Reflective Foil Insulation
By combining the reflective properties of aluminum and the insulating properties of trapped air, an effective insulating material can be developed. Adding more reflective layers will reduce radiation heat transfer accordingly. This is the method used by NASA to overcome the extreme environments (both cold and hot) of travel in outer space.
The reflective layers must be separated to prevent heat transfer by conduction. POLYNUM™ reflective insulation does just that. It is composed of thin layers of anti corrosion aluminum foil separated by polyethylene air filled bubble pack. The aluminum layers reduce radiation heat transfer while the air bubble pack provides a barrier to conduction from one aluminum layer to the next.
Advantages of Polynum™ Reflective Insulation
• Increase Comfort. Buildings with properly installed reflective insulation eliminate cold spots near walls since the heat energy is radiated back into the living space.
• Reduce air filtration. Using reflective insulation in combination with air spaces in the wall assembly will provide a location for interior electrical wiring without puncturing the vapour barrier. Test show that this method of insulation placement reduces air infiltration by 21% when compared to R-2000 standards.
• Reduce thermal bridge. Heat loss through studs represents up to 30% of the thermal bridge heat loss. Placing reflective insulation inside the wall and ceiling assemblies in combination with recommended air spaces will reduce the thermal bridge of studs and increase overall insulating value of the assemblies.
• Reduce heat loss through floors. Placing aluminum / vinyl reflective insulation under concrete slabs (especially ones with radiant floor heat) reduces heat loss by 20% when compared to un-installed slabs (based on R-10 insulation). Vinyl is required to prevent chemical attack on the foil.
• Reduce heat gain in summer. Placing reflective insulation in ceiling or roof assemblies will reduce heat gain in summer significantly. Well insulated and sealed homes with controlled ventilation can significantly reduce, if not eliminate, the requirement for air conditioning.
• Ease of retrofit. Reflective insulation can provide additional insulating value as well as a vapour barrier in one step. Installation with recommended air spaces will greatly improve the thermal envelope performance and reduce air infiltration. Note that well-sealed homes will require an air exchanger to provide fresh air for a healthy environment.
POLYNUM™ R and U values are measure with conjunction to your application, climate and heat flow. Using such realistic models, do provide customers with true heat resistance values. Hence, the beneficial effects that POLYNUM™ reflective insulation has on your energy bill is real, and achievable. POLYNUM™ can be much more efficient than other insulating materials claiming to have a much higher insulating factor.