Quote:
Originally Posted by Piwoslaw
We have foil on a 5mm piece of styrofoam glued behind our radiators to reflect heat back into the room instead of the wall behind the radiator. I'm sure it helps, but I doubt it can be quantified.
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It's hard to put an R-factor on a reflector.
In your case, I think the effectiveness will depend on the heat conductivity of the wall.
If the wall's conductivity (to the outdoors or other unheated space) is high,
and you are getting 97% reflectivity.. I would give that a DIY-factor of 9.7
The
effectiveness of this material is very dependent on where & how it's applied.
That Atticfoil.com video above really brings home the point..
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I have an application where the Tab product might be useful.
Low-E Northeast Distribution Product Low-E TAB
A homeowner wanted to 'Flip-this-house', so they installed a fancy floating tile floor, over an old concrete floor.
(I think it was a one-car garage before).
They laid 2x4 studs directly on the concrete (floor joist), nailed 3/4" plywood sheathing over it
and covered that with the floating tiles. NO INSULATION or vapor barrier.
In the summer, no problem.
But in the winter, the ground temperature gets lower around the edges and the outside air gets under the floor..
The room can't be used, it's so cold..
So, I considered foam sprayed into holes (many holes), but didn't like all the negatives.
So, removing the flooring, insulating, then replacing the flooring is being considered.
I'm thinking the 16" Tab product for walls could be used between the studs.
See pics here:
Low-E Northeast Distribution Crawl Space Applications
After the insulation (& re-flooring) is done, add some carpet.. With an insulated pad under it.
Low-E Northeast Distribution Product Therm-E Pad
Because the available space beside the 2x4s is so small, normal insulation
will not be thick enough to do much good.
The goal is not to use regular insulation that will saturate to a low temp,
but to reflect the escaping heat, back into the room..
I'm wondering about the advisability of adding a vapor barrier just under the plywood..?.
Comments please..