About Reflectix

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions:

Why buy Reflectix® Insulation and Radiant Barrier products?

Reflectix is the Industry Leader! We manufacture the highest quality, most extensively-tested, readily-available, reflective-based insulations and radiant barriers in the world! With Reflectix® products, there is no middleman. We are the manufacturer and we operate with an ISO : certified management system. Our testing and validation requirements are second to none. Distribution of our products is worldwide through Do-It-Yourself Retailers, Contractor Sales Groups and Industrial/Commercial Building Product Suppliers.

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What are the advantages of Reflectix® Insulations and Radiant Barriers?

Ease of installation and diversity of applications are two major advantages. Reflectix® Insulations and Radiant Barriers are very easy to handle and install. All that is required are simple hand tools and access to the installation area. Reflectix® products are some of the most diverse, energy-conserving building materials available, with over forty verified applications for residences, industrial/commercial buildings and agricultural structures.

What are Conduction, Convection and Radiation?

These are 3 ways that heat moves from warm regions to cool regions:

• Conduction: Heat flow through a material
• Convection: Heat flow transferred by the movement of air
• Radiation: Electromagnetic transfer of energy through space

What types of Heat Flow do Reflectix® products address?

Conductive: In applications where an R-value is noted
Radiant: These applications are referenced as providing a radiant barrier benefit

What are the differences in performance between the Reflective/Bubble Insulation and the Reflective/Woven Fabric/Reflective Radiant Barrier?

Both products contain the same metalized aluminum and can be utilized as reflective insulations or as radiant barriers. The key difference is in the structure. The Reflective/Bubble products have strength and substance (from the bubble) that are ideal for a wide variety (40+) of applications (Residential and Industrial/Commercial). The Reflective/Woven Fabric/Reflective Radiant Barrier product is designed primarily for residential attic applications as a radiant barrier.

How is the Reflectix® Foil Tape utilized in Foil/Bubble applications?

Our tape is used to join the ends of the Reflectix® Reflective/Bubble Insulation products. It ensures a continuous reflective surface, and prevents air leakage that can result in condensation.

What is the temperature range of the Product(s)?

Reflectix® Reflective Insulation, Radiant Barrier and Foil Tape can be installed in environments with a range of -30 degrees to 180 degrees F.

Reflective Insulation:

What is Reflectivity?

Reflectivity is a material “characteristic” that is quantified as the percentage of radiant energy that a material will reflect. Example: The reflectivity of the metalized aluminum in Reflectix® products is very high (96%). This makes for very efficient performing reflective insulation assemblies (quantified in R-values).

What is a Reflective Insulation?

A reflective insulation is a material (or assembly) that reduces the rate of radiant heat transfer across air spaces by use of one or more highly-reflective surfaces. This rate of heat transfer can be quantified for a specific application by an R-value.

Why are Air Spaces required (in every application)?

For either a reflective insulation or a radiant barrier, an air space of a minimum thickness is required on the reflective side of the product. (Most Reflectix® products are reflective (shiny) on both sides.) The reflective insulation benefit is derived from the interaction of the highly-reflective surface with the air space. If the reflective surface is in contact with another building material, it becomes a conductor (transmitting the energy by conduction). An air space may be specified on one or both sides of the product (always on a reflective side). Enclosed air spaces, when instructed, are required to provide the stated R-value.

How do the products work as a Reflective Insulation?

In the same (primary) way fiberglass or other mass insulations provide benefit, reflective insulation reduces conductive heat transfer. When a highly-reflective material (such as our product) is installed in a building assemblage, in conjunction with an air space, it provides a quantifiable R-value level of benefit.

What is an R-value?

An R-value is an assigned number derived from a specific testing procedure (or calculation) to determine a material’s (or building assemblage) “resistance to conductive heat transfer”. The higher the R-value, the more resistant a material (or building assemblage) is to conductive heat transfer. Reflectix® can provide verification for all R-values stated for all products and applications.

What is Conductive Heat Transfer?

All materials have a “conductive heat transfer”. Some are very high and some are very low. Materials that are low (or resistant) to heat flow have higher R-values. Example: If a heat lamp is positioned shining on a 0.5” (width) panel of plywood (R-0.62), within a very short time, the opposite side of the panel will become hot to the touch (the wood has transferred the heat from one side to the other). — Position the same heat lamp an equal distance from a batt of fiberglass (R-19). It will take dramatically longer to detect any increase in temperature on the opposite side of the batt (if at all). The difference in R-values indicates which material has the best “resistance to conductive heat transfer”.

What about R-values for a Reflective Insulation, and why do they vary with application?

