To help you select the right product...

For existing roofs, if you want to insulate over the ceiling joists, there is only one choice, Heatshield B-r-e-a-t-h-e-r Foil, this works well over existing glass fiber.

If you want to insulate the underside of the rafters Heatshield B-r-e-a-t-h-e-r Foil  is also a good choice and a MUST unless the roof space itself is ventilated.   If the roof space IS ventilated then you have a choice...

For vented roofs, that DO  NOT have a bulk insulator in between the rafters Astro-Multilayer is the best.  This has a foil layer (that should face the inside of the roof) and 40mm of Polyester foam that adds insulation against conducted heat loss.  Astrosafe is so named as it does not irritate the skin and respiratory passages as some glass fiber products can.  It is a good choice if you were considering a quilted multi-layer system.  This product was original developed as a liner / wrap for heating and ventilating ducts but has many other general insulating applications.

For a lower cost per m2 Astrofoil Original is the one to be considered.  This has two layers of air filed bubble that affordes some conducted heat protection plus two layers of foil so it keeps radiant heat out in the summer and in in the winter.  For even greater economy Astro-E is the next best thing.  It  does a very similar job to Astrofoil Original but is thinner and more flimsy and not so resistant to physical damage (this only matters during installation if the material is to be boarded over).  Last but not least you could also use Astro-White here but this has only one layer of foil and one layer of bubble.  If you only want to keep heat in and want the cheapest product, this is the one to use.

Please note that if you do intend to plasterboard over the Astrofoil battens should be used to support the board 20mm away  from the Astrofoil to create the all important 'air-gap' to maximise the efficiency of the reflective process. As an alternative to battening the Astrofoil (Original, E or White) can be recessed in-between the rafters and stapled to the sides of them.  To make this process easier A version of Astrofoil with flattened edges known as Astro-Tab has been developed, however this is not yet available in the UK but will be in the future.

For new roofs and those being re-tiled.

Any of the Foil Bubble Insulations or the Heatshield B-r-e-a-t-h-e-r Foil can be used in place of the roofing felt.  Only use the Heatshield B-r-e-a-t-h-e-r Foil if the space below the foil is not to be ventilated.

For more information see our guide to reflective insulation, or call our technical support team on 0800 413 801

* * * Astro - E * * * Foil-Bubble-Foil 40m2 A more economical, lighter weight version of Astrofoil original, designed for DIY use. £99.60	* * * Astro White * * * Foil-Bubble-Vinyl 2 x 40m2 plus tape Most economical Version of Astrofoil but very effective. Lightweight and less strong than Astrofol Original it is suited to home and DIY use, 99.9% pure Aluminium on one side and white vinyl on the other wiht a layer of air filled plastic bubbles in the middle. £120.00
* * * Astro White * * * Foil-Bubble-Vinyl 40m2 Most economical Version of Astrofoil but very effective. Lightweight and less strong than Astrofol Original it is suited to home and DIY use, 99.9% pure Aluminium on one side and white vinyl on the other wiht a layer of air filled plastic bubbles in the middle. £79.50	Astro-Multilayer 18.5m2 An economical alternative to Actis Tri-iso super Alternative to Actis Tri-Iso-Super Multilayer foil insulation £124.00
HEATSHIELD III B-r-e-a-t-h-e-r Foil + tape 144m2 (2 rolls 1.2x60m) Breathable Astrofoil for roof and wall insulation (two layers of microperforated foil - no -bubbles) £199.00	HEATSHIELD III B-r-e-a-t-h-e-r Foil 72m2 (60m x 1.2m) Breathable Astrofoil for roof and wall insulation (two layers of microperforated foil - no -bubbles) £115.00