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LP Radiant Barrier Sheathing Lowers Attic Temperatures
LP TechShield® radiant barrier sheathing can lower attic temperatures by up to 30 degrees and reduces peak cooling demand, allowing builders to install smaller, less expensive HVAC units, according to testing by the Atlanta-based EarthCraft House program, a partnership between the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association and Southface.
For its study, EarthCraft House compared four Atlanta-area Haven Home properties using two different floor plans with 3,616 and 3,100 square feet, two stories, low-e windows and R-30 insulated ceilings.
The duct systems and building envelopes of the homes were well sealed. Each home also had two HVAC systems, one in the attic and one in the basement or conditioned area.
Two of the four homes featured LP TechShield radiant barriers, while the other two did not.
The radiant barrier reduced peak cooling demand by 14.7% and 18.8% in the two different floor plans, allowing the builder to reduce the size of HVAC units anywhere from 10% to 15%, depending on the application.
“LP TechShield panels provide builders proven LP OSB roof sheathing performance with the added value of reduced attic temperatures and reduced load on the air conditioning units and ducts,” said Rusty Carroll, OSB marketing manager at LP Building Products. “LP TechShield panels allow builders to pass along energy savings to home owners without increasing labor costs.”
LP TechShield panels are installed like regular OSB, so there are no additional labor costs involved. Since the product is only marginally more expensive than regular OSB, buyers will be able to pay for the upgrade knowing that the investment will pay for itself with reduced cooling bills.
Headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., the Louisiana-Pacific Corporation is a member of the National Council of the Housing Industry — The Supplier 100 of NAHB.
This feature is solely for educational and informational purposes. Nothing on this page should be construed as policy, an endorsement, warranty or guaranty by the National Association of Home Builders of the featured product or the product manufacturer. The National Association of Home Builders expressly disclaims any responsibility for any damages arising from the use, application or reliance on any information contained on this page.
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