Foil insulation is a relatively new heat-insulating composite material that is coated on one or two sides with a layer of polished foil with an aluminum layer or metallized polypropylene film. Due to the aluminum component of the coating, this product is able to reflect and retain heat in the room, and the reflection effect reaches up to 97%.
Foil insulation: application
Its scope is quite diverse. Foil insulation is used for:
- Insulation of pipes of heating networks.
- Pipe insulation in the engineering networks of the building of hot and cold water supply.
- Thermal insulation of air ducts, ventilation ducts.
- Technical insulation of technological equipment.
- Thermal insulation of walls and floors in residential and public buildings.
- Soundproofing flooring.
Varieties of foil insulation
Insulation with foil is currently available in four main types, which differ not only in appearance, functional features, but also in scope.
- Foiled insulation, the basis of which is foamed polyethylene. As a rule, this is the most effective heat insulator. This multilayer material is sold in the form of thin rolls of material coated with an aluminum layer. This insulation with foil (another name is penofol) can have an adhesive layer in order to provide convenience and reliability of fastening to the surface. It is mainly used for insulation of floors, roofs, walls, ventilation systems. In addition, this material is sufficiently effective for insulation of pipes and ducts. It has good elasticity, vapor and waterproofing, heat and sound insulation, high shock absorbing properties, resistance to biological pests and chemical influences.
- Foil material based on mineral wool. This unique insulation with foil is available in the form of rolls (mats), plates and cylinders. Its base is mineral wool. This environmentally friendly, durable and non-combustible material is used for all types of insulation. Perfect for insulation of a sauna, insulation of baths, roofs, chimneys.
- Foiled polystyrene foam or insulation with foil, the name of which is isolon or foil isol. Use for warming systems of warm water floors and heating. Such a heater with foil refers to a durable heat-insulating material that retains its properties at a temperature of -180 ยฐ C - + 180 ยฐ C.
- Basalt heat insulation with foil. It is used in various sectors of the power system, in housing, industry, in the aircraft industry, as well as for the construction of gas stations. This material is non-combustible and able to withstand temperatures of -200หC + 700หC. It has a higher resistance to aggressive environmental influences.
General characteristics of foil insulation
- The material is stable over a wide temperature range.
- It does not absorb moisture and has good resistance to reflection.
- It has high heat, steam and waterproofing performance.
- Environmentally friendly material that does not emit any toxic and dangerous substances.
- Installation is quite simple and quick. Even a layman will be able to correctly perform the installation, for which it will be enough just to use a very simple instruction.
- It has excellent soundproof characteristics.
The insulation for the bath with foil is good because in addition to insulation it can also serve as an additional reflector of thermal energy. This material is most in demand and popular in the construction of steam rooms and washing departments.
The main and biggest drawback of this insulation is that the foil is susceptible to corrosion.
Installation of foil insulation
The installation of the material is performed with the reflecting side inside the room. This allows you to reflect and retain heat. The insulation is fixed end-to-end rather than lap, which significantly reduces construction costs. For fixing use a construction stapler or small nails.
Between the finish and the insulation material a gap of about 12-25 mm is left, which contributes to additional thermal protection. Visible joints are glued with a special aluminum (foil) tape. Installation work is completed.
How to choose a foil insulation
The price of any foil insulation is commensurate with the cost of alternative competitors having similar heat-insulating characteristics. However, with the help of insulation with foil, it is possible to save on factors such as installation time and space (insulation with foil is thinner than usual), as well as get environmentally friendly and refractory material, which is used for thermal insulation of absolutely any object. Stop your choice when buying should be on the insulation, which is coated with aluminum foil, and not spraying, as it is most likely will not work.