Frequently Asked Questions
Product Questions
Installation
Product Questions
What is Enerflex®?
Enerflex is a highly reflective, double-sided, multiple-layer material that acts as a radiant barrier. It is installed to the underside of a roof and the inside of the gable ends and other vertical surfaces in an attic to reduce solar heat gain into the home.
What is Enerflex made of?
Enerflex is made from two layers of tear-resistant metalized film, laminated and reinforced with a poly scrim for tear and puncture resistance. It is double-sided for efficiency and ease of installation. There is no “up” or “down” side.
How does Enerflex work?
All materials emit radiant heat to varying degrees, based on their surface temperature. On a hot day, solar heat is absorbed by your roof shingles and warms up the sheathing below, which radiates heat towards the attic floor where conventional insulation is typically installed. Enerflex blocks up to 96% of this radiant energy. It reduces heat transfer by thermal radiation across the air space between your roof and the attic floor, keeping your attic cooler. In cool weather, Enerflex helps keep radiant energy from leaving the home, reducing heat loss.
Why install Enerflex radiant barrier?
Enerflex reduces your utility usage, makes your home more comfortable and is an easy, do-it-yourself project.
Can I get a sample of Enerflex?
Yes. Simply fill out the sample kit request form and we will mail a small cut sample of the panel product to the address provided. Please note that we do not ship to post office boxes or outside the US.
My home is insulated. Do I also need a radiant barrier?
Yes. Conventional insulation and Enerflex work together by reducing different forms of heat flow. Insulation slows the movement of heat by conduction. Enerflex reduces the movement of heat by radiation. Enerflex improves the performance of your existing insulation, by limiting the flow of radiant heat from the roof to the attic floor, making the top surface of the insulation cooler.
What styles and sizes does Enerflex come in?
Enerflex is available in two styles: panels and rolls. The panels are used to retrofit an existing home and simply “flex” into place between the roof’s rafters or trusses. They are available in 16” and 24” widths for 16” and 24” on-center spacing. Both are available in 48” lengths. The rolls are ideal for new construction and for covering the vertical surfaces in an existing home, such as gable end and knee walls. The rolls are 48” wide and available in lengths of 12’. Larger roll sizes are also available.
How do I determine how much Enerflex Radiant Barrier I need?
Because Enerflex is available in multiple sizes, please refer to the Enerflex Products page for each style's coverage (square footage). Note: Be sure to measure both gable ends (vertical walls) and roof space to determine how much Enerflex Radiant Barrier is needed. We recommend that you order 10% more than your total measured square footage.
What side of my roof do I install Enerflex?
To get the best results, install Enerflex on all areas of your roof. This includes the pitched sides, walls, gable ends and valleys. If you only have the time or money to do part of your roof we recommend you prioritize what area you cover based on the direction your home is facing. We recommend you cover the walls in the following order: South, West, East and North.
Is Enerflex fire rated?
Yes. Enerflex is a metalized film that has a class A/1 rating for fire and smoke. View the Enerflex burn test - metalized film versus foil video. It also meets the new mounting requirements for ASTM – E84 under E2599. ASTM E2599 is the new industry standard which will be reflected in the 2012 building codes. ASTM standards are adopted by organization such as IECC, IBC, IRC, and ICC.
Where is Enerflex Radiant Barrier used?
Enerflex is typically installed in the attic between the rafters, where it has the largest impact on reducing heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter. It is in this location that Enerflex is most effective at reducing energy consumption and making your home more comfortable. You may also lay Enerflex down in your attic on top of the insulation. This technique is more effective in cold weather climates.
Will Enerflex radiant barrier work on my garage door?
Yes, Enerflex will reduce the amount of radiant energy allowed into your garage when installed on the garage door. It will keep your garage cooler, and help reduce the amount or radiant heat allowed into your home. See an example of Enerflex installed on a garage door.
Will a radiant barrier harm my shingles?
No, Enerflex radiant barrier will not harm your shingles. Typically a radiant barrier will increase the temperature of your shingles between 2-5 degrees. This minor elevation in temperature will not affect the life of your shingles. For more information about this please refer to: http://www.rimainternational.org/technical/tb103.html
How much will I save on my utility bills?
The increased performance of your insulation and ductwork, and decreased workload on your air conditioner and other appliances mean Enerflex will pay for itself in utility bill savings over time. The payback period and exact amount of savings per month will vary based on individual circumstances, including home location, weather conditions, local utility costs, type of roof, and size of home. The largest savings will be realized during hot, sunny weather, when intense solar radiation imposes a large thermal load on houses - especially in homes that have ductwork or cooling equipment located in the attic.
Does Enerflex qualify for LEED points?
Yes, Enerflex can qualify for up to 5 LEED points under EA1 and MR5.
Can I receive an energy tax credit for purchasing Enerflex Radiant Barrier?
Yes. You may receive 10% up to $500 on Enerflex qualifying product purchases through the 2010 Tax Relief Act. Simply download the Enerflex Tax Credit Certificate for your tax records. Enerflex Radiant Barrier may also qualify for a tax credit through your municipality and your local or state government. To search for credits where you live, go to www.dsireusa.org.
Installation
Do I need special tools to install Enerflex Radiant Barrier?
No. Enerflex panels simply “flex” into place. Enerflex rolls are simply stapled. There are recommended tools and safety equipment listed in the installation instructions to make your installation go smoothly.
How easy is it to install Enerflex radiant barrier foil?
Enerflex radiant barrier panels require no tools while the Enerflex roll product is installed with a staple gun. Watch our installation video to see just how easy it is.
What do I use to cut Enerflex?
Enerflex cuts easily using a utility knife or a quality pair of heavy-duty snips.
Does Enerflex need to be taped?
We recommend overlapping the radiant barrier edges by 1-2", which does not require taping. While not a requirement for cut edges or seams that butt together, the best results will be achieved by taping with reflective tape.
How much space is required for proper ventilation?
Check with your local build code official for ventilation requirements in your area. The unique design of Enerflex will allow an unobstructed space for airflow from the soffit vents to the wind ventilators or ridge vent. A minimum gap of 3.5” is required between the top of the roof decking and Enerflex. Leave a minimum of 6" from the peak of the roof, or 6" in all directions from any turbine, turtle back, gable or mushroom vent. Never cover any vents with Enerflex, regardless of where they are located.
