Yes! Not only does Reflectix do a great job in reflecting radiant heat from the sun, but it is also effective in keeping out the cold. We have two small RV windows in the back of our van and at night in cold weather environments, cold air pours into our van through the windows.
Full Answer
Does reflectix keep the cold away from your RV?
Because RVs do not have a lot of insulation, thus getting alternative products to help block the cold invasion is a smart idea. With Reflectix, you also get other benefits besides keeping the cold away. It will also keep the heat out in the summer and do the same job for your air conditioner it does for your furnace.
How do reflectix work when covered?
The key to having the Reflectix work when covered is to maintain a sealed air gap between layers. Once you have that air gap, your R-value for insulation goes up quite a ways. When used in this way, you get a break from the heat, the cold as well as the light.
Does reflectix have metal in it?
But Reflectix can supplement those types of dense insulation with reflective insulation to provide a more total, insulated home. Found in the insulation aisle, Reflectix comes in tightly spooled rolls of shiny, reflective, foil-look insulation that resembles bubble wrap. There is no metal content; it is all plastic.
Is reflectix a good way to insulate a workshop?
No Air Space = No Reflective Insulation Benefit. (An R-1.1 is provided from the product itself for the Reflective/Double Bubble material.) Reflectix lets you insulate spaces that might ordinarily go uninsulated because it would be prohibitive to insulate them with fiberglass. You might have a cold workshop with heat escaping through the roof.
Does Reflectix hold heat in?
Reflectix® Reflective Insulation, Radiant Barrier and Foil Tape can be installed in environments with a range of -30 degrees to 180 degrees F.
Does Reflectix keep heat in or out?
Reflectix is equally valuable for keeping cool on hot sunny days. The greatest source of heat when the sun is shining is the windows. The heat load can be so high that your air conditioner may be unable to cool your camper down to a pleasant temperature when the sun is beating on it.
Can Reflectix be used as insulation?
Reflectix can be used as wall cavity insulation—but tacking it to the centers of the studs in each cavity is a laborious process. Traditional fiberglass insulation is easier and faster, and it will insulate better. The key to using Reflectix properly is to understand how reflective insulation works in the first place.
Does Reflectix keep heat out RV?
0:092:30Keep The Heat Out! Custom Reflectix RV Window Insulation - RV Quick TipsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI took them all out for one thing they were old. And worn they also didn't close completely anymore.MoreI took them all out for one thing they were old. And worn they also didn't close completely anymore. And I like the privacy of having the windows completely sealed at night and we were using reflectix
What is the purpose of Reflectix?
0:316:16The Best way to Use REFLECTIX to optimize insulation properties in ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow the way that reflectix works is it's a radiant heat insulation. So the type of material is madeMoreNow the way that reflectix works is it's a radiant heat insulation. So the type of material is made out is actually reflecting a certain spectrum of arrays. And. So people think like insulation has to
Does Reflectix work if its covered?
No, it is not efficient once you cover it. It needs an air gap between the reflective surface and the radiant heat source. If you cover it directly, the fabric will heat up accordingly and the reflectix is not a good choice to deal with conductive heat.
Which way should Reflectix face?
3:105:19The Correct way to Install Reflectix on your Campervan or RV - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo that you'll have this space in between the reflectix. And then the wall down in the ceiling willMoreSo that you'll have this space in between the reflectix. And then the wall down in the ceiling will go on underneath that.
How effective is reflective insulation?
Some studies show that radiant barriers can reduce cooling costs 5% to 10% when used in a warm, sunny climate. The reduced heat gain may even allow for a smaller air conditioning system. In cool climates, however, it's usually more cost-effective to install more thermal insulation than to add a radiant barrier.
How much R-value does Reflectix add?
Interior air films vary with the surface finish of the product (Reflective or White) and the heat flow direction. The values utilized in Reflectix® R-value calculations for Interior “Air Films” are as follows: Reflective side of product: R-4.55 Down • R-1.32 Up • R-1.70 Horizontal.
How do I keep my RV from getting cold?
