Comparing Radiant Barrier and Reflective Insulations
Prodex Total Insulation: Prodex Insulation outperforms other radiant barriers and reflective insulations over time because it's composed of closed cell polyethylene foam sandwiched between two 99% pure aluminum, low emissivity surfaces. The insides make the insulation! The R-value (downward heat flow) 15.67 - R value details. A radiant barrier and reflective insulation.
Foil Fiberglass Vinyl Insulation. Selected when white facing is preferred. 1/4-inch fiberglass core bonded to one layer of 99% pure aluminum and one layer of durable white scrim-reinforced facing material. The R-value (downward heat flow )10.3 - R value details. No itchy fibers! Fiberglass core is encapsulated. Vinyl is reinforced. A radiant barrier and reflective insulation.
Reflective Bubble Reflective Insulation. Low cost alternative to Prodex Total Insulation. Because the center is composed of a roll of air bubbles, it lacks the long-term consistency of performance of Prodex Insulation. This insulation product consists of 1 layer of 3/16-inch polyethylene bubble that is sandwiched between two metalized, low emissivity surfaces. The R-value (downward heat flow) 14.1 - R value details. A radiant barrier and reflective insulation.
Reflective Bubble White Poly. Because one side is made of white poly polyethylene, it's performance level is less than that of radiant barriers with two reflective surfaces. This radiant barrier is comprised of 1 layer of 3/16-inch polyethylene bubble that is sandwiched between 1 layer of metalized, low emissivity surface and 1 layer of puncture resistant, chemically stable white polyethylene. The R-value (upward heat flow) 2.7 - R value details. A radiant barrier and reflective insulation.
Foil-foil. No longer sold on this website (sold by others). This product is composed on two metalized surfaces with a mesh woven in for strength. Because it has no interior substance (membrane), transference of heat and cold occurs. That means it only works for short periods (until one side gets either hot or cold). No R Value. This would be cheap insulation if it were reflective insulation. Because it has no "R value" it is not insulation. radiant barrier.