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Does foil insulation cause condensation?

Foil insulation helps prevent condensation by blocking warm air from entering a space. Condensation is caused when hot air meets cold air and particles can no longer hold onto water molecules. Because foil insulation reflects warm air from entering, a mixture of hot air and cold air cannot create condensation.

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The Benefits of Foil Insulation

5 Minute read

What is Multifoil Insulation?

What are the benefits of foil insulation?

Where can I use multifoil insulation?

NASA use foil insulation to insulate space crafts, so it must be good for your home, right? If it can protect spacecraft from losing radiant heat in space, it can certainly protect your dwelling from heat loss. There are plenty of insulation options out there, ranging from blanket insulation to foam, mineral wool and more. However, foil insulation is a lightweight, space-saving solution that’s easy to install and will last for decades. Unlike other insulation materials, foil insulation does not prevent the conduction of heat but reflects radiant heat back towards the source. Plus, it can drive heat out in summer and it can trap it inside during winter. Use foil insulation alongside other types of insulation to ensure your property has the highest levels of thermal protection possible. Foil insulation, or multifoil insulation, is an effective method to prevent heat loss and condensation in homes, buildings, and more. It is typically made from aluminium foil or aluminised polyester and works by reflecting radiant heat, convection and conduction. It provides insulation and protection in a space year-round and is made up of a mix of reflective film and wadding. Its reflective layers help to create an airtight seal, which prevents outside air from coming through and helps improve energy efficiency, reduce energy bills, and more.

What are the benefits of foil insulation?

Although there is an initial cost to purchase and install foil insulation, the benefits, in the long run, will repay the investment multiple times over. Check out the top benefits of multifoil insulation below.

Prevents heat loss, year-round

Foil insulation can prevent radiant heat loss all year round. In summer, it can prevent heat from entering by reflecting sunlight. In winter, it can reflect heat back inside a room, keeping it warmer.

Reduces energy bill

Insulation helps to reduce your home’s energy bill by making your space more energy-efficient. Install insulation to save up to £315 per year by, depending on the size of your property. Plus, you can reduce your energy consumption can help protect our environment and make your structure greener.

A lightweight, space-saving solution

Foil insulation is a lightweight solution that can save space because of how thin it is. If you have little space in a loft or roof, multifoil insulation is an ideal option. This makes it great for small spaces, attics and even in walls. Multifoil insulation is easy to cut and install, as opposed to other types of insulation which require specific tools and can be difficult to handle. It’s also non-toxic, so you require no safety equipment. It also makes very little mess, requiring little clean up (unlike foam insulation). Foil insulation comes in rolls that are light and easy to handle. Plus, it is flexible and you can install with staples. Especially when working in small spaces, you want to have the minimum number of tools, which makes multifoil insulation your best option.

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Use it almost anywhere

You can install foil insulation pretty much anywhere! Besides in spacecraft, it also works well as roof insulation and wall insulation. It’s convenient and you can use it in a variety of ways, even for DIY projects. For more installation tips, check out the next section below. It’s an effective solution, with little disturbance and space requirements.

Lasts for decades

Foil insulation can last for up to 50 years. So, there’s no need to regularly replace it. That’s especially great for roof insulation, which can be difficult to replace. It is easy to maintain and it’s designed to last. Unlike other insulations, multifoil insulation does not compact, disintegrate or degrade over time. It’s an investment that will certainly pay off in the long run.

Increase home value

Install foil insulation to help improve the value of your home by improving its Energy Performance Certificate rating. This can be an important factor to prospective buyers.

Prevent condensation

Foil insulation helps prevent condensation by blocking warm air from entering a space. Condensation is caused when hot air meets cold air and particles can no longer hold onto water molecules. Because foil insulation reflects warm air from entering, a mixture of hot air and cold air cannot create condensation.

Can be combined with other insulation

Use a hybrid approach with foil insulation and other insulation types, like thermal foam, which helps ensure you have the best insulation possible. Plus, use foil insulation to create an airtight barrier that prevents condensation. It can be difficult to meet building regulations, particularly in older buildings. However, combine foil insulation and other insulations to ensure maximum efficiency and help you reach compliance with these regulations.

Where to install foil insulation?

You can use foil insulation in a variety of places. This is because multifoil insulation is particularly great for small spaces and areas where you need to conserve space. But it’s flexible enough that you can use it in many build-ups.

Here are a few common places to install foil insulation.

Flat roof insulation

One-fifth of your home’s heating is lost through the roof. So having good insulation can make or break your energy efficiency (and heating bills!) Flat roofs are especially prone to condensation and will need 50mm of ventilated air space below the deck. Use PIR insulation between the rafters. Install TLX Silver across the bottom of the rafter to prevent the risk of condensation forming.

Wall insulation

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Besides roofs, your home’s heat can easily escape through walls. Additionally, TLX Silver foil insulation can help trap in heat. Pull it taut and secure it with 38x38mm cross battens in line with the studs.

Loft conversions

Foil insulation is great for loft conversions. Lay TLX Silver underneath roof rafters, so you can create an airtight insulation layer as well as protect against vapour.

Extensions

Foil works well in extensions, just make sure you can pull it taught. Use 38x38mm cross battens to secure it.

Other projects, and DIY

Add foil insulation if you build a shed, garage or caravan. It won’t take up much space and will provide an effective, easy-to-install insulation solution on your next DIY project.

Choosing a Foil Insulation

We have 15 years of research and development to create the optimal foil insulation for your needs. Check out TLX Silver or TLX Gold, which are both lightweight, easy to install and effective at preventing heat loss. Both products are BBA approved and have LABC registered details.

What is TLX Silver foil insulation?

Multifoil insulation for roof insulation and wall insulation

A vapour barrier prevents water vapour from entering the roof space from below. It manages condensation risk

Install underneath roof rafters or to the inner face of a wall

TLX Silver is a space saver – 30mm thick – therefore, freeing space within the rafter or stud to add additional insulation Can reach a U value of 0.13w/m2k when used in conjunction with additional insulation

See TLX Silver in use by viewing our case studies HERE

What is TLX Gold foil insulation?

Multifoil roof insulation

It is a 2-in-1 insulating breathable membrane

Install it over the top of roof rafters It replaces a traditional breathable membrane TLX Gold provides a warm roof construction, allowing anything below it to be insulated. It manages condensation risk by allowing water vapour to pass through it

See TLX Gold in use by viewing our case studies HERE

Space Saver

TLX Gold is a space saver – 33mm thick, therefore, you don’t need to raise the roof if it is draped over the top of the rafters. Although a counter-batten can be used to secure it in place, which will raise the roof slightly if the head height in the rooms below is limited. Can reach a U value of 0.13w/m2k when used in conjunction with additional insulation. If you require technical advice, our helpful team of product scientists is on hand to help… Just ask. Call us at to learn more.

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