Foiled vapor barrier: types and applications

The foamed vapor barrier is usually a film with a heat-reflecting effect. It was achieved thanks to the presence of a metallized layer, which must be turned towards the source of heat.

Application area

The described materials are used as a vapor barrier in rooms with high humidity by the type of baths and saunas. The film does not melt, does not release hazardous substances to the air, can be operated at temperatures up to +120 ° C.

In the case of modern steam rooms, the reflective properties of the foil vapor barrier are very important, because the sauna should be warmed after a melting of the furnace in a short time, while the energy consumption should be reduced. However, foil vapor barrier is used today not only in the bath.

When building a frame house, the usual vapor barrier was increasingly replaced with foil. With the same heating capacity, this approach makes it possible to increase the room temperature by 2 ° C. However, this material should be used wisely, because it should not be used for internal insulation of buildings made of concrete and brick, as well as other heat-intensive materials.

Recommendations for use

If the walls are frozen, then this will worsen the microclimate. As for a wooden house made of lumber or logs, for foil insulation, foil vapor barrier is the best. You can use it for unheated loggias, laying under the finish floor covering to make it warmer. застеклении открытых балконов, когда периметр предполагается отделать сэндвич-панелями, не выделяющими тепло, фольгированная пароизоляция позволяет сокращать затраты на отопление. When the open balconies are glazed, when the perimeter is supposed to be finished with sandwich panels that do not produce heat, foil vapor barrier can reduce the cost of heating.

Varieties of foil vapor barrier

The foamed vapor barrier is offered for sale today in a wide range. In order for the material to perform its functions, it is important to make the right choice. It is necessary to pay attention to the fact that the polymers that make up the substrate can have different structures. They consist of foam and polyethylene foam. For more impressive temperatures, the first option should be used, while the second one is relevant for a less aggressive environment.

The foamed vapor barrier for the bath is represented in the Penotherm variety. In this case, we are talking about a material that includes foamed polypropylene. The material can be operated at a temperature range of -40 to +150 ° C. Steam insulation is a low-hazard class of toxicity and moderate flammability. When used, thermal shrinkage is almost absent.

If you want to equip the system of warm floors, then you should prefer the NPPLE. This variety can also be used for the steam room. The foamed vapor barrier "Izospan FB" is designed to form a steam barrier in saunas and baths. The material can be used at rather high temperatures. That is why the vapor barrier "Izospan" plus foil insulation is excellent for particularly difficult conditions.

Features of Alufoma and Tepofol

The basis of polyethylene has "Alufom", which has a one-sided coating of aluminum foil. Temperature operating mode varies from -60 to +100 ° C. Steam insulation performs the functions of sound, hydro, steam and heat insulation, and also reliably protects against radon. It can be used for thermal insulation of roofs and floors. The wrinkled texture allows to curve curvilinear elements of minor radii without tearing the coatings.

Foamed polyethylene is the basis of "Tepofol", which in different variations has a reflective layer on one or both sides. The temperature effect can vary from -60 to +100 ° C. Use this vapor barrier can be for heat insulation of air ducts, roofs and walls, as well as for the installation of warm floors.

The foil-insulated vapor barrier for the house must be completely safe, such as Isolon, which is environmentally friendly. At the base lies foamed polyethylene foam. The vapor barrier is vapor-proof, durable, characterized by the flexibility and softness of the foil layer.

Features of "Penofol", foilized vapor barrier for the attic

If you need a foamed vapor barrier for the attic, then you can prefer "Penofol", which is based on a material with a thickness ranging from 0.2 to 1 cm. The thickness of the foil is 20 μm. It is important to take into account the reflection coefficient, it is equal to 97%.

On sale you can find material for use in harsh climates, in this case the thickness of the main layer will be 40 mm. The foil layer creates a barrier to heat transfer also due to foamed polyethylene, which has a huge number of pores filled with carbon dioxide and air. Operate "Penofol" can alone or in combination with other thermal insulation materials. It is especially useful if it is necessary to warm the surface and not to lose the useful area of the room.

