Foil vapor barrier is usually a film with a heat-reflecting effect. It was possible to achieve it due to the presence of a metallized layer, which should be facing the heat source.
Application area
The described materials are used as vapor barrier in rooms with high humidity, such as baths and saunas. The film does not melt, does not emit substances hazardous to human health in the air, and can be operated at temperatures up to +120 ° .
When installing modern steam rooms, the reflective properties of foil vapor barrier are very important, because the sauna should be heated in a short time after the furnace has been melted, while energy consumption should be reduced. However, foil vapor barrier is used today not only in the bath.
During the construction of the frame house, increasingly, the usual vapor barrier was replaced with foil. With the same heating power, using this approach, it is possible to increase the temperature in the rooms by 2 ° C. However, such material should be used wisely, because it should not be used for internal thermal insulation of buildings made of concrete and brick, as well as other heat-intensive materials.
Recommendations for use
If the walls are frozen, this will worsen the microclimate. As for a wooden house made of timber or logs, then foil vapor barrier is perfect for internal insulation. You can use it for unheated loggias, laying under the finish flooring to make it warmer. When glazing open balconies, when the perimeter is supposed to be finished with sandwich panels that do not emit heat, foil vapor barrier can reduce heating costs.
Varieties of foil vapor barrier
Foil vapor barrier is offered for sale today in a wide range. In order for the material to fulfill its functions, it is important to make the right choice. It is necessary to pay attention to the fact that the polymers that make up the substrate can have different structures. They consist of polypropylene and polyethylene foam. For more impressive temperatures, the first option should be used, while the second is relevant for a not so aggressive environment.
Foil vapor barrier for a bath is presented in the Penotherm variety. In this case, we are talking about the material, which includes foamed foam. The material can be operated at a temperature range from -40 to +150 ° C. A low-hazard class of toxicity and moderate flammability are characteristic of vapor barrier. When using thermal shrinkage is almost absent.
If you want to equip a system of underfloor heating, then you should prefer NLPE. This variety can also be used for a steam room. The foiled vapor barrier "Isospan FB" is designed to form a vapor barrier in saunas and baths. You can use the material at fairly high temperatures. That is why the vapor barrier "Izospan" plus foil insulation is excellent for particularly difficult conditions.
Features of "Alufoma" and "Tepofol"
The basis of polyethylene foam has "Aluf", which has a one-sided coating of aluminum foil. The temperature regime of operation varies from -60 to +100 ° C. Vapor barrier performs the functions of sound, hydro, steam and heat insulation, and also reliably protects from radon. It can be used for thermal insulation of roofs and floors. The wrinkled texture allows you to bend around curved elements of small radii without breaking the coating.
Foamed polyethylene is the basis of Tepofol, which in different variations has a reflective layer on one or two sides. The temperature effect can vary from -60 to +100 ° C. You can use this vapor barrier to insulate air ducts, roofs and walls, as well as when installing underfloor heating.
Foil vapor barrier for the home should be completely safe, such as "Isolon", which is environmentally friendly. It is based on foamed polyethylene foam. The vapor barrier is vapor tight, durable, and is flexible and soft with a foil layer.
Features of "Penofol", foil vapor barrier for the attic
If you need a foil vapor barrier for the attic, then you may prefer Penofol, which is based on material with a thickness ranging from 0.2 to 1 cm. The foil is 20 microns thick. It is important to consider the reflection coefficient, it is 97%.
On sale you can find material for use in harsh climates, in which case the thickness of the base layer will be 40 mm. The foil layer creates a barrier to heat transfer due to the foamed polyethylene, which has a huge number of pores filled with carbon dioxide and air. Penofol can be operated independently or in combination with other heat-insulating materials. It is especially useful if it is necessary to insulate the surface and not lose the useful area of the room.
Additional solution for the attic: "Ondutis R Termo"
This material is used for thermal insulation of metal and wooden structures. When warming the attic or when installing the roof in a residential attic, the film allows you to save heat and reduce heating costs.
