As most of the readers know KoolDuct is made up of a sandwich of foam between two layers of aluminum. The foam’s R-value is widely advertised and tested as exceeding the R6 and R8 required by most energy codes. What is never discussed is the possible effectiveness of the aluminum skin as radiant barrier!?

http://www.ornl.gov/sci/roofs+walls/radiant/rb_01.html

Here is the thought the foam insulation is designed to combat conductive heat (heat by physical contact) and convective heat (forced air) but the unthought-of form of heat flow is RADIATION.

To date I do not know of anyone who has consider the reflective benefits of KoolDuct on top of the convective and conductive properties of the foam. This snippet was just a starter for further discussion.