Radiation barriers are the answer to the growing need for energy efficient homes, and with the abundance of aluminium foil in Malaysia it’s only natural that aluminium foil for roofing insulation is extensively used here. Keeping costs down is always a priority, and making use of the a material that’s highly available is always more cost-efficient. 

What is a Radiant Barrier?

A radiant barrier is a composite material that shields buildings from environmental heat and prevents unwanted loss of heat from within. It consists primarily of two layers: a reflective outer layer (e.g. aluminium foil) and a heat insulating core (e.g. tear-resistant polyethylene).

Aluminium/polyethylene barriers are effective insulators, with the outer reflective layer reflecting up to 95% of radiated heat (in the form of sunlight) away. Thermal transfer of the remaining heat is then retarded by the inner layer, which prevents a lot of heat from getting in or out.

More advanced radiant barriers may comprise of multiple layers of insulating polyethylene, others with bubbles within the aluminium layer. This creates pockets of air in between the layers which provide an additional thermal barrier.

To help prevent damage to the insulating material inside, the composite is reinforced with a non-abrasive backing layer. Often, a layer of fibre webbing is placed in between the insulating material from the backing layer which further strengthens it.

Looking for Aluminium Foil? 

Find out How You Can Choose the Right Supplier of Aluminium Foil in Malaysia

 

Why Use Aluminium Foil for Roofing Insulation in Malaysia?

1. Environmentally Friendly.                                                                            

For those of us living in the hot tropical climate of the equator, you’ll probably agree that air-conditioning is the best thing ever invented. But while they’ve moved away from using ozone-depleting refrigerant gasses, they still consume a lot of electricity.

And since Malaysia still relies heavily on the burning of fossil fuels for electricity, which means that air-conditioners not only run up your electricity bill, but is also contributing to greenhouse gases and global warming.

2. Passive Thermal Control.

Aluminium foil roofing insulation is an effective and cost-efficient way of keeping buildings cool – by keeping heat from getting in in the first place! A radiant barrier is especially useful in climates which receive a lot of sunlight, which is capable of blocking significant amounts of radiated heat, cheaply and effectively.

On the other hand, when the temperature drops (say during the rainy season), this same barrier helps keep heat in by preventing heat from transferring outside. How handy!

3. High Availability of Aluminium Foil in Malaysia.

The high availability of aluminium makes aluminium foil for roofing insulation in Malaysia a smart, economical choice.  

4. Lightweight and Fire Retardant.

In addition to its heat insulating properties, aluminium and polyethylene are lightweight materials. This makes the composite easy to handle and light. And a lightweight material is going to take a lot of stress off the roof, which is very desirable. The aluminium layer also provides a degree of fire protection.

How to Choose Aluminium Foil Roofing Insulation in Malaysia?

Here are the main qualities that you should look for in a radiant barrier:

1. Emissivity – The amount of thermal radiation that a barrier will allow through. Lower is better. Multi-layered barriers contain additional pockets of air that reduces emissivity.
2. Fire Rating – Fire retardant barriers add significant amounts of protection from fires, primarily from conduction and convection. However, it does nothing to prevent fires spreading through radiating heat.
3. Ease of Handling – Lightweight barriers are easier to move around and install. It also puts less stress on the surface you’re installing it on, in this case the roof. In fact, radiant barriers are usually light enough that it can be easily installed by one of two people with a measuring tape, cutting instrument (scissors, razor blade, etc.) staples or glue.
4. Strength of Reinforcement – This protects the relatively fragile core materials from damage. Make sure that the reinforcing material does not cause the insulation to tear.
5. Appropriate Width – No point buying a barrier that won’t fit in the space you want, right?
6. Cost – Always find the best price for quality.