Double Bubble Insulation vs Single Bubble, Prodex Total and Foil Only Radiant barriers.

Double Bubble Insulation "foil bubble bubble foil" and Prodex Total are both suitable for metal buildings, pole barns, homes, attics, roofs, walls, crawlspaces, garages and more - These silver colored insulations provide R-value, a radiant heat barrier and vapor barrier protection.

Click to enlarge

Foil Only               Single Bubble               Double bubble          Prodex Total

Take a look at the photos above. Even if you didn't know anything about double bubble or Prodex Total, which one would you choose? The obvious choice is Prodex Total. It has a high quality core that keeps its shape when exposed to forces. Prodex Total has a nominal thickness of 5mm (13/64 inch) closed cell polyethylene foam covered on both sides with .0012 (00.03mm) aluminum foil facing. Under pressure, the Prodex micro-cells and do not collapse -- With a pressure of 6 PSI Prodex compresses just 6%. When the load is relieved it takes back its initial shape. The density of the foam is between 1.25 lb/ft (sq) - 1.87 lb/ft (sq). This gives the material real body. 

Bubble insulations are composed of either one (single bubble) or two (double bubble) layers of air bubbles sandwiched between two metalized surfaces. Once either is punctured, it collapses. Single bubble has a nominal thickness of 5/32 inch. Double bubble measures 5/16 inch. These measurements bear little resemblance to the effective measurement of the products (see photos above).

Single vs. Double Bubble Insulation:

We see little difference between the performance of single and double bubble insulation. The latter simply has a second layer of air bubbles (A balloon with more air). Although we strongly recommend Prodex Total over either, if your budget doesn't allow you to purchase the quality of Prodex, we suggest you order a single bubble insulation rather than a double bubble. You'll get virtually all the benefits of the double bubble while saving money. We do not offer double bubble because we aren't able to justify its pricing relative to Prodex Total or single bubble. 

Foil Only:

Typically perforated and composed of two metalized surfaces with a mesh woven in for strength. It is not a vapor barrier. It is not insulation.

Summary:

The Prodex Total Difference - Seals around nails (no leak). Keeps its shape over time (doesn't collapse). 19 db noise reduction. R-value R 16 unaffected by humidity. Passes new E-84-10 flame and smoke tests. Energy Star Qualified, ICC-ES Recognized, Member of US Green Building Council - Made with 100% recyclable virgin raw materials. Prodex is a radiant barrier + reflective insulation + vapor barrier. Click for pricing or to order Prodex Total Insulation. Prodex Reviews

Compare Prodex to other insulations

September 26, 2012