R-values for reflective insulations are dependent on two (primary) criteria: 1. Heat flow direction 2. And, the amount of air space in a closed cavity on the reflective side of the product in a building assemblage. This is the reason our product has different R-values for different applications (varying amount of air space and heat flow directions).

What is meant by the terms “Up”, “Down” and “Horizontal” Heat Flow?

These terms are related to heat flow directions. They are a part of the criteria utilized in R-value testing. For example, when testing a floor assemblage, heat flow down is tested. When testing for a wall system, heat flow horizontal is tested (same for all conductive heat transfer insulations).

When a R-value is calculated for a specific application, what method is utilized?

Calculated R-values consist of three factors (individual resistances added to get the total resistance): 1. Interior “air film” (when present) 2. Substrate R-value 3. Enclosed air space R-value (on one or both reflective sides of the product)

Interior air films vary with the surface finish of the product (Reflective or White) and the heat flow direction. The values utilized in Reflectix® R-value calculations for Interior “Air Films” are as follows:

• Reflective side of product: R-4.55 Down • R-1.32 Up • R-1.70 Horizontal
• White side of Product: R-0.92 Down • R-0.61 Up • R-0.68 Horizontal

“Air space” requirements (on one or both reflective sides of the product) are specified in the installation instructions based on the building components of the application (which create the air space required within the assembly). Also, the product labels and the website (please refer to the pdfs at the top of this page) contain additional specifications on enclosed air space requirements.

Why does fiberglass have different R-values?

The R-value for fiberglass mass insulations originates in the density, thickness and the physical composition of the material. Example: A 3.5” thick batt of fiberglass can be designed to have an R-value of 11. It can also be manufactured to an R-value of 13 by increasing the density of the fiberglass (same width of 3.5”).

When installed in roof systems, why doesn’t fiberglass have two R-values (Up and Down) as with reflective insulations?

One component that affects the R-value of a specific product (or assembly) is internal convection. The primary reason that fiberglass does not produce different R-values when tested up or down, is that fiberglass (batts) do not exhibit internal convection. Where within a reflective insulated assembly, the convective component influences the amount of heat transferred based on direction (Up and Down).

If you install 2 layers of a Reflective Insulation, does the R-value double?

With multiple layers of product and airspaces between each layer, enhanced performance will be gained. If the product is simply “doubled” (with no air space between the layers), a very minimal benefit is obtained, (R-1.1 (per layer) for the Reflective/Double Bubble product).

Why do you need Spacers (for certain applications)?

Spacers are used to provide an air space where one is not present.

What if there is no air space present on either side of the product?

No Air Space = No Reflective Insulation Benefit (An R-1.1 is provided from the product itself for the Reflective/Double Bubble material.)

What types of Spacers can be utilized?

There are several. Here are some examples:

• Reflectix® Reflective/Double Bubble Insulation cut into 2” strips
• 1”x 2” Furring Strips
• Thermal Breaks (a building product similar to furring strips)
• Reflectix® Duct Spacers

What is the Fire Rating of the Reflectix® Reflective/Bubble Insulation?

Reflectix® has a Class A/Class 1 Fire Rating on our Reflective/Bubble Insulation. It also meets all fire and smoke safety requirements of federal, state and local building codes (Satisfies UL 723, NFPA 255 and UBC 42-1).

Radiant Barrier:

What is an example of Radiant Energy?

An example of this would be the hot sensation you feel on your skin when walking from shade into direct sunlight.

What is Emissivity?

Emissivity is a material “characteristic” that is quantified as a percentage of radiant energy that a material transmits. Example: The emissivity of the metalized aluminum in Reflectix® products is very low (4%). This quality makes for excellent radiant barriers.

What is a Radiant Barrier?

Radiant Barrier is a material that is a poor re-transmitter of infrared waves (radiant energy). By definition, this re-transmission characteristic (emissivity) must be at or below 10%. The emissivity of Reflectix® products is 4%. Therefore, when a Radiant Barrier is installed in a residential attic, it “blocks” 96% of the radiant energy that is being radiated by the hot roofing materials. This equates to a cooler attic, resulting in a house that requires less air conditioning usage to maintain comfortable inside temperatures. Example: Plywood has a very high emittance (82%). This is the reason attics are so hot during the day. The shingles are heated by the sun and (by conduction) the heat is transferred to the plywood decking which in turn emits (radiates) 82% of this energy to the interior of the attic. Low emissivity sheeting (as in our Reflective/Woven Fabric/Reflective Radiant Barrier) has a very low emittance (less than 6%). This is the reason when a low emittance sheet is installed below a roof (plywood decking) in an attic that such a substantial reduction in radiant energy occurs.