The water resistance of this vapor barrier is 1000 mm water column, with regard to the minimum vapor permeability, then this parameter is less than 10 g / m 2 per day. The material calmly undergoes temperature drops ranging from -40 to +120 ° C. Considering the strength, you should pay attention to the breaking load, which is 150 N along and 130 N across. This indicates that this foil film is capable of supporting the weight of an adult.
The main advantages of Penofol
Before acquiring Penofol, it is important to pay attention to its advantages, among them it should be highlighted:
- high environmental friendliness;
- low vapor permeability;
- ease of installation;
- convenience of transportation;
- insignificant thickness;
- ability to noise absorption;
- high fire safety;
- inaccessibility for rodents.
The main disadvantages of Penofol
Some consumers refuse to purchase Penofol when they find out about its shortcomings. Among them:
- high penetration;
- inconvenience during installation, consisting in the need to use special adhesives;
- wall insulation from the outside by Penofol involves the use of the material only as an additional layer of thermal insulation.
As for high penetration, it will manifest itself even at low pressure, this characteristic is due to the softness of the material.
Varieties of foil vapor barrier in the form of a film
Foil vapor barrier for walls can be represented by a film. It is able to protect the insulation from moisture that penetrates from the premises. If you use such a vapor barrier in the bath, then the inner lining can be reliably protected from decay and mold, which appear due to condensation after turning off the steam room.
Such a foil reflective vapor barrier will reflect heat, and condensate simply will not settle. The film can be made on the basis of kraft paper, this option is inexpensive, easy to handle, hygroscopic and in that it is quite simple to tear it.
A vapor barrier can also be made on a polymer basis, in which case it is durable and durable, but will cost more. If aluminum spraying is present on the surface, then the thickness will start from 0.3 μm, however, with a decrease in the spraying thickness, the heat-reflecting abilities will deteriorate.
Foil vapor barrier for the walls of the frame can have an aluminum foil base. In this case, the thickness of this layer will start from 10 microns, which will guarantee the maximum level of reflection. Such materials are susceptible to corrosion and therefore require additional protection. Experts advise to insulate the walls of rooms with high humidity using foil films on a polymer base with aluminum spraying, as they do not corrode and can undergo high temperatures. They are durable, which greatly simplifies installation.
Kraft paper based films can only be used in dry rooms; they cannot be used in bathrooms or kitchens. For a warm floor, it is recommended to purchase a film with aluminum foil, which distributes heat, smoothing the cold bridges, if the pipes are not laid tight enough.
Varieties of Penofol
Penofol can be classified by type:
- A.
- IN.
- FROM.
- ALP.
- R and M.
- Super NET.
- AIR
In the first variety, an aluminum layer is applied only from the outside, this material is used together with polystyrene and styrodur. Type B is coated on both sides and is suitable for independent use. Type C is a self-adhesive material in which the outer side is covered with foil, while polyethylene foam with contact adhesive is inside.
ALP is Penofol, on top of the aluminum layer of which a plastic film is fixed. This material is laminated, can be used for needs in rural areas. One-sided foil-coated relief material is varieties R and M. But for the thermal insulation of networks, "Super NET" is used. The latter variety is suitable for ductwork.
Conclusion
It is not enough to choose the foil vapor barrier, it is important to know more about how to install it. The reflective layer should be directed towards the heat source. Airspace between 10 and 20 mm must be left on both sides of the vapor barrier. In order to ensure one hundred percent waterproofing and tightness, the joints should be glued with foil tape. The foil acts as an excellent conductor of electric current, so it is important to check the insulation of the wiring.
If you still decided to use Penofol for vapor barrier walls, then self-tapping screws or a stapler will be needed to strengthen it. Indoors, material is laid, the thickness of which will vary from 4 to 5 mm. If you have an ordinary house or apartment, then you should purchase one-sided material. But with very cooling walls, you should additionally use insulation polystyrene foam or cotton wool.