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Directory: Catalog > Insulation
Astro-Foil Reflective Foil Insulation
Astro-Foil Reflective Insulation has many applications. It can be used as the primary insulation in every type of building and in all
climates. Commercial structures like post-frame and pre-engineered metal buildings
that are used for light industrial, warehousing, and animal and poultry confinement
can take advantage of Astro-Foil's excellent thermal properties.
Buildings that install Astro-Foil Reflective Insulation exposed
to the inside of the building, get the added benefit of better light with fewer
fixtures. Astro-Foil Reflective Insulation is extensively used by manufacturers
of recreational vehicles, conversion vans, as well as stand alone products like
auto and aircraft window sunshields.
A special insulating material with important benefits for hot summer temperatures. Astro-Foil Reflective Insulation consists of two layers of polyethylene bubble
film sandwiched between 2 layers of 99.9% pure aluminum foil, bonded together
with 5 layers of polyethylene film, making a 9 layer structure 5/16ths inch thick.
Astro-Foil Reflective Insulation is truly a special insulating material with
important benefits for hot summer temperatures. That's because Astro-Foil Reflective
Insulation reflects up to 97% of the radiant heat rays that strike its surfaces.
Combine this unique ability to keep the effects of the hot sun from penetrating
buildings with Astro-Foil's impermeability to moisture and wind infiltration and
you have the perfect solution to insulation problems in many applications.
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
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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.
Insulation R-Value Facts
What is the R-value of ASTRO-FOIL?
Using standard test methods and scientific model calculations,
the R-value could be as high as an R-29 but will vary dependant upon the application
and the direction of heat flow. R-value
Calculations.
If you install two layers of ASTRO-FOIL will you double
the R-Value?
No. By placing two layers together, you will still only have
one reflective surface. The only additional R-Value you will achieve is the additional
R-Value of the bubble layer itself, which is an R.5.
Why do I need an air space next to the ASTRO-FOIL or R+HEATSHIELD
surface?
When aluminum foil is in direct contact with another surface,
it conducts (or transfers) heat at the points of contact. Creating an air space
will prevent conduction and allow the foil surface to reflect radiant heat. Aluminum
foil reflects 97% of radiant heat.
Does ASTRO-FOIL itch like fiberglass
insulation?
No. ASTRO-FOIL is manufactured out of polyethylene film, air
bubbles and 99% pure aluminum foil. There are no irritants or fibers. Astro-Foil
can be installed without the hassles of protective clothing, masks, gloves, or
special tools.
Do I need special tooling to install
ASTRO-FOIL?
No. ASTRO-FOIL can be cut easily with a razor blade or scissors
and installed with common staples, nails or screws.
Do I need to tape the seams?
To achieve an absolute moisture barrier, taping the seams
is recommended.
All of the equipment in my metal
building is getting damaged from condensation drips. Do you have a product that
can help?
A variety of ASTRO-FOIL
and R+HEATSHIELD
products will reduce, if not stop your condensation problem by creating a buffer
between interior and exterior temperatures.
Can I install R+HEATSHIELD by myself?
R+HEATSHIELD
is a perfect do-it-yourself product to enhance the current insulation in your
attic. It is lightweight, easy to install and will reduce energy consumption.
I am installing a radiant heat
system in my new home. What insulation should I use?
Staple ASTRO-TAB
in the joist cavity under your radiant flooring system to reduce hot spots, prevent
downward heat loss, and decrease boiler loads. Install TUFF-STUFF
under your concrete hydronic floor system to achieve a moisture barrier and thermal
break that meets manufacturer requirements.
See Also:
Information Source: Innovative Energy
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