Is there a benefit to having two-sided foil facings to your insulation product?
Yes. When a two-sided foil facing such as Sisalation® is first installed both foil surfaces will have low exitance (emissive) properties. The product will reflect as much as 95% of the radiant heat to which it is exposed. Over a period of time dust will settle on the upper foil surface reducing the radiant properties of this surface and increasing the emittance of the lower surface. The upper and lower foil layer of Sisalation® will also act as an excellent water and moisture vapour barrier.
What is the difference between a water barrier and a water vapour membrane?
Water barriers are essentially barriers that are impervious to water. A moisture/vapour retarder membrane will allow the controlled transmission of suspended moisture vapour to penetrate the membrance. A vapour barrier will ensure that both water and diffused moisture vapour do not penetrate the membrane.
Does dust seriously influence the performance of Sisalation®?
Dust will, to a degree, have a negative effect on the insulating ability of Sisalation®. Most insulating materials are affected by dust. However, in the case of foil membranes like Sisalation® the bottom foil surface, when adjacent to an air gap, will continue to provide effective insulation.
In fact, this apparent weakness due to dust may well be an advantage - in selected climatic zones where the build-up of daytime heat within the building through radiation and convection heat flow, once the indoor temperatures increase to higher than ambient, the warm air will migrate outward to the atmosphere. This is an advantage for large warehouse storage areas where the contents will absorb excessive heat and needs to release heat storage above ambient so as to cool. A further example is a process / manufacturing plant generating massive heat: the heat build-up above ambient will migrate outward, allowing the building to perform naturally.
What is the R-Value of Sisalation®?
Sisalation® on its own does not have an R-Value. The resistance value of Sisalation® can only be calculated when the product is used as part of a roofing system, as all the various roofing components used in the structure including inside and outside air surface co-efficients must be taken into account when calculating the System Thermal Resistance (R-System Value) - Thermal Transmittance (U-value). (See web section –SANS – for more information of R-Values.)
Are there any other applications, other than in the roof, where Sisalation® can be used?
There are several areas in a building where Sisalation® can be used:-
• Under wooden flooring provided that the product is installed with an air gap between the Sisalation® and the bottom of the
wooden floor.
• In vertical applications such as outside and inside walls.
Is it possible to retro-fit Sisalation® without lifting the roof?
Sisalation® can be retro-fitted to both industrial and residential roofs. A technical representative from Afripack should be contacted for advice on installation techniques.
How is your product better than alternates in the market place?
Product quality, service and technical back-up have ensured that Sisalation® remains one of the brand leaders in the insulation field. As an SABS ISO 9001:2008 (quality management system) listed company Afripack maintains a strict protocol that ensures that all rolls manufactured meet the laid down specifications for each grade. In addition, Sisalation® carries the SABS mark ensuring that it maintains the high standards set down for the product.
How does Sisalation® measure up in terms of long term sustainability?
Sisalation® has been on the market in South Africa for more than 40 years and has become the generic name for a quality foil insulation product. During this period Sisalation® has had a number of firsts:-
• First foil insulation membrane to be manufactured commercially in South Africa.
• First foil membrane to be awarded the SABS mark of quality.
• First foil membrane to be awarded a fire classification of B/B1/2HV (with and without sprinklers) when tested to SANS 428
Does Sisalation® come with a guarantee?
The installation process of Sisalation® is not controlled by Afripack. The company therefore does not guarantee the product once installed.
However, Sisalation® does have a life expectancy in excess of 20 years when correctly installed. All Sisalation® is manufactured according to SABS ISO 9001:2008 (quality management system) and product quality is thus guaranteed to meet the specifications laid down for manufacture.
Does Afripack manufacture any alternate insulation products in addition to the Sisalation® brand?
They manufacture fire retardant facings that are used to enhance specialist bulk fibre products.