Why buy Low-E Insulation?
Environmentally Safe Products from New Oxford, Pa. manufactures Low-E insulation. This is the highest quality reflective insulation on the market today. The foil finishes are 99.4% polished aluminum (not to be mistaken by the metalized finish on competitors products called Mylar) with a polyethylene core of closed cell microscopic air bubbles. The patented process used to flame laminate the foil to the foam is done so that no glues are used in the manufacturing process. Low-E has the largest variety of products, sizes (12”, 16”, 18”, 24”, 4’, 5’, 6’) and finishes available (foil, white foil, black foil) in the industry making it the # 1 reflective insulation today.
What is the fire rating of Low-e Insulation?
Low-E has a Class A Class 1 Fire Rating. This means it meets all fire and smoke safety codes for all federal, state and local regulations.
Why is Low-E so effective in stopping heat gain and heat loss?
The key is the 99.4% polished aluminum facings on the product. Low-E stops 97% of radiant energy that it encounters from passing through the product. By allowing ONLY 3% of radiant energy to pass through, you will see noticeable savings on your next heating and cooling bills.
Where can you buy Low-E?
Distribution of our product is through national and local lumbar yards; residential and commercial building suppliers; heating and plumbing wholesale. Check out our site to find a distributor near you.
Green Building & Low-E.
Low-E Reflective Insulation meets current “green” standards in many ways, including but not limited to, increasing the thermal efficiency of the building envelope without increased space. Core material can be made from post and pre-consumer recycled goods. Air infiltration barrier reduces gaps and leaks; which accounts for between 25-40 percent of the energy used for heating and cooling in a typical residence. The product does not promote mold or fungus growth, which contributes to safety and peace of mind. It can easily add energy savings to new or existing buildings. No airborne fibers or particulates will degrade your air quality making it safe for installers and occupants.
Commonly Asked Home Installation Questions
We were told never to put vinyl siding over an aluminum backer board, is this true?
Years ago, there were products used on the exterior of homes that stored radiant energy. Because of this heat storage, siding started to warp over a period of time. Unlike Low-E Housewrap with a 94.4% polished aluminum facing, it reflects 97% of the radiant energy from the sun from entering the building envelope thus keeping your home much cooler. Low-E Housewrap does not store heat and has been approved by most major siding companies today.
What are the differences between Low-E Housewrap and other house wraps on the market?
Low-E Housewrap meets the perm rating (breath ability requirements) as per ASTM E-96:4.65 but the unprecedented advantage of Low-E Housewrap is and additional R-Value of 4.17. Stated R-Values for a specific application are based on the same testing methods as other insulations. Other housewraps give you a breathable barrier only.
Will Low-e insulation keep my house cooler in the summertime?
Absolutely! In new constructions you would roll out Low-E insulation across the rafters leaving the Low-E draped (like a curtain effect) before you start laying down your sheathing. You want to be sure to leave an area open at the soffits and vent a ridge (3”each side of ridge) for proper airflow. In existing homes you can take the Low-E across the bottom of the rafters, again it is important to keep airflow throughout the roof system as stated above. You can also address Low-E on the gable ends of your home. With Low-E in place, you are now stopping 97% of the sun radiant energy from entering through your roof system this keeping your home cooler, which will reduce air conditioning cost. Doesn’t it make sense to make your house a thermos bottle!
How can the Attic Blanket benefit my old house?
If your attic floor is open, you can lay the Low-E Attic Blanket right across the top of your existing insulation and this will stop 97% of the radiant energy from passing down through. The Low-E Attic Blanket is perforated (breathable) which allows moisture from being trapped. If you have ever lived in a two-story home then you have really felt the difference on those hot sunny days upstairs. The suns radiant energy is passing in through the roof and your mass insulation is storing the heat which eventually passes down through causing your heat gain. In the winter time the blanket will slow down your heat loss as radiant energy is trying to escape through your mass insulation from the interior of your home.
I have a gas hot water heater; can I use a Low-E Hot Water Wrap?
Yes! In each Low-E Hot Water Wrap there is an Instruction Manual that spells out how to install on either a gas or electric. Each wrap comes with enough material to cover the largest hot water tank along with spacers and tape.
Testimonials from Northeastern, Pa. After installing your hot water wrap, I was shocked to see steam coming out of my facet the first time I drew hot water from the spicket. I was told the thermostats had not yet adjusted to the Low-E Wrap. After seeing this I was definitely sold!
What benefits will Low-E HVAC do to meet current construction codes?
Low-E HVAC is fine for a condition area giving you a R-6.41 with proper spacers installed. Class A Class 1 Fire Rating, superior thermal performance and reduces condensation. You will have to go R-8 to meet code in an unconditioned area (cold basement or attic area etc.).
We have heard of the condensation problems that individuals have after installing a metal roof, is there anyway to address this situation?
There are many types of construction methods that could be addressed here with the installation of metal and these vary from the northern climate to the southern climate. Typically, we are not looking for R-Value per say in a roof system and it is there that I would recommend using our Low-E Micro, which is 1/8” thick product. This will give you the vapor barrier that you are looking for and also stop 97% of the radiant energy from passing into the building envelope. Additionally, you will pick up an R-Value of 10.24 and again this product has a Class A Class 1 Fire Rating. As with all Low-E insulation, by running any fasteners through the product, the composition of microscopic air bubbles will self-seal back around the fastener. For agriculture use we have a Class A White. When ceilings are exposed to the rafters, this is the desirable product to use. The foil would go toward the metal roofing and the Class A White would be the bright finish that you would see from below.
If I am pouring a concrete floor, will the fresh concrete affect either side of the Slab Shield and if it does, what determines which side it goes up?
The concrete will not affect Slab Shields polyethylene closed cell foam. Unlike other products on the market today, the 99.4% polished foil in Slab Shield is sandwiched in between two layers of closed cell foam. If the concrete were to touch the foil, the lime in the fresh concrete would eat up the foil in an hour or two causing many problems for the concrete finishing crew. You will notice a tab on each side of the Slab Shield that will make it easy to install with one roll over lapping the other. This product is a complete vapor barrier and will not require any additional barrier. You will find that Slab Shield is extremely durable under the toughest conditions with a crush resistance of 70 and a puncture resistance of 93 psi.
