Insulation works by trapping air within the insulator. Aluminium helps to prevent the warm air from heating other cold objects, keeping them warm instead. Insulation uses both aluminium and composite foils. Aluminium is a metal that conducts heat. Composite insulators are constructed from many layers of materials. These materials work together to prevent the flow of heat.
Although each type of foil has its own set of pros and cons, it all comes down to what you want in your insulated space.
What is Aluminum Foil?
Aluminium is one of the most common elements in the Earth’s crust. It is lightweight. It is highly conductive of both heat and electricity (meaning we can fold it). It is also solid and corrosion-resistant. It does not rust easily and is very inexpensive to mine and process.
It makes aluminium an excellent resource for insulation. Insulating foil is made by interleaving multiple sheets of thin aluminium with paper or plastic film. It resists heat flow into the space between each layer of metal.
Aluminium foil can serve as an insulator in homes. It is because it reflects up to 97% of infrared radiation back into your home. It helps keep out extra cold air in winter. It will also reduce summer cooling loads by reflecting away infra-red radiation from hot sun rays outside your home. It helps keep your home cool in summer. Depending on how well the foil is attached to the wall, it can be made airtight or semi-airtight.
What are Composite Foils?
Composite foils are insulation materials that use multiple layers of material placed together, with each layer acting to prevent heat transfer between them. The layers within composites vary depending on their purpose, but you will usually see at least 2 different types.
Although they have properties that work much like aluminium foil, they do not conduct electricity heat up as quickly as aluminium.
Composite insulators are made by interleaving a layer of aluminium foil with other types of materials. These may include Polyethylene plastic film, fibreglass insulation, and even wood chips.
What is Aluminum Foil Used?
Aluminium foil can be used to keep out cold drafts during the winter and to protect against the sun’s rays in the summertime.
Aluminium foil is also difficult to form into tight, straight edges, so it doesn’t often look attractive for home decoration purposes or if you need a clean line around window frames or doorways. Because aluminium itself conducts heat, it cannot be used as insulation on hot surfaces such as stovetops and ovens.
Aluminium foil is great for food packaging and cooking because it is airtight, moisture-resistant, and durable. It also resists most acids and bases, which makes it perfect for cooking.
What are the Features of Aluminum Foil?
Lightweight
Because aluminium is so lightweight, it can be easily carried, handled and installed. It is usually kept in roll form for ease of use by the consumer.
Aluminium foil is also very inexpensive compared to other types of insulation materials.
If you want to insulate small spaces such as walls around windows or doors, aluminium foil can be especially helpful. It can reflect radiant heat that gets into these spaces back into the room instead of letting it escape outside. It allows you to keep your home’s temperature lower than without insulation.
Can Resist Puncture Damage
Aluminium foil cannot tolerate punctures very well, but it resists punctures better than plastic wraps. It makes it useful in situations where the insulation is in areas prone to being punctured or where there are sharp corners that can pierce holes in the foil.
Is Versatile
Aluminium foil has a wide range of uses, depending on what you need in your insulated space. You can use aluminium foil for both cold and hot insulation, making it versatile if you want something that will work no matter what time of year.
Easy to Remove When Needed
Depending on how well the rolls are attached, aluminium foils can be made semi-airtight (working like flashing tape) where air movement may still occur between layers; or airtight where all air movement is blocked.
If you need to remove the foil, it doesn’t tear easily, so you can usually lift it to unseal and remove it. For more permanent sealing, We can glue down the aluminium foil to surfaces. But, this may not always provide a tight seal, depending on how it is attached.
What is Composite Foil Used?
Composite insulation materials are more durable than aluminium foil and keep out drafts better in winter. They are pest resistant, fire retardant, moisture resistant, mould resistant, rot-resistant, insect-resistant and water vapour permeable, allowing the insulator to breathe without promoting mould growth.
But because composite foils make airtight spaces challenging to enter or exit, they are less often used on doors or windows. As mentioned above, composite insulators can be made into any shape desired. It allows you to place them behind an opening door with a smooth edge for easy opening.
What are the Features of Composite Foil?
Fire Resistance
If you are insulating your home for fire protection purposes, composite insulation is the best option. It can be made to meet Class 1 fire ratings. The foil layer of aluminium foil cannot be counted on to protect stored items in cases where intense heat could potentially be applied, like behind appliances or near hot surfaces. Composite insulation material can withstand flames and even direct contact with open fire.
UV Resistance
Composite foil does not contain carbon which makes them less susceptible to damage from UV rays. If you live in sun-drenched areas or have a greenhouse, aluminium foil won’t last as long. It gets worn down by the sun’s ultraviolet radiation while composite will retain its insulating qualities.
Moisture Resistance
Aluminium foil is not resistant to moisture and will rust out if it gets wet enough. Composite insulation material is immune to water damage and can be used even in humid spaces without fear of rust or rot damage.
Aluminium foil cannot protect against crawling insects, so composite foil is the only option to keep bugs out of your insulation.
Removability
Composite foil can be removed and replaced whenever needed without tearing or leaving behind residue. This may be important for renters who want to take their insulation if they move to a new place. This can also be good for homeowners who would prefer not to damage the integrity of their walls.
Aluminium vs Composite Foil For Food Packaging
Aluminium foil is used to store food because it can be used in the freezer, refrigerator, and oven, while the composite foil is not safe to use in high heat. Aluminium also has a meagre reactivity rate, so it will not give food an off taste or smell like some other metals can.
It also keeps food safe from moisture and has high corrosion resistance, making it resistant to bacteria growth. This is especially important in the case of packaged meats that need to be kept refrigerated at all times while being transported or stored.
Composite insulation material is not recommended for food packaging. It isn’t resistant to water damage, pest infestations, rot or mould. Aluminium foil is preferred for this purpose because it’s safe to use in microwaves. It can also be used to store food for short periods.
Which Should You Use: Aluminum Foil or Composite Foil?
The choice between aluminium foil and composite insulation depends on what you are trying to do and your own needs. If portability or ventilation is a priority, aluminium will do the job. Choose composite insulation material for tight sealing against drafts, rot, insects and moisture, and Class 1 fire rating.
