What Is Max Reflect Barrier Insulation?
Max Reflect Barrier insulation is a reflective insulation system that offers a permanent
way to reduce energy costs. Max Reflect Barrier insulation systems reflect radiant heat energy instead of trying to absorb
it. As pure aluminum Max Reflect Barrier insulation is unaffected by humidity and will continue to perform at a consistent
level no matter how humid it may be. Max Reflect Barrier insulation system is a layer of foil facing an airspace and is installed
in the envelope of a building.
Most people are familiar with traditional insulating
materials such as fiberglass, cellulose, Styrofoam, and rock wool. These products use their ability to absorb or resist (slow
down) convective and conductive heat transfer to insulate (R-value). A third, seldom discussed but dominant form of heat transfer
exists: radiant heat transfer.
There are three modes of heat transfer:
CONDUCTION, CONVECTION, and RADIATION (INFRARED). Of the three, radiation is the primary mode; conduction
and convection are secondary and come into play only as matter interrupts or interferes with radiant heat transfer. As matter
absorbs radiant energy, it is heated and a gradient temperature develops, which results in molecular motion (conduction in
solids) or mass motion (convection in liquids and gas).
All substances, including air spaces and building materials
(such as wood, glass, plaster and insulation), obey the same laws of nature and TRANSFER heat. Solid materials differ only
in the rate of heat transfer, which is mainly affected by differences in density, weight, shape, permeability and
molecular structure. Materials which transfer heat slowly can be said to RESIST heat flow.
Direction
of heat transfer is an important consideration. Heat is radiated and conducted in all directions, but convected primarily
upward. The figures below show modes of heat loss by houses. In all cases, radiation is the dominant mode.