Why are air spaces required (in every application)?

For either a reflective insulation or a radiant barrier, an air space is required on the reflective side of the product. (Most Reflectix® products are reflective (shiny) on both sides.) The radiant barrier’s benefit is derived from the interaction of the low emittance surface with an air space. An air space must exist on a minimum of one side of the product (always on the reflective side (residential attic – preferably oriented facing down)). Radiant barriers by definition do not require an enclosed air space to provide benefit. This application (radiant barrier) is typically installed in a ventilated attic.

How does the product work being so thin?

The product has a very low re-transmission rate (emissivity) of radiant energy. It blocks 95% of the radiant energy that it encounters and this translates to a significant reduction in attic surface temperatures. A cooler attic results in a cooler house requiring less air conditioning usage.

How much will I save on my electric bill with a Radiant Barrier?

A savings of up to 10% off your air conditioning usage are typical. This can be a larger number if there are ducts mounted in your attic space.

Does a Radiant Barrier have an R-value?

No. R-values describe the rate at which energy is transferred through a material or assembly. Radiant Barriers provide benefit by dramatically reducing “radiant” heat transfer which is just as significant but not related to an R-value type performance.

Will the product hurt my shingles?

No, absolutely not. There has been significant testing on this issue and it has been proven that a Radiant Barrier installed in a residential attic will have not have any detrimental effect on the shingles.

Is ventilation required for a Radiant Barrier?

No, ventilation is not required, but it is extremely helpful when addressing convective heat transfer. If an attic system has a mass insulation (such as fiberglass), a Radiant Barrier and a ridge vent, it has addressed three types of heat flow; conductive, convective and radiant within that system.

Is dust an issue in the residential attic-mounted Radiant Barrier, when installed blanket fashion on the attic floor

Reflectix does not recommend radiant barriers installed in a blanket fashion on the floor of the attic. Over time, the accumulation of dust on the upward facing surface will dramatically reduce the thermal performance of the product. Dust is not an issue when the product is installed directly to the decking, the side of a truss or the underside of the rafter.

Is multi layer foil insulation better than traditional insulation?

Multifoil insulation is a step up compared to other traditional insulation available on the market today. While rock wool insulation and most other insulation products restrict heat transfer only through conduction or convection, foil insulation limits the flow of heat through all three mechanisms.

Unlike rock wool or fibreglass insulation, the foil insulation rolls do not give out any irritating fibres. The fibres released by the wool insulation are known to cause skin irritation and other respiratory problems. With foil insulation, you need not trouble yourselves with masks. It also improves indoor air quality as no fibres are released into the environment when plasterboards are removed.

Insulation boards, rock wool or glass wool insulation effectively prevent heat loss but have no control over airflow or water vapour. Foil insulation blanket, on the other hand, regulates both air and vapour circulation through its fabric. It also acts as a thermal barrier that reduces cold bridging when laid across rafters or timber studs.

Another benefit of multifoil insulation is that it is very durable. Foil insulation can last for many years, and it is not susceptible to damage from insects, rodents, fungi, mildew or moisture. It's also tear and puncture-proof.

Moreover, it is non-toxic and non-carcinogenic, so there's no need to worry about it catching fire or releasing harmful gases into your property.

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Thermal performance of foil insulation:

The performance of any insulation material is measured in terms of its R-Value. R-value indicates how well an insulating material resists heat flow. Higher R-values usually mean better insulating properties. The R- values of any insu lation depend on the insulation itself, its thickness, the application, moisture and many other factors. 

Multifoil insulation makes use of the static air that surrounds it. The heat is thrown back by the reflective layers of the foil insulation. Since air is a good insulator, the total R-value includes the core value of the multifoil, plus the value of one or two adjacent air gaps. Multifoils have proven to perform well in industry tests.

For roof refurb/extension jobs in the UK, you have to achieve a U-value of approximately 0.18. Using multifoils, this target is quite easily reachable. Foil insulation will help achieve the required U-value when used in combination with other insulating products. 

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Why use foil insulation?

We lose about 30% of the heat in our home through the roof and 25% through walls on average. Multifoil insulation effectively stops heat loss in roofs and walls. Multifoils allow you to keep your home comfortably warm, even when it is freezing outside. Some other benefits of foil insulation include: 

Foil insulation provides effective insulation all year round:

Foil insulation works brilliantly, irrespective of the season. If the roof in your building is exposed to direct sunlight, temperatures will increase throughout. The increasing temperature can be quite uncomfortable, especially without air conditioning.

