Radiant barriers are increasingly popular in the construction industry due to their ability to reduce energy consumption and create a more comfortable living environment. These barriers typically consist of a reflective material that helps to reflect and reduce the amount of radiant heat entering a structure. One commonly asked question is whether sheathing, a commonly used material in construction, can also act as a radiant barrier. In this article, we will explore this topic in detail, examining the properties of sheathing and its potential as a radiant barrier.
Understanding Sheathing:
Sheathing is a type of covering material used in construction to provide structural support to a building and protect it from external factors. It is usually installed on the exterior walls, roof, or floor to provide a solid base for other materials such as insulation, siding, or roofing. Common types of sheathing include plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), and composite panels.
Properties of Sheathing:
While sheathing primarily serves as a structural component, it does possess certain properties that could potentially contribute to its effectiveness as a radiant barrier. These properties include:
1. Reflectivity:
Some types of sheathing, particularly those with metallic coatings or reflective surfaces, possess a degree of reflectivity. Reflectivity is the ability of a material to bounce off radiant heat, preventing it from entering the building. However, the level of reflectivity in sheathing is generally lower compared to dedicated radiant barrier materials.
2. Thermal Conductivity:
Another important property to consider is the thermal conductivity of the sheathing material. Thermal conductivity refers to the ability of a material to conduct or transfer heat. Since radiant barriers aim to reduce heat transfer, a sheathing material with low thermal conductivity would be beneficial in acting as a radiant barrier.
Sheathing as a Radiant Barrier:
While sheathing possesses some properties that align with those of a radiant barrier, it is not typically designed or marketed as a dedicated radiant barrier material. Here are a few reasons why sheathing might not be as effective in this regard:
1. Reflectivity Levels:
As previously mentioned, the reflectivity levels of sheathing are generally lower compared to specially designed radiant barrier materials. A radiant barrier typically features a highly reflective surface, such as aluminum, which can reflect up to 97% of the radiant heat. Sheathing, on the other hand, does not possess the same level of reflectivity, making it less efficient in reducing heat transfer.
2. Installation Configuration:
For a radiant barrier to be effective, it needs to be installed in a specific manner. Typically, radiant barriers are installed in the attic, directly under the roof or on top of insulation. This installation configuration allows for proper reflection of radiant heat. Sheathing, on the other hand, is applied to the exterior walls, floor, or roof and is not positioned in proximity to the radiant heat source, making it less effective in reflecting the heat back.
3. Additional Considerations:
Sheathing is primarily intended to provide structural support and protect the building from external factors, rather than reflecting or reducing heat transfer. Consequently, its primary purpose may interfere with its effectiveness as a radiant barrier. Additionally, the cost-effectiveness of using sheathing as a radiant barrier may be questionable, as dedicated radiant barrier materials are specifically designed for this purpose and offer higher reflectivity levels.
While sheathing possesses some properties that align with those of a radiant barrier, such as reflectivity and thermal conductivity, it is not typically designed or marketed as a radiant barrier material. Although sheathing may provide some benefits in reducing heat transfer, its effectiveness in reflecting radiant heat is generally lower compared to dedicated radiant barrier materials. Therefore, it is recommended to consider proper installation of high-quality radiant barriers if the goal is to maximize energy efficiency and create a more comfortable living environment in a building.