Roof insulation can come in many forms. It can be anything from flexible boards to giant slabs of sheep wool. But Foil Quilts occupy a unique place in insulation for how lightweight and versatile they are.
Foil quilts can only be used in a “warm roof” solution. This is where the insulation is in the roof itself, rather than the floor of the loft, meaning that the room itself can be heated. This differs from a “cold roof” situation where the loft area is unheated.
What makes foil quilt insulation even better is that it isn’t just insulation, it doubles as a breathable membrane. A breathable membrane is a type of roofing felt that allows water vapour to escape but won’t let it get back in. This reduces the need for the roof to have separate ventilation since the membrane itself can act as ventilation.
Since you will want a breathable membrane if you have a warm roof anyway, this saves you the time and effort of putting in a dedicated underlay in addition to your insulation.
How does Foil Quilt Insulation work?
Foil Quilt Insulation works via aluminium foil, acting in concert with wadding and high-density foam for 19 layers. The 19 layers restrict heat, making it much less likely to radiate through the roof and out of the house, keeping the room warm much like other kinds of insulation.
But what makes foil insulation special is its reflective surface, which is designed to really retain heat tenaciously. This makes foil quilt insulation especially useful when used alongside Velux windows. The windows allow in light from the sun, which is reflected by the foil, heating up the room. The result is a greenhouse-type effect. The windows can also work in conjunction with the ventilating properties of the foil, allowing for a comfortable degree of ventilation without having to worry about roof vents.
