I am concerned about the proper orientation for installing a reflective insulation material in an existing pole building. A material with one reflective side and one white poly side is available nearby. Manufacturer’s instructions indicate white side to face into the open building (for roof and walls). I’ve seen a lot of other manufacturer’s instructions state the same thing. I suppose this to be for aesthetic reasons only. My concern is I can recall reading on RIMA’s website to always install with reflective side down. Can you please provide some justification for why the white poly side should face down on the roof or in on the walls? If I install this material with the white side facing the airspace between it and the metal sheathing (on the walls and ceiling), will it still be an effective radiant barrier?
You are right. Many building owners want the white side out for aesthetic reasons. Yes, you will get some reflective value out of a white side down installation, but without question the results will be much better with the reflective side down. If that is not a problem for you, by all means install it that way.