Reflective insulation products are an effective barrier against radiant heat transfer because they reflect almost all of the infrared radiation striking their surface and emit very little of the heat conducted through them, reducing heating and cooling requirements.
The Reflective Insulation Manufacturers Association International (RIMA-I) is a non-profit industry trade association that exists to propagate the knowledge, use and benefits of reflective insulation, radiant barriers and interior radiation control coatings. RIMA-I has been a major force in establishing fair ASTM standards for testing and installation of reflective products and works with many government, state and regional organizations on behalf of the reflective products industry.
RIMA-I is dedicated to distributing reliable technical information to consumers and to oppose exaggerated performance claims. As part of this effort, a Verification Program was created to help consumers make the right choices.
The RIMA-I verification is a voluntary program that has been established to identify reflective products which have fulfilled test requirements in accordance with the current applicable consensus standards. Approved products meet or exceed the consensus standards for one of the following five categories: reflective insulation, radiant barrier – vapor transmitting, radiant barrier – vapor retarder, interior radiation control coatings (IRCC) and reflective facer materials.
Verified products are renewed and randomly tested annually to ensure that the required quality standards are maintained. A third-party, independent testing and inspection laboratory will determine whether a product’s physical properties comply with the appropriate standards.
Furthermore, technical data sheets and websites containing test information are checked for accuracy. All products are labeled with a RIMA-I verification logo and an identifying number. RIMA International and its Verification Program provide assurance to consumers that products displaying the RIMA-I logo comply with the appropriate requirements, meeting or exceeding industry standards for the appropriate category.