attic

What is the “R” Value of Attic Gaurd?

The “R” value depends on the number and size of the airspaces surrounding the AG and on the direction of the heat flow. Since AG is usually installed on top of existing mass insulation, its R-value is a moot point. It is AG’s ability to reflect heat that makes it such an energy saver.

How does AG keep me warmer in the winter?

Just like wrapping a baked potato in aluminum foil keeps a potato warm longer by holding the heat in, covering your attic insulation with AG holds heat in the house. Another analogy would be that AG in the winter works just like a space blanket, which, although very thin and lightweight, holds your body heat in. A thin space blanket can keep you warmer than several heavy blankets.

OKAY, AG keeps heat in in the winter, how can it keep heat out in the summer?

Just like a space suit, AG reflects the sun’s heat before it can warm up the insulation in your attic. When the insulation stays cooler, your house will stay cooler. It helps to understand how AG will work for you if you think of other things that work in much the same way. ASTRONAUTS’ SPACE SUITS—keep body heat and reflect the sun’s heat away. THERMOS BOTTLES—keep hot things hot and cold things cold. They are almost perfect insulators. The tight seal and air space prohibit heat transfer by conduction and convection. The reflective surfaces inhibit radiation heat transfer. If the bottle starts out hot, it stays hot because very little heat is transferred to the cooler outside. If it starts out cold, it stays cold because very little heat is transferred from the warmer outside.

What if AG collects dust over a period of time? Will it still work?

This very issue has been studied by research institutes. Most attics don't accumulate enough dust to affect AG's ability to save energy costs. Thousands of homes and structures have had RB installed for as long as ten years or more with no significant accumulation.

Won’t my roof get hotter when I have AG in my attic?

No. AG has been used extensively in the south, showing no difference in roof temperatures, as confirmed by field tests.

Do I have to take out my old insulation to put AG in?

No. AG actually makes your present insulation more effective.

Where do you install AG?

AG can be laid over your present insulation like a blanket or stapled under your rafters or crawl space.

What about foil-faced fiberglass? Isn't it just as good as AG?

No. The foil on the fiberglass is in direct contact with the attic floor. Aluminum foil becomes more conductive when in contact with a solid surface. The air space facing the foil surface is of primary importance.

I already have plenty of insulation in my attic. Do I really need AG?

Regardless of how much insulation you have in your attic, adding AG will save on your heating and cooling expense, and keep you much more comfortable. Energy savings for heating and cooling can vary from 17% to 25% depending on a number of factors, including climate, building configuration, materials used, site, family size and lifestyle. Your AG dealer has been trained to evaluate your home or business and advise you of your savings potential.