Studies Show Reflective Insulation in Commercial Roofing Systems Offers Energy Savings

(PRWEB) May 24, 2006 -- A radiant barrier from Fi-Foil in both air conditioned and ambient temperature buildings can provide significant high thermal and moisture control performance as well as reductions in duct losses, according to studies by the Florida Solar Energy Center.

Fi-Foil's Radiant Shield XT eliminates the high infiltration of heat from the sun into the building envelope, which is common in poorly insulated commercial, industrial and agricultural roofs. Once installed, the radiant barrier will not permit the roof's heat to radiate into the building materials below. Reflective insulation used as a metal roof radiant barrier, for example, reflects up to 97% of radiant heat transfer.

A metal roof radiant barrier application includes: draped over ducting with ¾ inch air space. The perforated version allows vapor transmission/ASTM E-96 Water Vapor Presence Perforated = 17.0.

Heat reflecting membranes installed in a metal building for poultry, for example, have been shown to generate more than a 20 percent yield of livestock vs. non-insulated metal roof buildings.

In food storage building applications, the Radiant Shield XT keeps warehouses free of moisture, maintains indoor air quality and assists in the reduction of the ambient air temperature. Radiant barriers also can delay absorption of afternoon heating from the sun into a building until the evening hours, saving on energy costs from utilities that assess a premium for energy consumed during periods of peak energy demand.

The Radiant Shield XT in commercial roofing systems provide buildings that are more comfortable places to work, more energy efficient and can help reduce emissions that contribute to global warming because smaller air conditioning units are needed for cooling.

A radiant barrier layer of insulation can be installed over the existing insulation, avoiding costly removal of building materials. Commercial contractors report that Fi-Foil products are tough and tear resistant keeping wastage to a minimum as well as being simple to install in and around the roof purloins and other obstacles.

The results of installing Fi-Foil's Radiant Shield XT insulation is energy savings and improved comfort. The product is ideal for projects involving "green" building or sustainable design, since a reduction in operating costs can be easily measured.

For more information on metal construction using Fi-Foil's line of products, call 800-448-3401 or visit our Web site at www.fifoil.com.