Bath foil: which one is better to choose?

The secret of a warm bath, in the steam room of which steam is retained for a long time, is reliable insulation. The market of modern building materials offers different options for solving this problem. The best choice would be insulation with a foil layer. It reliably holds steam inside, preventing heat from escaping through the walls.

Which foil is better for a bath?

Range of applications foil The bathhouse is quite wide. Before building a structure, it is worth clearly defining the main purposes of all finishing materials. In this case, the bathhouse will last a long time and will delight visitors with stable temperature and humidity.

Foil in the decoration of the bath creates the effect of a thermos, retaining steam and heat inside the room.

The main purpose of foil in the bath

The finishing material provides several functions:

1. As self-isolation using reflection.
2. As part of a thermal insulation cake.
3. As a vapor barrier layer.

Thanks to it, it is possible to protect vulnerable materials used in finishing and construction from heat and moisture. It also ensures heat retention inside the room.

The effect is achieved due to almost one hundred percent reflection of infrared rays generated by the stove and hot stones.

Types of foil

Manufacturers offer several types of this material, which meet various requirements and are selected in accordance with the conditions of further operation. The main varieties include:

1. Roll. Can also be produced as sheet material. The composition is more than 99% aluminum. For finishing a bath, we sell clean foil, which does not require additional finishing, finishing foil, as well as a roll that is mounted for decoration.
2. Foil fabric. Laminated paper is what this option is often called. It has excellent vapor barrier properties, is quite elastic and strong. Two varieties are offered for sale: based on natural material with polyethylene and kraft paper. Not suitable for finishing walls around the stove.
3. Foiled polystyrene foam. A synthetic material over which a thin layer of aluminum is sprayed. This finish creates ideal conditions for retaining heat (more than 98% of the heat remains inside), prevents the formation of cold bridges, provides excellent vapor barrier and is durable.
4. Foil-coated mineral wool. Mats or rolled materials are easily attached to the walls and are convenient to cut. Has high thermal insulation properties.

Depending on the quality of construction and the raw materials from which the structure is made, a suitable insulating layer is selected, available in stores.

Criterias of choice

The sauna involves quickly heating the room and maintaining a certain degree of humidity and heat inside the steam room for a long time. For these properties, foil insulation is best suited. The main thing is to choose the right material that will solve the problems of the room.

For example, for buildings made of brick, stone and foam concrete, a single layer of foil fixed directly on top of cold walls is not suitable. In this case, you need serious insulation, on top of which insulation will already be installed. Otherwise, the reflector will not behave in the best way.

When finishing with materials that are vulnerable to moisture, foil will become an excellent vapor barrier. It will not let liquid inside the insulating pie, and the finish will last for many years. The result is achieved not due to the thickness of the foil, but due to its reflective properties. More than 95% of heat and moisture “bounce off” the mirror surface, remaining indoors.

The best foil materials

There are many finishing options for baths today. Manufacturers are constantly working to modernize the performance properties of foil. Among the presented assortment, there are varieties that have earned favorable reviews from consumers.

ISOVER "Sauna"

A safe material based on fiberglass, coated on one side with a thin aluminum layer. Does not support combustion, which is important for a sauna. The thermal conductivity coefficient is 0.041.

Reasonable cost, improved performance and durability make the material the most popular among competitive ones.

SPU Sauna Satu

It is easy to install, can withstand high temperatures, and forms a sealed layer due to the aluminum coating on both sides. Due to its compact size and small thickness, it is preferable for installation in small steam rooms.

Penofol

Reliable and strong material with good thermal insulation properties. For baths, it is recommended to purchase rolls with a thickness of at least 10 mm.It is easy to install and durable; when heated, it does not emit harmful substances into the room.

Folgoizol

An affordable and easy-to-install material that does not deform when attached. Withstands temperatures of more than 125 degrees, creates a thin but reliable layer of vapor and heat insulation.

Megaflex

Maximizes heat loss, creating excellent conditions for bathing procedures. Mainly used for installation in dry steam saunas. Able to withstand high temperatures and provide comfortable conditions in the steam room.

Before purchasing foil material, we advise you to look at reviews online to form your own opinion and take into account the experience of the builders.