When foil insulation is specifically used in such cases, it acts as a barrier, reflecting a large portion of the heat away from your living space. As a result, it can keep your home or workspace cooler in the summer months. The use of foil insulation reduces energy expenses by limiting air conditioning usage during peak times.

In winter, it retains heat by reflecting heat indoors whilst limiting heat loss through the roof or walls.

Foil insulation saves energy and money

Since multi layer foil insulation limits heat loss by all three mechanisms, it is an excellent way to save both money and energy. 

Foil insulation is high performing product:

Multifoils are high-performing insulation. With foil insulation rolls, you’ll achieve the same levels of efficiency in a considerably smaller profile as compared to traditional insulation products. Although it is about 3 to 5 times thinner than mineral wool rolls or slabs, it is just as effective, if not more.

Ease of installation:

The foil insulation rolls are light in weight and can be installed with staples, quite easily. They can effectively cover irregular areas and rough edges in the roofs or walls. They are ideal to work with, especially if you need to install insulation in areas with space constraints like a small attic space. They do not need any specialised tools or equipment to be installed. 

Remember that you need to allow for adequate air space between the foil and the roof. This is so that warm moist air has a way to escape from between the insulation and the roof tiles, rather than condensing sighting on the rafters which will ultimately cause damage. This goes for any type of insulation though not just multifoil insulation. 

Foil insulation can insulate almost anything!

Apart from insulating roofs, foil-insulation blankets can also be used to insulate walls and floors as well. As effective as they are, in reflecting heat that enters your facility through the roof, they are just as effective in reflecting heat to the source when used for wall insulation or floor insulation. They help to achieve lower U-values when used in combination with other insulation products. 

Bear in mind that for the radiant insulation to be reflected, an air gap is required to be maintained directly in front of the insulation. In other words, it cannot be laid directly touching adjacent surfaces for it to reflect radiant heat effectively. It must not be sandwiched too tightly either, because this will also reduce the effectiveness of the conduction and convection insulating properties of the material.

Foil insulation saves space and is durable:

Traditional insulation like mineral wool insulation slabs or PIR boards, are quite thick and consumes a considerable amount of space. You will not face this issue with multifoils. The foil insulation blanket is a very light and thin product that saves space. As a result, you will have more indoor space when they are used to insulate walls. It is especially used in loft conversions, wherein the space constraint exists.

You need your new insulation to endure as long as possible when you install it. Foil insulation could give you the best ROI. Multifoil insulation has a longer life expectancy than many other types of insulation, allowing you to get the most value for your money. You can achieve the best results with foil insulation, and it's worth investing in high-quality insulation whose energy savings will mean that the insulation soon pay for itself.

Multifoil insulation is environmentally friendly and meets building regulations!

With the UK gearing up to meet its carbon neutrality goal by , the construction industry is looking into new, greener, cleaner insulation products and standards. Multifoil insulation takes you one step closer to this end goal. Most foil insulation blankets are made using recycled materials.

The Superfoil and Actis insulation products that we store at Buy Insulation Online are LABC Registered System approved. The products assure quality and meet the standards required by insulation products. 

Multifoil insulation we store here at Buy Insulation Online includes

Superfoil SF19+ Foil Insulation Roll: SuperFoil SF19+ is high-performance, multifoil insulation that offers exceptional thermal insulation all year round. A single foil insulation roll performs three functions: It acts as an effective vapour barrier, a radiation barrier and provides efficient insulation. 
The foil insulation blanket makes use of Dupont's ultra-efficient nano-coating technology. It adheres to building regulations making it ideal for use in all projects, including new construction, extensions and retrofits. The easy-to-install foil insulation roll effectively prevents air leaks and draughts. 

Actis Hybris Multifoil Insulation Panel: All year long, Actis Hybris foil insulation provides excellent thermal and acoustic insulation in your facilities. It's made from curved polyethene foams attached to aluminium-coated polyethene foils in a honeycomb structure. Its unique construction includes multiple low-emissivity cavities, thus enabling the product to give an exceptional thermal performance. They do not sag over time or have irritating fibres that affect the indoor air. Fo r this reason, they are an upgrade when compared to traditional wool insulation. 
The foil insulation blankets reduce thermal bridging. They are wind and moisture-resistant. Foil insulation is light, portable, and quick to install. It is ideal for roof insulation and can be used in all new builds and retrofits. 

Actis Hybris Boost R Hybrid - Actis Boost R Hybrid membrane can be used to insulate roofs and walls. It combines two advantages into one, easy-to-use product. A built-in breather membrane in the foil insulation allows for superior thermal performance. The long-lasting insulation minimises thermal bridging. The dual features of Boost R Wall foil insulation allow for a reduction in the number of installation processes while maintaining the same needed U-value by lowering the thickness. It can also be used in conjunction with other insulation products. 

