Reflective Insulation

How does it work ?
Why use it  ?
Before you decide which product you need and how it needs to be installed, it is important to understand the difference between a reflective insulation system and a radiant barrier.

Definition of a reflective insulation system and a radiant barrier (Source : RIMA) : Reflective insulation is thermal insulation composed of enclosed air spaces sandwiched between one or more low emittance materials. A radiant barrier system specifies that the reflective material facing an open air space. The main difference between the two is that a reflective insulation system has a measurable R-value.

By definition, this means that our AYR-FOILTM bubble products are reflective insulation systems because they already have an enclosed air space sandwiched between the outer layers. Radiant barriers are typically products such as aluminium-aluminium or aluminium-kraft paper. These products can also be reflective insulation systems if their foil side is facing an enclosed air space.

With its AYR-FOILTM products, RESISTO is committed to develop the use of bubble foil insulation. This is why you will find a lot more info on bubble-foil products than laminated foil in this installation guide.

AYR-FOILTM is a 5 / 16” or 3 / 16” thick, multi-layer, reflective insulation available in rolls of various widths and lengths. Two outer layers of reflective material reflect up to 97% of radiant heat. Each reflective surface is bonded to a tough layer of polyethylene for strength. Two inner layers of insulating bubble pack resist conductive heat flow while a centre layer of polyethylene gives AYR-FOILTM high reliability and strength.

AYR-FOILTM reflects the sun’s rays (infra-red) in the hot summer months. It also retains interior heat and helps to reduce or eliminate potentially damaging ice dams and condensation during the winter months. Radiant heat, the major source of heat transfer, is energy in the form of infrared rays. It travels at the speed of light, even through a vacuum, and is either transmitted through, absorbed into or reflected by any material it comes in contact with. Air, water, and glass, for example, transmit visible light to varying degrees. A white surface such as snow reflects it; while a black surface absorbs it. AYR-FOILTM reflective insulation reflects up to 97% of radiant
energy.

Ayrfoil InsulationWhat are
R-values ?

R-values are commonly used to rate the thermal resistance and effectiveness of insulating materials. When properly installed, AYR-FOILTM has a good R-value, which effectively resists heat transfer through thermal conduction. Because it acts as a radiant energy barrier AYR-FOILTM is superior to other mass insulation products with the same R-values. In addition to ensuring exceptional indoor comfort,  AYR-FOILTM  stands out by its ability to provide superior energy savings.