Spunsulation Radiant Barriers are a range of products manufactured for all sectors of the construction industry, that require reflective insulation foils for roofing ,walling and insulation applications.
These products are manufactured by laminating a non-woven polypropylene spunbond membrane to highly reflective aluminium sheets which create a technologically advanced product with high-performing physical properties (see spec sheet).
Spunsulation Radiant Barriers have the normal functions of technical roofing membranes, but provide the added benefit of being a reflective insulation material, which adds to indoor comfort and reduced energy consumption.
Domestic Spunsulation is utilised in residential homes constructed with a pitched roof.
| GSM | |||
| Test Method> | NWSP 130.1.R0 (15) | ||
| Product | Building Regulations Requirements | Certification | |
| Domestic Single Sided Foil | A13(1)(a) Materials | Agrement 2009/366 | 117 |
| R-Value (m2.K/W | Tensiles (N) | Elongation (%) | |||
| SANS 1381-4:2013 | NWSP 110.1.R0 (15) | NWSP 110.1.R0 (15) | |||
| Product | MD | CD | MD | CD | |
| Domestic Single Sided Foil | 1.05 | 135 | 135 | 40 | 40 |
| Resistance to tear (N) | Hydrostatic head (mm) | ||
| NWSP 110.1.R0 (15) | Spunchem | ||
| Product | MD | CD | |
| Domestic Single Sided Foil | 100 | 100 | >2000 |
Spunsulation – Radiant Barrier
In order to be classed as a radiant barrier, the product should reflect between 95% and 97% of all radiant energy. This means that the radiant barrier would have an emissivity of between 0.05 and 0.03.
| Emissivity of Building Materials | ||||||||||
| Material Surface | Asphalt | Aluminium Foil | Brick | Concrete | Glass | Fibreglass/ Cellulose | Wood | Silver | Enamel Paint (black/white) | Lacquer Paint (black/white) |
| Emissivity | 0.90-0.98 | 0.03-0.05 | 0.93 | 0.85-0.95 | 0.95 | 0.8-1.0 | 0.90 | 0.20 | 0.91 | 0.80 |
To understand the relevance of this, we need to look at the different types of heat transfer that occur, namely CONDUCTION, CONVECTION and THERMAL RADIATION. Thermal radiation is responsible for between 90% and 93% of radiant heat that is transferred in a downward flow from the roof, and up to 80% of the heat transfer through side walls of the building, [Fig. 1.1] while conduction and convection play a nominal role.
Reduce Energy Costs
Spunsulation Radiant Barriers reduce energy costs by reflecting radiant heat energy by utilising the amazing reflective properties of aluminium. This works well (but oppositely) in both summer and winter months by keeping the heat from moving through the barrier [Fig. 2.2]. Spunsulation Radiant Barriers are not like bulk insulation, which slows down or resists heat transfer because of its mass.
Heat Flux Reduction Graph
The graph below shows the amount of heat flux entering the roof space per m2 while trying to maintain the room temperature at 25oC using an air-conditioner.
The uninsulated roof has an average heat flux of 3000kJ/m2 while Spunsulation Radiant Barrier has an average heat flux of 2000kJ/m2.
The difference in heat flux is thus 1000kJ/m2 between the two installations, indicating that a third less heat energy has entered the roofspace.
The Spunsulation Roofing Radiant Barrier is to be installed by contractors and roof erectors in accordance with the Building Regulations of South Africa. Click here for the installation guide.
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All information on this page and pages related to Spunsulation products has been obtained from the Spunsulation brochures and website. All images are copyright of Spunsulation.