There are several ways to insulate them: foam insulation boards, bubble insulation, solar blankets, etc. For extra warmth, line your windows with heavy-weight thermal curtains. You may also want to go over your RV windows and doors with a layer of RV sealant or caulk, just to ensure they're nice and weather-tight.
Can Reflectix be left exposed?
Note: For all applications, do not leave exposed duct or space where air can enter between the duct and the Reflectix®. needed repairs. Any worn wiring should be replaced.
How do I winterize my RV windows?
DIY RV Window Insulation (That Doesn't Block the Light!)Hang Heavy Curtains.Covering the Windows with Reflectix.Clear, Heat-Activated Window Film.Motorhome Windshield Insulation.Insulating RV Windows with Bubble Wrap.Velcro Window Covers Made from Clear Vinyl.
Which way should Reflectix face?
3:105:19The Correct way to Install Reflectix on your Campervan or RV - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo that you'll have this space in between the reflectix. And then the wall down in the ceiling willMoreSo that you'll have this space in between the reflectix. And then the wall down in the ceiling will go on underneath that.
What can you put on your windows to keep the heat out?
Exterior shutters and shades are usually made of a variety of materials, including fabric, wood, steel, aluminum, or vinyl. They are most effective at reducing solar heat gain. Shades are typically fabric or vinyl and the material may have openings that allow some visibility through the window.
How do I keep the heat out of my RV windows?
Use Reflective Insulation Use reflective insulation if you don't have window awnings to help block the sun from entering the RV. Heat from the sun can enter your RV through the windows depending on how thick the glass is, but reflective insulation can reflect the sun away from the windows to keep the heat out.
How do you insulate windows to keep heat out?
5 ways to insulate your apartment windowsUse window insulation film. Window film creates an insulating barrier between the interior of your apartment and your windows. ... Cover your windows with bubble wrap. ... Install removable magnetic window insulation. ... Use rope caulk to seal cracks. ... Add thermal curtains to your windows.
When Should You Buy Reflectix?
Reflectix can be used as wall cavity insulation—but tacking it to the centers of the studs in each cavity is a laborious process. Traditional fiberglass insulation is easier and faster, and it will insulate better.
How thick is Reflectix?
Reflectix is a little thicker than a quarter-inch (5/16-inch). It's very lightweight (about 1-1/4-inch per square foot). It's flexible enough to bend back on itself.
What is reflective insulation?
What Reflectix Insulation Is. Found in the insulation aisle, Reflectix comes in tightly spooled rolls of shiny, reflective , foil-look insulation that resembles bubble wrap. There is no metal content; it is all plastic. Reflectix is a little thicker than a quarter-inch (5/16-inch).
Why use Reflectix garage door?
Some homeowners face the inside of their garage doors with Reflectix to help insulate these spaces for use as workshops.
Can you use Reflectix insulation in a cavity?
Reflectix can be used as wall cavity insulation —but tacking it to the centers of the studs in each cavity is a laborious process. Traditional fiberglass insulation is easier and faster, and it will insulate better. The key to using Reflectix properly is to understand how reflective insulation works in the first place.
Is Reflectix insulation a reflective insulation?
Reflectix is a reflective insulation. So the stated R-values on the Reflectix label are valid only when the insulation is applied in a certain way.
Can you insulate with Reflectix?
Reflectix lets you insulate spaces that might ordinarily go uninsulated because it would be prohibitive to insulate them with fiberglass. You might have a cold workshop with heat escaping through the roof. Stapling a layer of Reflectix along the rafters will cut down on some heat loss and stop air infiltration.
Why buy Reflectix® Insulation and Radiant Barrier products?
Our testing and validation requirements are second to none. Distribution of our products is worldwide through Do-It-Yourself Retailers, Contractor Sales Groups and Industrial/Commercial Building Product Suppliers.
What are the advantages of Reflectix® Insulations and Radiant Barriers?
Ease of installation and diversity of applications are two major advantages. Reflectix® Insulations and Radiant Barriers are very easy to handle and install. All that is required are simple hand tools and access to the installation area. Reflectix® products are some of the most diverse, energy-conserving building materials available, with over forty verified applications for residences, industrial/commercial buildings and agricultural structures.
