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Reflective Foil Insulation Frequently Asked Questions

HOW DOES ASTRO-FOIL WORK?

ASTRO-FOIL combines the insulating qualities of trapped air spaces with the superior heat reflecting capabilities of aluminum foil to create a material that stops heat transfer in all three of the ways that it occurs. There are three ways that heat goes to cold: CONDUCTION is heat flow primarily through a solid object like a wall, ceiling, or roof. CONVECTION is heat movement that takes place when air is warmed and moves because of buoyant effects. RADIATION is the movement of heat rays across air spaces from one warm object to another cooler object. Since all objects and bodies give off radiant heat, it is important to deal with this heat mode if we want energy efficient buildings. The best way to stop radiant heat is to reflect it or reduce the amount that is given off. ASTRO-FOIL does just that by reducing the amount of radiation that occurs, (because of its low emittance), and by reflecting thermal radiation from adjacent building components with its high reflectance. Additionally, the bubbles of trapped air between the aluminum surfaces provide a conductive barrier that helps give excellent R-values. Since ASTRO-FOIL is solid, impervious to convection and moisture, it is the perfect vapor and air infiltration barrier. ASTRO-FOIL is a complete insulation product.

WHAT IS THE R-VALUE OF ASTRO-FOIL?

Since ASTRO-FOIL must be installed with an air space in order for it to reflect heat, we state its R-value in terms of its installed "system", which includes the R-value of those surrounding air spaces. All reflective insulations have different R-values depending on the direction of the heat flow because the effects of convection in the airspaces vary with the direction of the heat flow. Therefore, ASTRO-FOIL's R-value is expressed as follows:

Down heat flow (summer) - R-15 Side heat flow (walls) - R-7.3 Up heat flow (winter) - R-5.4

These values include air spaces and framing materials required to meet the test model requirements for measuring reflective foils. ASTRO-FOIL's ability to reflect heat in open spaces is not fully measured by this test. It's this extra reflective capability that makes ASTRO-FOIL so special.

CAN YOU TELL ME PRECISELY THE THERMAL VALUE OF ASTRO-FOIL?

Currently there is no industry accepted standard for measuring the thermal performance of reflective insulations. The standards for R-Values, which is the standard for all types of insulation, does not accurately measure the heat reflecting abilities of aluminum foil surfaces, especially when those surfaces face a large open space. Neither do those standards evaluate the added thermal benefits derived from ASTRO-FOIL's vapor and wind barrier properties. While some calculations can be made to assess the R-values in encapsulated "systems", individual ASTM C-236 tests must be conducted to accurately evaluate each variable system. Someday there may be a special standard expression of the special thermal performance abilities of reflective insulations that will have industry wide acceptance.

HOW DOES ASTRO-FOIL WORK TO KEEP BUILDINGS WARM IN WINTER AND COOL IN SUMMER?

ASTRO-FOIL that is in the walls and ceiling of your building is like aluminum foil when wrapped around a baked potato -- in the winter it holds the heat in because of the foil's low emittance. In the summer, ASTRO-FOIL 's aluminum surfaces reflect the heat before it can enter, keeping the inside cool and comfortable. The trapped air in the bubbles between the foil layers provides a barrier against conductive heat flow, and because ASTRO-FOIL is solid, it is a convection and moisture barrier, providing additional thermal benefits.

WHY IS ASTRO-FOIL ESPECIALLY SUITED FOR INSULATING METAL BUILDINGS?

ASTRO-FOIL is lightweight, and very easy to install . . . so easy that in most cases your labor cost will be as much as 50 % less than the cost of installing conventional mass insulation. Because ASTRO-FOIL, once installed, is impervious to moisture, builders don't have to worry about material damage due to rain or roof leaks. Rain or shine, ASTRO-FOIL keeps right on working. Metal buildings are particularly sensitive to temperature changes. ASTRO-FOIL's ability to reflect heat in both directions gives all metal buildings an extra measure of comfort that regular mass insulation can't. Since ASTRO-FOIL is so strong and lightweight, in many applications it can be easily retrofitted to metal buildings by attaching it directly to the framing members. This eliminates the need for costly, time consuming construction of a grid to hold the insulation in place and added roof loads are insignificant.

WILL ASTRO-FOIL WORK IN MY HOME?

ASTRO-FOIL is an ideal insulating product for many home insulation projects. Use ASTRO-FOIL to insulate basement walls before paneling a new recreation room. Use it to warm up the floors by insulating the crawl spaces. Turn a garage into a year around work space by stapling ASTRO-FOIL over the framing studs of the walls and ceiling. Block the effects of summer's sun by applying ASTRO-FOIL to the roof rafters. Wrap the water heater to reduce energy consumption. Stop pipes from sweating by wrapping them with ASTRO-FOIL. There many ways ASTRO-FOIL can be used around the home to save energy and increase comfort -- and it's clean, easy to install, and environmentally safe too!

DOES ASTRO-FOIL PROVIDE ANY SPECIAL BENEFIT FOR ANIMAL CONFINEMENT BUILDINGS?

Yes. Because ASTRO-FOIL is impervious to moisture, its surfaces can be cleaned with high pressure sprayers. This makes disinfecting confinement building walls and ceilings a much easier task. ASTRO-FOIL, when left exposed to the inside of your building, gives an added benefit of comfort not experienced with other insulations. Livestock give off body heat which is reflected back to them by the ASTRO-FOIL surfaces. This keep them more comfortable at a lower ambient air temperature than with regular wall and ceiling surfaces, thereby lowering energy costs. Also, exposed ASTRO-FOIL can cut lighting requirements by as much as 30%. ASTRO-FOIL keeps confinement buildings cooler in the summer. Because there is no heat buildup, temperatures should never get higher than outside air temperatures in buildings that are adequately ventilated. In the winter, ASTRO-FOIL's reflective ability virtually eliminates temperature stratification inside the confinement structure. This stabilization of temperatures from floor to ceiling reduces convective drafts, providing an additional measure of comfort for livestock.

RODENTS AND BEETLES LIKE TO NEST IN MOST MASS TYPE INSULATIONS. WHAT ABOUT ASTRO-FOIL?

Rodents and other pests can't find a good home in ASTRO-FOIL like they can in mass insulations. That helps keep them out of confinement structures, reducing feed loss and disease. Whether you raise poultry, pigs, or fish, ASTRO-FOIL will help you raise them healthier and faster.

IS ASTRO-FOIL DIFFICULT TO INSTALL?

Not at all. There are no special clothing or mask requirements because ASTRO-FOIL can't hurt you. All you need are scissors, razors, measuring tape, and a stapler. Detailed installation instructions are available upon request.

THIS SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE -- DOES ASTRO-FOIL COST A LOT MORE THAN MASS INSULATION PRODUCTS?

No. In fact ASTRO-FOIL costs about the same as a 6" batt of fiberglass, and field tests and customer's experiences indicate that, in many applications, ASTRO-FOIL does a much better job.

Information Source: Innovative Energy