We are looking into substituting the icyenen sprayed closed cell insulation for a paintable insulation that gives better R value (R19). Has anyone used this product before and gone back to review its performance over time?
Paintable insulation is a scam. R19!!!?? Youve got to be kidding. The FSC is beggining to crack down on those hucksters as they should.
Interesting question. Are you referring to a radiant barrier paint application in the attic or on the exterior of a home? R Value would be the wrong measurement of a paint product regardless of it effectiveness, as an R value is measured by the inch.
There are good radiant barrier products available that reduce radiant heat gain or loss in a building envelope, but paintable is likely not going to perform as well foil. Insulation that is ISO foam or cellulose, or fiberglass are going to perform better in an assembly than paint. Check out buildingscience.com for good sections and white papers on how radiant barriers work in an envelope. Radiant heat is only one component of heat transfer through an envelope.
Hope that is some help! Christian with GGR Energy.There are two main reasons for insulation, conductive and convective heat loss. The product that you are describing is likely a high heat resistant coating which works well as a coating for re-entry from space. but not as an insulator for a building. To stop the flow of heat you are better suited to use a product like closed-cell foam.
Spray foam stops both types of heat loss by providing a seamless air-barrier. This air tight seal stops heat loss by eliminating the cracks and holes in a structure. Many homes are heated/cooled with a forced air system. By sealing up a structure with foam, the warmed or cooled air does not escape and is more effiecient.
Spray foam is highly resistant to heat conduction. With an R-Value around R-7 per inch, Closed Cell foam has the highest R-value commercially available for insulation products The high cost of spray foam is offset by drastic reductions of energy consumption. A typical home can save 50% or more on heating and cooling costs than a home insulated with fiberglass.
While reflective coatings and paint can improve your building performance, they are not a substitute for proper insulation.