A relatively new type of insulation on the market is reflective foil or bubble insulation. It uses polyethylene bubbles sandwiched between two layers of foil to block radiant heat energy. The reflective surface keeps heat from invading the air conditioned space in the summer and keeps warm air from escaping in the winter..
You can add bubble insulation to existing fiberglass insulation to improve its efficiency. It's low cost and easy to install. Bubble foil insulation differs from traditional fiberglass insulation because it reflects heat whereas fiberglass absorbs heat. Once fiberglass absorbs all the heat it can, some of the heat escapes. Fiberglass is made of recycled glass and limestone among other things. When working with it you must wear gloves and protective breathing equipment. Fiberglass insulation loses its effectiveness when it becomes damp and can form mold so in most cases requires the installation of an additional vapor barrier. Fiberglass is also prone to rodent and pest infestation.
Bubble insulation blocks 97% of heat transfer, is unaffected by heat and moisture, and provides a vapor barrier. The durable material has excellent longevity and will not loose it's effectiveness over time. It's non-toxic and safe to install. The finished appearance of the product is clean and neat. The insulation comes in four- or six-foot rolls x 150 foot and can be purchased with one or two layers of bubbles. Prices range from to 0 per roll.
Applications of bubble insulation include most of your typical fiberglass applications and can be used in both cold and warm climates. Bubble insulation can be used for attics, roofs, stud walls, crawl spaces, under concrete, HVAC ducts, metal buildings, garage doors, post frame buildings, basement walls and radiant floors. Different versions of the product are recommended for different applications so check the manufacturer website for details.
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