Reflective foil works by reflecting radiant energy from the foil and dispersing it throughout the structure. Since the 1940s, reflective insulation has been a favorite option in an array of building projects, including steel structure systems.  

Generally, there should be a distinct temperature difference between the outside and the inside of a pre-engineered steel building. In any structure, the regulation of heat transfer is vital to thermal management. Heat ordinarily moves from high heat areas to cooler regions until the temperature in the space has evened out. The purpose of insulation is to stop this action in very warm weather ““ to keep the heat out of the building. Conversely, the building insulation must keep the heat inside the building in cooler weather.

There are three ways in which heat is transmitted. Radiation is the relocation of heat with infrared radiation over a clear area of air, which is how the sun heats the earth. Convection is the transfer of heat by air circulation or through a liquid or gas, such as when a furnace blows hot air throughout a building. Conduction refers to the transport of heat between two contacting surfaces, for instance, a sauce pan heated on a hot stove.  

Fiberglass insulation is a superior method used to stop the transport of heat due to convection or conduction. However, it has almost no effect on radiant heat. When radiant heat hits fiberglass insulation, an overwhelming percentage will pass right on through. For pre-engineered steel buildings, radiant heat transference can have as much an effect on the interior temperature as does heat convection or conduction.  

Including aluminum foil in the walls of a steel building can deflect over 95% of the radiant force that hits it. Aluminum foil is the one of the most effective reflective insulation materials available. Reflective foil insulation is comprised of a pair of external sheets of foil with an inner layer of material that creates an air gap. Reflective foil offers many advantages over typical fiberglass building insulation. No special clothing is required to install reflective foil, and it needs no careful handling. Reflective foil contains no irritants that can affect the eyes, breathing, or skin. It is not impacted adversely by water or humidity. And even when compressed, reflective foil does not lose its insulating ability.

Consider installing reflective foil in your steel building, and turn an otherwise distressing interior environment into a very comfortable place to be.