History of radiant barrier foil

Reflective barrier is an amazing product with an array of uses--some common, some not so common. It has been utilized in commercial products--such as flasks and thermal canteens--since the 1870s for its superior insulative qualities, and it was used as early as the 1920s in building materials to dramatically increase energy efficiency. Radiant heat barrier construction materials gained in popularity during the following decades and were widely used until the 1960s when the company that had manufactured the products went out of business. Starting in the 1950s, scientists at NASA began to utilize versatile reflective materials in the space program, and they continue to do so today. The 1980s saw a resurgence in radiant barrier foil usage for construction purposes. Today it is utilized in commercial properties, homes, agricultural facilities, and anywhere else people want to maximize energy efficiency and indoor climate control.

Radiant barrier foil is found in an incredible variety of products and applications, in addition to construction. Below are just some of the many different and creative uses of this product:

• food transport products, such as pizza delivery bags and coolers
• window reflectors for RVs, cars, and trucks
• protective suits for firefighters and stunt people
• emergency thermal blankets, commonly carried by outdoor adventurers
• livestock insulation, used in stables, barns, and poultry facilities
• thermal inserts for footwear and sleeping bags