Newest Flexible Sheet Air Barrier Aims to Reduce Moisture Damage and Improve Indoor Air Quality in All Climates
AUBURNDALE, FL – Whether in a hot, humid climate or a cold one, controlling the radiant heat transfer in buildings where people live and work is the key to greater comfort and efficiency. When weather extremes put insulation systems in exposed walls to the test, HVAC systems often have a hard time providing a comfortable environment. Moisture control for healthier indoor air quality is also a growing concern among building science specialists who are leading the industry to innovate for better solutions.
The newest FI-FOIL® flexible sheet air barrier, SkyFlex™ VT (Vapor Transmitting), is designed for use in walls where conditioned space abuts unconditioned or limited conditioned space. The SkyFlex™ VT air barrier with low emissive (Low-e) surfaces reflects 80 percent of radiant heat to keep buildings cooler in summer and warmer in winter. It also provides a substantial related benefit: A technology advancement that allows vapor transmission to keep wall assemblies drier in all climates.
The advancement aims to reduce moisture behind the walls to prevent damage and improve overall indoor air quality.
SkyFlex™ VT incorporates metalized film reinforced with vapor-transmitting CLAF® fabric, making it the leading choice for architects, builders and contractors.
“This exceptional air barrier is more compact, easier to transport and easier to install than other air barrier products on the market, providing increased R-value at a lower cost,” FI-FOIL® CEO Bill Lippy said. “One roll of SkyFlex™ VT covers as much wall space as 17 sheets of competitors’ thermal panels.
“We developed SkyFlex™ VT with the builder and contractor in mind, as a flexible sheet air barrier that improves energy efficiency and comfort at an affordable price,” Lippy continued. “Some preliminary testing also suggests that wall systems with fiberglass insulation that is installed to less than Grade I standards can have their thermal performance significantly improved with the addition of SkyFlex™ VT.
“We are proud to continually innovate insulation solutions for the future of energy efficiency.”
SkyFlex™ VT is perfect for any area that is prone to excessive heat and moisture exposure, including attic knee walls for bonus rooms, stairwells, behind showers and tubs and elevator shafts.
Each lightweight (10-pound) roll of SkyFlex™ VT is 48 inches wide and 5 inches in diameter. The rolls individually contain 125 linear feet and cover 500 square feet. Because of the compact size and weight, SkyFlex™ VT installs up to twice as fast as competitors’ products, equating to overall savings on materials and labor.
Independent testing shows SkyFlex™ VT meets or exceeds ASTM E2178 Air Permeability, ASTM E96 Water Vapor Permeance and ASTM C1371 Material Emissivity standards. SkyFlex™ VT also meets ASTM E84 with a Class A flammability rating. SkyFlex™ VT, like other FI-FOIL® products, is proudly manufactured in the United States.
About FI-FOIL®
FI-FOIL® manufactures advanced reflective insulation products and air barrier systems. The company offers an extensive line of value-engineered products made with sustainable building materials. FI-FOIL® products are ASTM International tested and backed by third-party verified code compliance. FI-FOIL® has been serving the industry for 34 years and is committed to sustainability and advancement of green building technologies. Learn more at www.fifoil.com.
