Multifoil Insulation
(13 Products)For minimal thickness and optimal performance, choose multifoil insulation. Unlike other forms of insulation, foil insulation is engineered to target radiation, conduction, and convection. Comprised of multiple layers, multifoil offers both summer and winter insulation, vapour control and breathability in one singular solution. Despite its many layers, multifoil is much thinner than standard insulation products and ideal for installation alone or within a build-up of other materials. Even the thinnest rolls promise low U-Values.
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What Is Multifoil Insulation?
Multifoil insulation (otherwise known as reflective insulation or aluminium foil insulation) is thin, flexible, and lightweight. Whereas most other insulation products are made from one material, multifoil insulation is made from multiple layers of insulating materials (as hinted by the 'multi' in its title), namely reflective aluminium foil, polypropylene, and thermo-foam.
Thin, reflective layers of materials are sandwiched between insulation wadding (polypropylene); the result is an extremely thin, airtight roll that contributes very little to the U-Value of a build-up of materials.
Multifoil Applications
Multifoil insulation is one of the most versatile forms of insulation available on the market, as it can be used for many different types of projects, including:
- Pitched roofs
- Flat roofs
- Lofts
- Walls
- Floors
Multifoil may be applied internally as a vapour control layer to prevent heat loss or externally as a breathable membrane to avoid moisture accumulation.
What Are the Benefits of Multi Foil Insulation?
There are lots of benefits to choosing multifoil insulation:
- Installation – Multifoil rolls are very lightweight and easy to handle. The materials inside the rolls do not create airborne dust particles that pose a threat to health.
- Thermal Comfort – Multifoil insulation helps to maintain the optimal temperature within a structure; be that the height of summer or the peak of winter.
- Lifespan – Multi foil rolls have a lifespan of over 50 years. They contain a vapour barrier that makes them resistant to rot, making them ideal for people who live in high rainfall areas.
- Build-Up – As we've established, multifoil loft insulation rolls are very thin. They can slot in alongside a build-up of thick materials with ease. Despite their thickness (or lack thereof), the rolls deliver excellent protection against conduction, convection, and radiation.
Multifoil Insulation U-Values
The term U-Value is often confused with thermal conductivity. Both are measured in Watts per meter-Kelvin (W/mK).
Thermal conductivity refers to how well a single insulation product transmits heat. U-Value refers to how well a build-up of materials transmits heat.
Multifoil roof insulation rolls have very low U-Values. SuperFOIL SF19BB has a U-Value as low as 0.010 W/mK.
How Does Multifoil Insulation Work?
Multi foil insulation products target the three primary mechanisms that facilitate heat transfer; radiation, conduction and convection.
The low-emissivity reflective layers within multifoil function as an airtight barrier, reducing the chance of condensation in your build.
Not only do these surfaces reflect heat back into your project in winter, but they also can control the amount of solar radiation entering the building in summer to make for a cooler, more comfortable living environment.
The layers of wadding between these reflective surfaces serve to trap air; this is how multifoil rolls prevent conduction. Each roll has either a fibrous core (which reduces heat loss through convection and conduction) or a bubble-like structure (which contains pockets of air that reduce heat transfer).
Actis Multifoil Insulation
Actis specialises in manufacturing tailor-made insulation solutions for common insulation problems such as thermal bridging.
Actis Boost R Hybrid is designed for installation on the cold side of roofs. It is comprised of a breather membrane and reflective foil. This multifoil roof insulation also has a vapour control layer, meaning it acts as an air-tight vapour barrier, working to repel rot or fungus that would otherwise affect its longevity.
Actis Hcontrol, Isodhesif Tape, and Actis Hybris are other popular ranges from the same manufacturer. Within a single product, Hybris delivers two separate functions: vapour control and insulation. Actis Hybris panels are ideal for new build or retrofit insulation needs.
SuperFOIL Multifoil Insulation
SuperFOIL is best known for creating high-performance 3-in-1 silver multifoil insulation. Like the other high performance foil insulation products in our range, SuperFoil SF19+ is manufactured with thermal efficiency in mind.
SF19 roll contains a radiant barrier and a vapour control layer. Its radiant reflective properties control the temperature of your home throughout the year; reducing the amount of hot air that infiltrates your home in the summer and preventing heat loss in winter.
Moreover, all SuperFoil SF19+ products are manufactured with 40% recycled materials meaning they're as gentle on the environment as they are tough on thermal performance.
In most cases, SF19 rolls are installed over and under rafters and studs in lofts, although they are also certified for use in walls. SuperFOIL can also accommodate both flat and pitched roofs as well as single or multiple layers, making it a versatile option for a variety of applications.
SuperFOIL is relatively easy to install as it requires no specialist tools when installing.
SF19BB and SuperCLOSE are also part of the SuperFOIL range.
Frequently Asked Multifoil Insulation Questions
Is Multifoil Insulation Fireproof?
Not all multifoil rolls are fireproof. All insulation materials have a classification on the Euroclass scale. Materials undergo up to five tests to get a classification from A1 (non-combustible) to F (combustible).
Most insulation products, especially those that are composed of lots of different materials like multifoil roof insulation, land somewhere in the middle of the scale.
SuperFOIL SF19+ rolls have a Euroclass rating of E when they are placed behind plasterboard. Some multi foil rolls do not have a Euroclass rating, because they are designed for use in a build-up of materials rather than on their own.
Does Foil Insulation Cause Condensation?
Foil insulation is like a barrier that stops warm air from getting into a space. Condensation happens when hot air meets cold air and tiny drops of water form.
Foil insulation works by bouncing the warm air away, so the mix of hot and cold air can't make those water droplets. It helps keep things dry and comfy inside.
How Does Multi Foil Insulation Compare To Traditional Insulation Products?
Foil insulation is a crucial component when meeting building regulations for domestic, commercial, and industrial structures.
Whilst rigid board and fibre insulation are effective in reducing heat loss, multifoil insulation goes a step beyond by simultaneously managing airflow and water vapour. By combining heat, air, and moisture management in one product, multifoils make meeting building regulations an easy task.
The issue with rigid insulation is that it absorbs heat energy instead of reflecting it back into the space like multifoil insulation products do. Generally, rigid insulation such as Celotex and Kingspan only starts working to equalise a room's temperature once the board itself reaches that temperature.
What's more, traditional insulation such as loft roll can take up room that you may not have. Multifoil insulation promises thin rolls with optimal thermal resistance. Construction professionals debate about the optimal thickness, but most rolls are between 35-45mm, which is considered to be a good level. PIR, on the other hand, requires a greater thickness to meet current building regulations.
Multi foil insulation can also be installed alongside a build-up of other materials to improve the overall U-Value. The rolls are so thin that they can slot in alongside existing build-ups. Lots of people choose these rolls when they want to improve their existing insulation without removing the entire build-up and starting from scratch.
Is Multifoil Insulation Effective In All Climates?
Multifoil insulation is effective in most climates. It is particularly beneficial in regions with temperature variations because it helps maintain a more stable indoor temperature.
However, its performance may vary depending on the specific climate and installation method.
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How to Install Foil Insulation on Walls
