rFoil reflective insulation for Garage and Outbuildings

Garages and storage buildings are often overlooked when it comes to comfort in extreme weather conditions. In many cases, garages and outbuildings often have little or no insulation. But by using rFoil reflective insulation, it's possible to work in these buildings year-round. rFoil is the ideal insulation. 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 garage and outbuilding 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 roof or in the ceiling?

In the hot summer, up to 93% of heat gain in a building comes through the roof. In the winter, since heat rises, up to 75% of heat loss is also through the roof. This can make a garage or workshop very uncomfortable to work in.

Because mass insulation is not as effective as rFoil, condensation and moisture build-up can also be a big problem in the fall and winter.

rFoil Reflective Insulation can deal with these situations: 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 asked is: "Should I insulate my roof or my ceiling." This depends where you live. If the weather gets hot, and cooling is a major expense, insulate the roof. This stops heat from getting into your garage, 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.

The easiest time to install rFoil is during construction. However, it's very easy to retrofit an existing building. 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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It's raining inside my building!

Some buildings in the upper half of the country 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 the inside and cold from the outside 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 -- that is, if you can't see it, it must not be happening. But in reality, condensation IS occurring, but the fiberglass is soaking up the moisture like a sponge.

Can rFoil stop it?

Yes. Because rFoil reflects 97% of radiant heat, it stops heat from actually getting through. 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 for mass insulation users. This is a problem that rFoil can solve. Because rodents and birds steal foam and fiberglass for nesting, and some breeds of insects have been known to eat foam and fiberglass, it becomes necessary to replace it 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 last 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.

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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. We recommend one roll of tape for every roll of insulation, unless you are using No-Tear Radiant Barrier (tape is unnecessary in this case), or 16" or 24" wide material (then we recommend one roll with your total order).

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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