sisalation

Sisalation in South Africa

Sisalation is a popular and highly effective reflective foil insulation material designed to improve thermal performance and energy efficiency in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Known for its durability and excellent reflective properties, Sisalation helps regulate indoor temperatures by reflecting radiant heat, reducing the need for heating and cooling systems, and ultimately lowering energy costs. At Insulation SA, we offer a comprehensive range of Sisalation products and professional installation services across South Africa, ensuring your property remains comfortable year-round.

What is Sisalation?

Sisalation is a type of reflective foil insulation consisting of a durable aluminum foil layer laminated onto various substrates such as kraft paper, fiberglass, or foam. This combination creates a reflective barrier that blocks radiant heat transfer, making it an ideal choice for applications like roofing, wall insulation, and underfloor insulation. Sisalation is particularly effective in South Africa’s diverse climate, helping to keep interiors cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

Sisalation R-value

You can only calculate the resistance of the product when all the roofing materials and components used within the structure are included in the calculation. Radiant barriers reflect solar heat. If you are looking for a higher R-value you will need to install a bulk ceiling insulation (preferably fiberglass or polyester insulation).

Sisalation FR430 – R-value – 1.30
Sisalation FR405 – R-value – 1.25
Sisalation 405      –  R-value – 1.26

Benefits of Sisalation

  1. High Reflectivity: Reflects up to 95% of radiant heat, significantly reducing heat gain in buildings during hot weather and retaining warmth during colder periods.
  2. Energy Efficiency: By minimizing the need for artificial heating and cooling, it reduces energy consumption and utility bills, contributing to a more sustainable and cost-effective building operation.
  3. Moisture Barrier: It acts as a vapor barrier, protecting your home or building from moisture infiltration that can lead to mold, mildew, and structural damage.
  4. Enhanced Comfort: It helps maintain stable indoor temperatures, improving comfort levels throughout the year. Its reflective properties prevent the intense heat from the sun from penetrating through roofs and walls.
  5. Versatile Applications: Suitable for a variety of uses, including roof insulation, wall insulation, under-slab insulation, and even as a sarking material beneath tiles and metal roofs.
  6. Durability and Longevity: Made from high-quality materials, it’s resistant to tearing, punctures, and UV damage, ensuring long-lasting performance and minimal maintenance.

Applications

Sisalation can be used in various applications to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of buildings:

  • Roof Insulation: Installed under roof sheeting or tiles, it acts as a radiant barrier that significantly reduces heat penetration, making it ideal for both residential and commercial properties.
  • Wall Insulation: It can be used in wall cavities to reflect heat away from the interior, enhancing the thermal performance of the building envelope.
  • Under-Slab Insulation: Installed beneath concrete slabs provides a thermal break and moisture barrier, enhancing energy efficiency and protecting the slab from ground moisture.
  • Sarking: Often used as a sarking material, providing additional weatherproofing beneath roofing materials and protecting the roof structure from moisture damage.

Sisalation Prices in South Africa

The cost of Sisalation varies depending on the type, thickness, and supplier. Here’s a general price guide for the products:

  1. Sisalation Reflective Foil (Single-Sided): Typically used for roof and wall applications, it starts at around R20 to R35 per square meter, depending on the roll size and supplier.
  2. Sisalation Reflective Foil (Double-Sided): Offering higher reflectivity and improved performance, it ranges from R30 to R50 per square meter.
  3. Sisalation with Reinforced Scrim: This includes a layer of fiberglass or woven scrim for extra durability, is priced between R40 to R70 per square meter.
  4. Sisalation Bubble Foil: Combining reflective foil with bubble insulation for added thermal resistance, it costs between R50 to R100 per square meter, depending on the thickness and type of bubble core.

Installation Costs

Professional installation of Sisalation can add an additional R20 to R50 per square meter to the overall cost, depending on the complexity of the job and the rates of the installer. Correct installation is crucial to maximize the benefits, so it’s recommended to hire experienced professionals for the best results.