What To Consider When Installing Foil Insulation Material
Foil insulation is a thin blanket made up of one or more layers of aluminum
, vinyl or air spaces which reflects heat. It is mostly used on the roofs where it can effectively reflect off the suns heat before it infiltrates in to the house. During the summer the foil insulation keeps the suns warmth from permeating into the building while during winter the foil insulation prevents heat from radiating out into the atmosphere hence keeping the room warm.
foil insulation can be fitted easily to the rafters or trusses of the attic with nails, screws or staples, or glue. For a good performance foil insulation must be fitted with an open air space. In addition the seams of the foil insulation must be taped well or fitted with adhesive to get the full effect of a moisture barrier. Installation should start by stapling the material to the first truss then rolling it and stapling it to each truss. Work should always start from the left to right and from top towards the bottom.
There are a few factors to consider when installing your foil insulation. The first one is the location of the foil insulation. Foil insulation works best if placed near the heat source. Stapling the foil insulation on the inside of the roof trusses or rafters is the best way to keep heat out in the summer. During the winter the foil insulation is used as a house wrap to stop heat from radiating outwards through the walls or beneath the floor.
The second consideration is moisture. Moisture can affect the performance of the foil insulation hence care should be taken to install the foil insulation in an area with the right moisture content. When the foil insulation is to be installed in the attic, it should be perforated so that moisture does not build up which may lead to condensation and freezing during the winter.
A tight seal is the other consideration to include when installing foil insulation. If installed properly as a house wrap during winter, foil insulation may acts as a barrier to air transfer thud reducing drafting in your house.
Although you might be in a position to install the foil insulation by yourself, it is advisable to contact a professional to do the work for you in order to get the optimal and lasting benefits from your foil insulation.