rFoil Reflective Insulation for Farm and Animal Buildings

Insulating animal production buildings is one of the most important things you can do to it. It's important to provide a comfortable environment for the animals, providing moderate temperatures and protection from excess moisture.

rFoil is the ideal insulation for farm and animal production buildings. Not only is it a reflective insulation, it's also a moisture/vapor barrier. With it, you can:

• Replace fiberglass or foam insulation
• Block out condensation that normally collects under a roof
• Cut heating and cooling costs
• Eliminate nesting of wild birds and rodents

Frequently asked questions about agricultural/animal installations

• In the roof or in the ceiling?
• It's raining inside my building! Can rFoil stop it?
• Will rodents, wild birds, and/or insects destroy it?
• Should I insulate my walls?
• What else do I need?

In the summer, because of the hot summer sun, most of the heat gain in a building comes through the roof. In the winter, since heat rises, most of the heat loss is also through the roof. This is why most farmers and producers insulate the roofs of their buildings. However, because fiberglass and foam don't work as well as they're supposed to, condensation and moisture build-up can be a big problem in the fall and winter.

rFoil insulation can cover all of these areas: it can reflect heat back outside in the summer, reflect it back inside in the winter, and reduce condensation and moisture buildup.

One question we are frequently faced with is: "Should I insulate my roof or my ceiling." This depends on where you live. If the weather gets hot, and cooling is a major problem, then insulate the roof. This will block heat from getting into the building at all, stopping it at the roof line. If the weather gets very cold, and heating is a major expense, then insulate the ceiling. This will allow you to insulate and heat a smaller portion of the building, saving energy costs.

The easiest time to install rFoil is during building construction, between the studs and metal. However, it's very easy to retrofit an existing building as well. Installation instructions are available from WE International by calling (574) 457-3066, or by emailing us at weexport@we-intl.com.

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Some buildings in the Midwest, Northeast, and Northwest have serious problems with condensation. This happens when the temperature on the outside and the temperature on the inside are significantly different (usually in the fall and winter). As the heat from inside the building and cold from outside of the building meet (generally at the roof level), condensation forms and collects on the underneath side of the steel roof. As it collects, the condensation rains down inside the building, or soaks up fiberglass insulation already installed. Once fiberglass insulation gets wet, it's ruined. Fiberglass advocates often claim that fiberglass prevents condensation -- what is actually happening is condensation IS occurring, but the fiberglass is soaking up the moisture like a sponge.

Can rFoil stop it?

Yes. Because rFoil reflects 97% of all radiant heat, it blocks heat from actually getting through the first layer of foil. So, while it may be cold on the other side of the insulation, the heat will not reach it. As a result, condensation is reduced, and the inside of the building stays drier.

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Will rodents, wild birds, and/or insects destroy it?

Destruction of mass insulation by rodents and wild birds is a common complaint among farmers and animal producers. This is a problem that rFoil can solve. Because rodents and birds will steal foam and fiberglass for a nest, and some breeds of insects have been known to eat foam and fiberglass insulation, it becomes necessary to replace this type of insulation every few years.

However, since there is nothing usable for a nest, birds and rodents leave rFoil alone. And, since there's nothing in it for insects to eat, they also leave it alone. As a result, a single rFoil installation will remain in place for many years.

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Should I insulate my walls?

In most cases, yes. Heat will still enter and leave through walls, so insulating the roof or ceiling may not be enough. Insulating the walls with rFoil will create a tight, moisture-proof barrier against unwanted heat loss and gain.

In high-traffic/high-abuse areas, it's not uncommon to see tears and rips in rFoil installations. To prevent this, we recommend using No-Tear insulation, a no-bubble, nylon-reinforced insulation that is highly resistant to tears and rips. If a tear develops in a piece of No-Tear, high strength nylon fibers prevent the insulation from tearing any further. It can be used in nearly any installation where Bubble Barrier would be used.

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What else do I need?

When using rFoil, there will be seams and splices that need to be covered up, to prevent heat loss/gain at these points. We have reflective tape available that is used for covering up seams. There is a formula to use when ordering tape and insulation, which we will provide to you with your quote.

Pricing, dealer information, and application instructions are available from WE International by calling (574) 457-3066, or by emailing us at weexport@we-intl.com.

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