Description

What is Aluminium Foil Roof Insulation and how much does it cost in Kenya?

Aluminum foil roof insulation (radiant barrier) is a thermal insulation sheet installed directly beneath metal roof panels (mabati) or roof tiles to reflect up to 97% of solar radiant heat.

Product & Roll Profile

Aluminium foil insulation rolls combine pure reflective aluminium surface layers with reinforced inner cores to withstand stretching and humidity during roof installation.

Keep Your Building Cool: High-Performance Reflective Roof Insulation in Kenya

Metal roof sheets (mabati) absorb intense solar radiation throughout the day, converting roofs into massive radiators that trap heat inside living and working spaces. Gypsum or PVC ceilings alone cannot block radiant heat transfer.

Double-Sided Aluminium Foil Insulation creates a thermal barrier right beneath your roofing sheets. By reflecting solar energy back out into the atmosphere before it enters the roof void, it maintains cool, comfortable indoor temperatures year-round.

Key Benefits of Aluminium Foil Roof Insulation

• Reflects Up to 97% Radiant Heat: Drops indoor room temperatures by 5°C to 10°C during hot sunny peak hours.

• Eliminates Mabati Condensation: Prevents roof sweating during cold nights, protecting wooden rafters, drywall ceilings, and electrical wiring from moisture damage.

• Zero Electricity Costs: Provides lifelong passive cooling without the energy bills associated with air conditioning or fans.

• Tear-Resistant & Fiber-Free: Reinforced with internal woven scrim or bubble air pockets—non-toxic, fiber-free, and safe to handle during installation.

• Dust & Vapor Proof: Acts as a secondary protective membrane against dust infiltration and roof leaks.

Installation Guidelines over Purlins & Trusses

To achieve maximum thermal reflectivity, follow these key installation practices:

1. Maintain an Air Gap: Ensure a minimum 25mm to 50mm air cavity between the underside of the mabati and the reflective foil layer. The air gap is necessary for radiant reflection to occur.

2. Overlap Joints: Overlap adjoining roll edges by at least 50mm to 100mm and seal them using pressure-sensitive aluminium foil tape to form an airtight vapor barrier.

3. Secure Tight Strapping: Lay the foil across timber or Light Gauge Steel (LGS) purlins prior to fixing roofing sheets, securing it with double-sided tape or wire mesh for long spans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Does aluminium foil insulation reduce rain noise on mabati?

Woven foil alone provides minimal noise reduction, but Double-Bubble Foil or EPE Foam Insulation (3mm–5mm) significantly dampens the drumming sound of heavy rain on metal roof sheets.

Q2: Which side of the roof insulation foil should face up?

For double-sided foil, both sides are reflective and equally effective. For single-sided foil, the shiny aluminium surface should face upward toward the roofing sheet (facing the air gap) to reflect incoming heat.

Q3: How many rolls of foil insulation do I need for my roof?

Calculate your roof plan surface area in square meters and add 10% for overlaps and waste.

Q4: Can aluminium foil insulation be installed under existing roofs?

Yes. It can be retrofitted beneath existing purlins by securing the sheets with timber battens, strapping, or wire mesh along the underside of the roof framing.