Radiant Barriers

It has recently been brought to my attention that alot of people are not familiar with radiant barrier paints.  This is a paint that is applied on the underside of the roof decking in the attic. Radiant barriers work by reducing heat transfer by thermal radiation. These materials when applied to buildings reduce summer heat gain and winter heat loss. This similar ceramic technology was used to dissipate heat from the Space Shuttle upon atmospheric re-entry, preventing the shuttle from burning.  The thermostat can be set down 5 to 8 degrees Fahrenheit in winter and up the same amount on the air conditioner in summer and yet the comfort level of the human body can remain the same.  I have found that on average, summer electricity bills are typically lowered by 20% - 25% and in the winter, gas bills are reduced by about the same percentage.  These products will typically pay for itself in one year or less.