TechShield® Radiant Barrier

TechShield


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Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to LP's answers to Frequently Asked Questions. If you can't find what you're looking for, please don't hesitate to contact us.

General

Installation

Advantages

General

What is a radiant barrier?
Radiant Barrier is a highly reflective, low emitting material installed at the underside surface of the roof deck and the inside surface of gable ends or other vertical surfaces in attics to reduce solar heat gain into the attic.
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What is TechShield Radiant Barrier Sheathing?
TechShield uses a unique patented process to laminate a thin, yet durable sheet of aluminum overlay to the surface of LP Oriented Strand Board (OSB).
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Can TechShield be used as a substitute for attic insulation?
No. TechShield is intended to work with standard insulation, enhancing its heat resistant properties by reducing the amount of radiant heat transferred from the roof to the attic insulation.
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How soon can homeowners expect a return on their investment?
Homeowners will begin to see a return on their investment immediately in terms of greater comfort and reduced energy usage. Payback will vary depending upon weather conditions, use of other energy-efficient building products, regional energy prices and thermostat settings. TechShield will continue to save energy for the life of the home.
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Will heat build up in the roof and damage my shingles?
No. The Florida Solar Energy Center has measured the temperatures of roof shingles above radiant barrier sheathing. Depending on the color of the shingles, their peak temperatures are only 2-5 degrees higher than the temperatures of shingles under the same conditions without a radiant barrier.

TechShield installation should not affect shingle warranties. LP has received warranty statements from Elk, GAF, Celotex, Owens Corning, Certainteed, and Tamko that allow the use of TechShield as roof decking without affecting their shingle warranties as long as the shingles are installed according to their installation instructions. Please refer to your shingle warranty for specific details.

For additional information on this topic, refer to Technical Bulletin #103 as issued by the Radiant Insulation Manufacturers Association.
http://www.rima.net/pdf_files/TB103-TheEffectofRadiantBarriersInShingleApplication.pdf

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How do radiant barriers "block" heat?
The aluminum radiant barrier has two properties that enable it
to effectively block heat: emissivity and reflectivity. Aluminum's low
emissivity allows it to prevent up to 97% of the radiant heat in the
panel from radiating into the attic. Its high reflectivity allows it
to help block heat from your living space from escaping through your
roof deck to the outside."
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How soon can homeowners expect a return on their investment?
Homeowners will begin to see a return on their investment immediately
in terms of greater comfort and reduced energy usage. Payback will
vary depending upon weather conditions, use of other energy-efficient
building products, regional energy prices and thermostat settings.
Once installed, TechShield keeps on saving energy.
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Installation

Are there any special installation requirements for TechShield Radiant Barrier Sheathing?
No. In fact, TechShield requires less time and labor to install than loose radiant barriers because the radiant barrier is already applied to the decking material. No special tools or additional construction steps are required.

The radiant barrier side of the roof sheathing is placed face down, toward the interior of the attic. There must be at least a 3/4" air space between the aluminum layer and other products such as insulation.

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Advantages

What are the benefits of radiant barriers in attics?
The primary benefit of attic radiant barriers is in reducing air-conditioning cooling loads in warm or hot climates. When solar energy is absorbed by the roof, heat from the roof sheathing and framing radiates downward toward the attic floor, through the insulation and framing and into the living areas of the home. TechShield Radiant Barrier Sheathing prevents up to 97% of attic radiant heat gain through the panel, keeping attic temperatures significantly cooler.
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What are the benefits of TechShield Radiant Barrier Sheathing?
• Prevents up to 97% of the radiant heat in the panel from radiating into the attic.
• Reduces attic temperatures by as much as 30°.
• Reduces energy consumption for cooling by as much as 20%.
• Increases comfort level of the home.
• May add resale value to the home.
• No additional labor to install

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