Actis Hcontrol Hybrid Foil insulation - Actis Hcontrol Hybrid blends two advantages into a single outstanding product. A built-in vapour controller in the multifoil insulation offers the product unrivalled thermal performance all year long. It adheres to the building regulations and can be used together with other insulating materials. 
 Hcontrol Hybrid roll's dual efficiency allows for a reduction in installation steps whilst saving space. It maintains the same required U-value by decreasing the thickness of the insulation.

YBS SuperQuilt Insulation: YBS is a well-known foil insulation manufacturer in the UK. The YBS Superquoilt foil insulation rolls contain 19-layers of aluminium foil that is specially designed to give superior thermal insulation in floors, roofs and walls. 

YBS foil insulation wrap can be used to insulate pitched roofs, flat roofs, between rafters, loft insulation, internal walls, cavity walls, suspended floors, crawl spaces and much more!
This insulation roll is made with a unique design which holds the many layers in place so that they do not separate while cutting. This foil insulation wrap is non-degradable meaning it continues to give superior thermal insulation for many long years.

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Is multifoil insulation a DIY project?

With multifoil insulation, insulating roofs is just a two-person job. To insulate a loft, first off, you need to gather some tools like the foil insulation rolls, a sharp pair of scissors, staples a stapler gun, and aluminium foil tapes. 

How to insulate rafters with multifoil?

Starting at the top of the roof, roll the multifoil horizontally along the rafters. Secure the foil in position with staples, placing staples using an electric staple gun at every 100 mm. Once you reach the other end of the roof, cut the foil and seal it using foil tape or you can pre-cut the foil insulation roll to size. Any extra layers of foil should overlap by at least 75 centimetres. All overlaps and joints must be further secured using foil tape.

To complete the installation, cut the foil insulation along the rafters. Staple it straight onto the wall plate after carefully positioning it into the eaves to form an insulation blanket that covers the entire roof. 

Can we use Foil Insulation for Lofts?

Yes, foil insulation can be used to insulate lofts. Mulitifoils are lightweight and compact. which makes them perfect to insulate lofts or areas with space constraints. It is much easier to insulate uneven spaces or hard-to-reach corners with multifoil insulation.  

Here's a quick guide to installing multi-layer foil insulation over the joists in your loft.

Remove Existing Insulation

Begin by removing the existing loft insulation. Use suitable protective equipment like masks when doing this.

Cutting to size the Multifoil

Measure out the size required, then simply roll the multifoil over the joists. Using only scissors or a Stanley blade, multifoil can be easily trimmed and cut to size.  Make certain the layers are overlapped by min 50mm.

Recess and Staple the Multifoil

Staple the multifoil on the top of the joists, as well as additionally on the sides when recessing. We recommend making use of a 25mm batten to make use of as a guide, this will guarantee accurate air gaps. The advantage of recessing is to produce a cavity without making use of a batten. When a cavity is developed, optimum efficiency is obtained from the insulation so it can reflect heat as its designed to.

Taping & Sealing

Make certain all overlaps are completely taped and also secured making use of Foil Tape. Make certain any brick walls are dust and debris free. Fully tape as well as seal around the boundary with foil tape. This will certainly ensure that the multifoil insulation functions as an Insulating Vapour Control Layer. 

Installing Loft Space Board

Once the foil insulation has been installed you can simply screw down the boards for walking on straight onto your joists.

PIR Vs Foil Insulation:

Multifoils or foil insulation rolls are easy to deal with. They are easy to cut and install, which makes the whole installation process that much quicker and less messy. The same cannot be said about PIR insulation. 

It is a known fact that installing PIR boards is a messy process. It creates a good amount of dust and wastage and is a labour-intensive installation. Plus the ever-increasing prices of PIR insulation thanks to the shortage of the core ingredient for making PIR do not help its cause.

Foil insulation wrap is mess-free and although it does feel pricey at a glance when you actually compare material, labour and installation charges for PIR it adds up to be equal. The cost of foil insulation can easily be recouped in just a couple of years.

In conclusion :

Multifoil insulation is a step up from traditional insulation methods. The initial investment might be a bit higher but when compared to labour charges and other charges relating to the installation of insulation boards or slabs, foil insulation like a much better option. 

For high-performing foil insulation rolls and panels visit www.buyinsulationonline.co.uk. Not only do we supply you with top-quality pipe insulation, duct wrap, and acoustic insulation products, but we also plant a tree per order and save five trees in the Amazon!

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