Reflective Foil
Reflective Foil Insulation
Reflective foil insulation is designed to reduce radiant heat transfer from metal and tiled roofs. Installed directly beneath the roof covering, these products help improve summer performance, reduce heat gain and support moisture control within the roof system. Reflective foil is lightweight, durable and most effective when combined with a bulk insulation layer such as glasswool or polyester.
What is Reflective Foil Insulation?
- A roof lining made from aluminium foil or reinforced foil laminates
- Installed under metal or tiled roofing systems
- Reflects radiant heat away from the roof cavity
- Assists with moisture, vapour and condensation control
- Works as part of a complete roof insulation system
- Commonly paired with bulk insulation for improved comfort
Reflective foil is not a standalone thermal barrier. It does not provide bulk R-value and should not replace ceiling insulation. Its purpose is to support radiant heat control and improve the overall roof assembly.
Key Advantages
- Reduces radiant heat transfer from hot metal roof sheets
- Helps stabilize summer indoor temperatures
- Contributes to moisture and condensation control
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Suitable for residential, commercial and industrial roofs
- Can improve the performance of bulk insulation when used together
- Available in fire-retardant and reinforced options
Performance Notes
Reflective foil insulation behaves differently to bulk materials:
- Does not provide bulk R-value
- Must face an air gap to function correctly
- Works best beneath metal roofs with high radiant heat
- Should be used alongside bulk ceiling insulation for year-round performance
- Cannot replace 135mm+ ceiling insulation in homes
These characteristics simply define the intended use of reflective foil products.
Where Reflective Foil Is Used
Reflective foil is commonly installed in:
- Residential pitched roofs
- Metal roof sheeting systems
- Tiled roofs with radiant heat exposure
- Warehouses, factories and industrial buildings
- Roofs needing improved moisture and vapour management
- Hot climate areas with high summer heat gain
Reflective Foil vs Bulk Insulation
- Reflective foil reduces radiant heat
- Bulk insulation reduces conductive and convective heat
- Foil supports summer performance
- Bulk insulation improves year-round comfort
- Foil controls moisture; bulk insulation controls indoor temperatures
- Both work best together as a combined roof system
For more information on bulk insulation performance, see:
→ Glasswool
→ Polyester
→ RockwoolÂ
Popular Reflective Foil Products We Supply
- Scrim Foil (Domestic & Industrial) Reinforced reflective foil with a woven scrim backing. Stronger and more durable than standard foil. Suitable for both residential and industrial applications.
Explore → Scrim Foil Products
- Sisalation (FR405 / FR430 / FR502) Fire-retardant reflective foil commonly installed under metal and tiled roofs for radiant heat and vapour control.
Explore → Sisalation Products
- Alububble (Single & Double-Sided) Polyethylene bubble-foil reflective insulation used in homes, warehouses, and commercial buildings for radiant heat control and moisture management.
Explore → Alububble Products
- Alubrite High-performance reflective foil with a silver finish. Commonly used in industrial and commercial roofing applications where strength and radiant heat reflection are required.
Explore → Alubrite Products
Installation Notes
- Install beneath roof sheets or tiles before final fix
- Ensure foil faces an air gap for proper radiant heat reflection
- Tape or seal overlaps to reduce vapour movement
- Avoid compressing the foil during installation
- Combine with bulk ceiling insulation for full thermal performance
- Suitable for both new builds and retrofit roof systems
Why Choose Reflective Foil Insulation
Reflective foil insulation plays an essential role in controlling radiant heat and managing moisture in metal and tiled roof systems. When paired with bulk ceiling insulation, it contributes to a more stable, comfortable indoor environment—especially in hot summer conditions. It is a lightweight, durable and effective component of a complete roof insulation system.
Where to Go Next
- Return to the Insulation Overview → Insulation
- Compare insulation materials → By-Material
- Browse insulation by application → By-Application
- Looking for roof insulation? → Roof Insulation