What Is Reflective Foam?
Reflective foam (also known as reflective foam core or foam board insulation), is typically made from a foam core that is coated with reflective materials, such as aluminum foil. The reflective coating creates a barrier to radiant heat, reducing heat transfer and improving the energy efficiency of a building. The foam core provides additional insulation and support for the reflective coating, making the material strong and durable. Some reflective foams may also contain other ingredients, such as fire retardants or other additives, to enhance their performance or provide additional benefits.
What Are the Benefits of Reflective Foam?
- Easy to install: It is easy to cut and shape to fit into tight spaces, making it a versatile solution for insulating a building. Because it is lightweight and easy to handle, a single person can easily install it without the need for special tools or equipment.
- Effective at reducing heat transfer in both directions: By reflecting thermal radiation, it can help to keep surfaces cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, reducing the amount of energy needed to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the building. This can save money on energy bills and make a building more comfortable year-round.
- Durable and long-lasting: Made from high-quality materials that are resistant to wear and tear, it can provide energy savings for many years. It is also easy to maintain and does not require special cleaning or care to keep it functioning effectively.
- Versatile: It can be used in a variety of applications, including attic insulation, wall insulation, and floor insulation. By combining it with other insulation types, it can provide even greater benefits.
What Is the R-Value of Reflective Foam?
The R-value of foam can vary depending on the specific type of foam and the thickness of the material. However, foam typically has an R-value of around 3.0 to 4.0 per inch of thickness. This means that a 1-inch thick piece of foam would have an R-value of 3.0 to 4.0. ES® Reflective Foam adds the R-value of foam with our patented radiant barrier, providing an R-value of 13 – 24.5!
It’s worth mentioning that R-value of reflective foam can fluctuate because of several factors such as type of foam, material thickness, temperature, and air movement around the material. These factors can all affect the performance of reflective foam and its ability to insulate. As a result, the actual R-value may be different in different situations and may not always be exactly equal to the manufacturer’s stated R-value.
Overall, reflective foam is a simple and effective way to reduce heat transfer and improve the energy efficiency of a building. Its ease of installation, effective insulation, and long-lasting durability make it a valuable addition to any building. Energy Shield USA stocks an abundance of our specialized ES® Reflective Foam to suit all of your needs.
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