What type of barrier can help minimize both heat gain and loss?

A radiant barrier is specifically designed to reflect radiant heat away from living spaces in the summer and to reflect heat back into the living space during the winter. By doing so, it significantly reduces the amount of heat that enters or escapes through the roof and ceiling areas. This characteristic makes radiant barriers particularly effective in climates that experience extreme temperature fluctuations.

Radiant barriers consist of reflective materials, typically aluminum foil, which work by minimizing heat transfer through radiation. In contrast, vapor and air barriers serve different functions related to moisture control and air leaks, while sound barriers primarily focus on reducing noise transmission. Therefore, the ability of radiant barriers to manage thermal energy makes them essential for enhancing energy efficiency in buildings.