Heat Transfer II -- What is the purpose of a silvered coating?

[Tiberious]

Homework Statement

(a) What is the purpose of a silvered coating, usually of a good conductor, on the outside of most insulation?

The Attempt at a Solution

[/B]
The silver coating on the outside of most industrial pipes and lagging (Insulation) is primarily to reduce the surface’s emissivity (e). For example; with respect to a wall in a home with a silver coated thermal insulator behind the plasterboard. The reduction in emissivity allows the surface of the insulator to reflect some of the radiated heat back into the room thus reducing heat loss. Furthermore, it serves as a protective layer for the lagging (insulator) against wear and damage. The heat transferred by convection has a negligible impact as the layer is thin.

Is this a reasonable attempt ?

 

[berkeman]

Looks basically okay to me, but I'm no expert in thermodynamics.