Removing Old Foil Insulation

Old foil underfloor insulation was the go to method of insulating the underfloor of homes for many years. Recently in 2016 it was outlawed due to the risk of electrical shock from the foil, following several accidents.

Since 2016 foil can not be installed or repaired! It must also be removed before new insulation can be installed. Existing foil can remain, but any damage to it will result in a fail of the Healthy Home Standards. It also is likely no longer effective as it deteriorates quickly in exposed timber floor builds.

Should I Replace my Foil Insulation?

Besides the health and safety issue, foil insulation proved to be problematic over the long run.

Because it was draped over the floor joists during construction, it hung down and provided a gap between the floor and the foil. Though this gap was part of the system, it also provided lodging for rodents and insect infestations.

On almost every foil removal job we have encountered at least one rodent corpse and several nesting spots.

Moisture problems have also gone unnoticed above the foil. Foil was often laid before pipes and cables will installed through the floor, and tradies would simply tear a rough hole in the foil to fit these services through. Because no gaps were left around pipes, leaks have gone unnoticed under the house and pooled water over the foil with no where to escape. This has damaged the foil and floor on several jobs.

Some foil was also installed where it shouldn't have been. Waiheke homes are often built on piles, with the underneath crawl space exposed to wind and weather. Foil exposed to rain and wind has deteriorated to a point where it is either missing, has holes in it, or is no longer an effective insulation.

Replacing Foil

Removal of existing foil is generally not a difficult job. It must be completely removed, often by running a knife blade down each joist where the foil meets and cutting the foil away in sections.

The power must be turned off before starting any work on the foil!

Once the foil is completely removed, you're ready to install your new and effective underfloor insulation!

Island Insulation is happy to help you remove your old foil and replace with better and longer lasting insulation options. Contact us today with any queries.