Additional solution for the attic: "Ondutis R Termo"

This material is used for thermal insulation of metal and wooden structures. When warming the attic space or when building a roof in a residential attic, the film allows you to save heat and reduce heating costs.

The water resistance of this vapor barrier is 1000 mm of water column, as for the minimum vapor permeability, then this parameter is less than 10 g / m ² per day. The material safely undergoes temperature changes in the range from -40 to +120 ° C. Considering the strength, one should pay attention to the tensile load, which is 150 N along and 130 N across. This indicates that this foil film is able to withstand the weight of an adult.

The main advantages of Penofol

Before buying "Penofol" it is important to pay attention to its advantages, among them it should be noted:

• High ecological compatibility;
• Low vapor permeability;
• Simplicity of installation;
• Convenience of transportation;
• Insignificant thickness;
• Ability to noise absorption;
• High fire safety;
• Inaccessibility to rodents.

The main disadvantages of Penofol

Some consumers refuse to purchase "Penofol" when they learn about its shortcomings. Among them:

• High penetration;
• Inconvenience during installation, consisting in the need to use special adhesives;
• The insulation of the walls from outside with Penofol implies the use of the material only as an additional layer of thermal insulation.

As to high penetration, it will appear even at low pressure, this characteristic is due to the softness of the material.

Varieties of foil vapor barrier in the form of a film

The foamed vapor barrier for walls can be represented by a film. It is able to protect the heater from moisture, which penetrates from the premises. If you use such a vapor barrier in the bath, the inner skin can be reliably protected from decay and mold, which appear due to condensation after turning off the steam room.

Such a foil-reflecting vapor barrier will reflect heat, and condensate simply does not settle. The film can be made on the basis of kraft paper, this option is inexpensive, it differs in ease of handling, hygroscopicity and the fact that it is fairly easy to tear.

The vapor barrier can also be carried out on a polymer basis, in this case it is durable and durable, but will cost more. If aluminum sputtering is present on the surface, the thickness will start from 0.3 μm, but with a decrease in the thickness of the spraying, the heat reflectivity will deteriorate.

The foamed vapor barrier for carcass walls can have a base of aluminum foil. The thickness of this layer will start from 10 microns, which will guarantee the maximum level of reflection. Such materials are susceptible to corrosion, so they require additional protection. Experts advise insulating the walls of rooms with high humidity using foil films on a polymer basis with aluminum spraying, since they are not exposed to corrosion and are capable of undergoing high temperatures. They are strong, which greatly simplifies installation.

Films based on kraft paper can be used only in dry rooms, they can not be used in bathrooms or kitchens. For a warm floor it is recommended to purchase a film with aluminum foil, which distributes heat, smoothing cold bridges, if the pipes are not laid tight enough.

Varieties of Penofol

"Penofol" can be classified by type:

• A.
• AT.
• FROM.
• ALP.
• R and M.
• Super NET.
• AIR.

In the first version, the aluminum layer is applied only from the outside, this material is used together with the styrofoam and styrodur. Type B is coated on both sides and is suitable for self-use. Type C is a self-adhesive material in which the outer side is covered with foil, while inside is polyethylene foam with a contact adhesive.

ALP is "Penofol", on top of its aluminum layer a polyethylene film is fixed. This material is laminated, can be used for needs in rural areas. One-side foil embossed material is a variety of R and M. But for the thermal insulation of networks "Super NET" is used. The latter version is suitable for air ducts.

Conclusion

It's not enough to choose the foil-foamed vapor barrier, it's important to know how to mount it. The reflective layer should be directed towards the heat source. Air space in the range of 10 to 20 mm should be left on both sides of the vapor barrier. In order to ensure a 100% waterproofing and tightness, joints should be glued with foil tape. The foil acts as an excellent conductor of electric current, so it is important to check the insulation of the wiring.

If for the vapor barrier of walls you still decided to use Penofol, then to strengthen it you will need screws or a stapler. Inside the room is laid material, the thickness of which will vary between 4 and 5 mm. If you have an ordinary house or apartment, you should purchase one-sided material. But with a strong cooling walls, in addition to use insulation foam polystyrene or cotton wool.