How is the Reflectix® Foil Tape utilized in Foil/Bubble applications?
Our tape is used to join the ends of the Reflect ix® Reflective/Bubble Insulation products. It ensures a continuous reflective surface, and prevents air leakage that can result in condensation.
What is Reflectivity?
Reflectivity is a material “characteristic” that is quantified as the percentage of radiant energy that a material will reflect. Example: The reflectivity of the metalized aluminum in Reflectix® products is very high (96%). This makes for very efficient performing reflective insulation assemblies (quantified in R-values).
What is a Reflective Insulation?
A reflective insulation is a material (or assembly) that reduces the rate of radiant heat transfer across air spaces by use of one or more highly-reflective surfaces. This rate of heat transfer can be quantified for a specific application by an R-value.
How do the products work as a Reflective Insulation?
In the same (primary) way fiberglass or other mass insulations provide benefit, reflective insulation reduces conductive heat transfer. When a highly-reflective material (such as our product) is installed in a building assemblage, in conjunction with an air space, it provides a quantifiable R-value level of benefit.
What about R-values for a Reflective Insulation, and why do they vary with application?
R-values for reflective insulations are dependent on two (primary) criteria: 1. Heat flow direction 2. And, the amount of air space in a closed cavity on the reflective side of the product in a building assemblage. This is the reason our product has different R-values for different applications (varying amount of air space and heat flow directions).
What material lets in light?
One was a vinyl mesh material which lets in some light, and allows you to see out (see photo), and also a solid vinyl cover. The mesh cover is our favorite. It helps reduce heat – though not as good as the solid cover – but the advantages of letting in light and allowing us to see through it is worth it.
Does UV tint help with heat?
Others have reported having some special UV reducing window tint installed that is not dark but does help with heat. We have not looked into that yet, but it would be nice not to loose the views when it is 95 degrees outside.
Does Reflectix have insulation?
It doesn't have the insulation value of Reflectix, but it folds, easier to store since the window is so large. But you can help out more by using an outside cover when possible. We got two wrap-around covers that cover the front and door windows from the previous owner of our Roadtrek.
Is Reflectix good for cold weather?
Reflectix is equally valuable for keeping cool on hot sunny days. The greatest source of heat when the sun is shining is the windows.
How to use Reflectix for RV?
Use newspaper to create a template for the bubble wrap. Place the pieces inside and attach with Velcro tape. If you have a pop-up camper, place the pieces of reflective bubble wrap between the canvas and the screen.
What is the R value of reflective bubble wrap?
A roll of reflective bubble wrap can be cut down to fit a standard RV hot water tank. Reflectix® has an R-value of 4.5 and can be attached with Reflectix® Foil Tape.
How to extend the life of ice?
If you carry your food in an ice chest rather than a refrigerator, you can extend the life of your ice and your food by lining the inside of an ice chest with sheets of reflective insulation. In addition, the bubble wrap doesn’t take up much room in the chest.
Is RV life complex?
The problem is, planning epic RV journey is somewhat complex. At RV LIFE, we believe it should be simple. As RVers ourselves, we understand the process and have helped millions of RVers journey with confidence and make their travel dreams come true.
Can you burn your fingers with a camp cup?
Unless you are wearing gloves, holding onto a hot metal camp cup in the morning can sometimes burn your fingers.
Can you use Reflectix on a camp chair?
If you tend to spend your evenings out by the fire instead of at the top of the mountain, you can still utilize Reflectix as a handy seat pad to keep your bottom as warm as your toes. Cut a piece of Reflectix that fits your camp chair and seal the edges with duct tape.
What is Reflectix insulation?
Reflectix is a flexible bubble wrap and foil insulation commonly available at home improvement stores . I bought one of these 48” x 50’ rolls of Reflectix for just over $40 at a local Home Depot.
Why label plugs with Sharpie?
I label each plug with a Sharpie - it helps make sense of them when there’s a pile and also helps me figure out which way to re-install it into the window.
Can Reflectix be used in RV?
Triple digit temps in an RV can be a challenge. Using Reflectix can help keep the interior cooler.
