What it is
Reflective insulation combines a low-emissivity aluminium face with a lightweight core, either air-filled polyethylene bubbles or closed-cell foam. The foil face stops radiant heat; the core adds resistance to conduction and gives the sheet body. It is thin, light, easy to cut and staple, and does not shed fibres.
Foil-bubble or foil-foam
Foil-bubble is the lighter, lower-cost option for roof and wall radiant barriers, pallet covers and mailers. Foil-foam is denser, quieter and better at cushioning, which suits cooler-bag liners, box liners and equipment wraps. Both are available single- or double-faced; a white or metallised-film face can replace the plain foil where appearance matters.
How to specify
Core type and thickness, one or two foil faces, width and roll length, and the temperature the material will see in service. Bubble and foam cores are polyethylene, so they suit building and packaging temperatures, not hot industrial surfaces; for those we recommend a foil-scrim laminate instead.
Frequently asked
What R-value does it have?
The rated value depends on the construction and, above all, on the air gap it faces in the assembly. We provide test data per construction; ask for it with your inquiry rather than relying on a generic figure.
Can it be used on hot pipes?
Not with a polyethylene core. Use a foil-scrim or foil-PET laminate for high-temperature wraps.