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Membranes Improve Insulation Efficiency
Abstract
It has been determined from extensive tests
involving test models and home attics that loose
fill and fiber batt insulation does not function as
expected by the industry. The reason for this
deficiency is current test methods do not
accurately predict the magnitude of air
infiltration into fiber insulation as used in home
attics, radiant heat infiltration into the
insulation during summer, or radiant heat loss
through the insulation during winter conditions.
The use of (1) moisture permeable membranes
over the insulation, and (2) layered membranes
between fiber batts to form closed cells in the
insulation both dramatically improve the efficiency
of the fiber insulation.
The efficiency of this insulation will be
improved to an even greater degree if these
membranes reflect radiant heat as well as reduce
convection air currents.
Extensive tests have also been conducted which
show that if moisture permeable membranes are used
over fiber insulation, the moisture content of the
insulation will be reduced.
Citation
Bullock, C. A. (1986). Membranes Improve Insulation Efficiency. Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu). Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /6872.