Do What You Know. Reflectix
No surprise, we are Reflectixing our windows. Using the same general steps as we used in our van, we cut pieces of Reflectix that squished nicely in to our windows.
The Exhaust Vent
When it comes to the exhaust vent, Laurie has read about items which can be purchased, how a pillow can be stuffed in the hole, and more. Being we like to re-purpose our trash into new usable items and spend as little as possible, Laurie used her sewing safety pinning skills and fashioned the perfect vent-hole-filler.
Heating
Here we are still weighing costs and benefits here. We are currently using electric heat when needed. Our original heater was an electric oil hybrid radiator, which decided it wouldn’t shut off when the set temperature was reached. After a couple nights of waking up to 90+ degree temperatures, we replaced it with a loaner, generic alternative.
Both Snow and Rain Find Leaks
We seemed to have a small leak issue on our slide, and didn’t want to have more. So, while it was still somewhat warmer weather, Laurie decided to seal up the camper. With all of the things learned during this process, we will soon be making a separate post on re-sealing your RV / Camper.
Water
On those cold, cold nights, we do not want our water lines and the hose we are connected to freezing. With about 75 foot of water hose between us and the spigot, heat tape wasn’t really going to be an option. Luckily, Alan likes manual labor and his dad also wanted power to his shed.
What is the R6 period on polyiso foam board?
Standard insulation products do not make claims based on the "assembly". An inch of polyiso foam board = R6, period. This means that the efficiency of reflective products varies significantly based on the installation, angle of the air gap, the season and amount of sun, the amount of dust that has collected on the surface, etc.
Is Holometrix based on ASTM?
This is not the end of the story. The Holometrix 'study' includes lots of formulas, and claims to be based on ASTM standards. I purchased a copy of the matching ASTM standard. (A copy is attached.) If you are familiar with math and the analysis of construction materials, compare the ASTM standard and definition of R value to the formulas and results in the Holometrix study. Note the differences.
Does Radiant Barrier have R value?
Dear Dana: Exactly. "Radiant barrier" insulation has almost no R value by itself; the results depend on the air gap, the angle of the assembly, the existing insulation, the location of the building etc. Here are a couple of quotes from Reflectix literature: (1) "A reflective product installed in an open attic as a Radiant Barrier has no R-value. R-values for reflective products are obtained when the product faces an air space in a “enclosed cavity”." (2) Another document notes that performance is limited to "R2" in the winter in southern states, and "R1" in the north.
Does a radiant barrier affect heat gain?
Dear Jane: Martin hit the 'radiant barrier' nail on the head. Radiant barriers can have an impact on heat gain, e.g. from a hot roof -- but the issue is efficiency vs cost. If your garage roof was insulted with standard foam board, spray foam, rock wool bats or even fiberglass bats or panels, the insulation would be more effective for less cost, year round.
Is reflective insulation cheap?
When one vendor is hit by the FTC or an AG suit, another pops up. “Reflective insulation” is very cheap to manufacture, so new products quickly appear with more wild claims.
Can radiant barriers be applied horizontally?
You noted that " no one is suggesting" that radiant barriers should be applied horizontally. Unfortunately, every major manufacturer is pushing exactly that, e.g. Reflectix, RadiantGuard, AtticFoil and eShield, hyping installations in crawl spaces, basements, radiant heat systems, etc.
Does reflective insulation provide R6?
Radiant protection varies significantly from summer to winter. As Reflectix notes in their FTC "facts" document, one layer of reflective insulation -- with an air gap -- will provide R6 to R7 protection in summer, when the roof is hot from the sun.
What is the R value of insulation?
All formal insulation materials are rated in terms of their “R-Value”, which is the material’s ability to resist heat flow. Long story short, the higher a material’s R-Value, the better than insulative properties. Most of the time, a material’s R-Value is listed as a per unit length (usually ‘per inch’ in the USA).
Is insulation safe to live in?
Most insulation materials pass this test, but there are several materials out there that don’t provide the safest environment for living in , especially in a tiny space like a van. For those materials that are considered toxic, we will mention it below.