Foil insulation is a popular option for many homeowners in the UK today. Of course, there are still sceptics out there who doubt its efficiency.
If you’re one of them, we understand – it’s not easy to make a change, not even when it comes to home insulation.
Well, what if we told you that foil insulation is also used by NASA? Yes, not many people know this, but even spaceships rely on this type of insulation.
And it’s not something new – NASA has been using it for decades (ever since the mid-1950s).
The commercial origins go back to 1945 when Alexander Schwartz mass-produced INFRA Insulation. Basically, it was a radiant barrier reflective insulation meant to help homeowners keep summer heat out and winter heat in.
NASA Comes into Play – Its Ties to Foil Insulation
Infra Insulation Inc. closed in 1965 and the product was taken off the market. However, NASA still had a use for it.
That’s why Clark E. Beck, PE at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, started working on radiant barrier technology for NASA. He wanted to find a way to increase astronauts’ safety during space walks.
After all, they were dealing with temperature shifts ranging from -273 degrees Celsius to 238 degrees Celsius. Well, the people working on the idea realised that conventional insulation just wasn’t going to cut it.
Why? Because if they’d use it, it meant that they had to outfit the space suit with a 2-meter protective layer. Obviously, that wasn’t a good plan at all.
That’s why the people behind the program relied on reflective technology instead. Basically, it allowed NASA to reflect the heat generated by astronauts’ bodies among themselves.
That helped keep them warm. At the same time, it also reflected the radiant heat of the Sun (which is deadly) out of their suits.
So What Followed?
Even though Infra Insulation Inc. was out of business, other companies were still fighting for a share of the market.
While traditional insulation manufacturers did their best to keep foil insulation out of the market, they could only do so much. More and more consumers found out about the benefits of this type of insulation.
Plus, the idea that NASA used it for their space programs sure gave them a credibility boost.
Foil Insulation Today – How It Can Improve Your Life
Foil insulation technology has definitely come a long way. Nowadays, it’s a notable commodity all homeowners can enjoy.
After all, it has a lot to offer:
- A way to save money – That’s because your energy bills will be lower. Don’t forget that this type of insulation ensures it takes less energy to heat and cool your home.
- A convenient installation process – Foil insulation can be installed pretty much anywhere in the home. Plus, you can handle the installation on your own. Also, this insulation doesn’t generate any dust at all!
- A flexible design – With this insulation, your home won’t feel overcrowded. That’s because it’s quite thin, so it doesn’t take up too much space.
So, still feeling the same about foil insulation? Want to give it a try and see how it can enhance your home?
Then be sure to check out our selection of multifoil insulation products.
Remember to also get in touch with us – we offer a free sample pack and relevant data sheets!
