Foil-wrapped bubble pack vapor barrier / insulation
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Any comments on Covertech’s rFOIL brand? Makes great claims when air spaces are created between two layers of foil AND another between the foil and the wall surface – works for my application because
Was reading Martin’s expose on foil barrier sham claims, wondering if some foils are better than others, and if this is a good application for a somewhat limited product.
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Replies
Gordon,
I have no reason to believe that some brands of foil-faced bubble wrap are better than others.
If you create air spaces and line the air spaces with a radiant barrier, the radiant barrier will help raise the R-value of the air space from about R-1 to R-2 or R-3 -- until the radiant barrier gets dusty. Once it is dusty, the R-value of the air space will drop back down to about R-1.
The improvement in R-value comes from the radiant barrier, not the bubble wrap. If you take this approach, you can save money by purchasing radiant barrier foil rather than foil-faced bubble wrap.
That said, I don't recommend this approach. Real insulation is always cheaper, easier to use, and longer-lasting.
(If any GBA readers want to read my article on the topic, here is the link: Stay Away from Foil-Faced Bubble Wrap.)