional layer of plastic and the foil disintegrates in a short time.
SUPER-R™ specifically designed to be installed under crawl spaces to cut the heat loss from radiant heating systems. Actual field testing has shown this product to be superior to fiber glass insulation in crawl spaces. Our testing has shown that when the foil-double bubble-foil is used below the tubing that each inch of air space adds an R-3 value.
SUPER-R™ is the best insulation we have found to install in the crawl space. It reflects 75% more heat than fiber glass. It is very easy to install. The manufacturer rates this as R-15.4 when used in a crawl space.
SUPER-R™ works very well to insulate the ends of the joist spaces, in order to prevent heat loss through the rim joist. Although 2 inches of high density foam insulation works very well under slabs and on the outside of basement walls we do not recommend anything but SUPER-RT in crawl spaces, fiberglass is just about worthless in a crawlspace. In areas that are heated below and have sheetrock installed on the ceiling below no insulation is needed or required except under vaulted ceiling or high glass areas.
To receive the best efficiency and comfort from your radiant heating system some rules need to be followed:
- All exterior rim joists must be insulated.
- The crawl space does need a vapor barrier installed on the ground.
- The crawl space ceiling must be insulated.
- Insulation should be stapled to the bottom of joists
- Ceilings with sheet rock under them need only the exterior rim joists insulated.
- Radiant floors will not work properly until the joist space is closed
- Be sure to insulate tubing in areas you do not want heat.