What Is Polyethylene (Pe) Foam And How Is It Used In Roofing?

If your home tends to be icy cold in winter, scorching in summer and doesn’t block out any sound noises then it is high time to consider improving your roof insulation. An extra layer of foam or insulative materials can make your home a lot more comfortable and Polyethylene foam is one of the very best materials for this exact task. In this guide, we are going to take a closer look at what this material is and how it will benefit you. 

What Is Polyethylene Foam

PE foam stands for Polyethylene foam and is a type of plastic manufactured through extrusion processes. When these foam sheets are made, polyethylene is first melted. Afterward, a gas like nitrogen or carbon dioxide is injected into the polyethylene to expand the plastic and give it a foamy structure. The process creates a closed cell structure and modifies the flat foam into a three-dimensional shape. A number of different foam sheet designs can be made from polyethylene. The foam sheets can vary in thickness, density, colour, and size and have many other applications.

Polyethylene is commonly used in buildings because it has thermal properties and it can also be used for packaging because it will protect goods from impact.

Where Did Polyethylene Foam Come From

The material polyethylene dates back to 1898 when the German chemist, Hans van Pechmann, accidentally created this substance while heating diazomethane. A white, waxy substance was created and two of his colleagues studied the substance, called it polymethylene, and realized its functionality. 

This material would once again be rediscovered in 1933 by Eric Fawcett and Reginald Gibson at the Imperial Chemical Industries in England. This unique plastic was soon developed into a wide range of products including items like Tupperware that are still popular to this very day. 

How Is Polyethylene Foam Used For Roofing

PE is a terrific material to use inside rooftops under the eaves  to help insulate homes as well as sealing the roof from dust, water & insects because and it is helpful for preventing heat transfer and it can block out sound waves. 

These foam sheets are functional inside rooftops because they have many appealing characteristics. The sheetsPE foam is  are light, durable, and dense which means it lasts a long time. It is also highly resistant to chemicals and moisture which makes it ideal for spaces like roof cavities.

Here is a quick look at how this type of material when used as roof infill strips will benefit you and your home if installed inside your roof.

• Keeps homes warmer in winter because it prevents heat loss by trapping warm air inside the building and keeping cool temperatures out.
• Keeps homes cooler in summer because it will keep cool air created with air conditioning systems trapped inside the house for longer.
• The materials absorb vibrations and sound which is great for creating quieter interior spaces so you can sleep better despite lots of traffic or street noises.
• Reduces energy bills since less energy is utilized for warming or cooling the building's interior. 
• PE foam has waterproofing qualities which can be great for protecting your home roof interior in case of a roof leak or in case a water pipe starts to leak. by blocking air flow, water & insects
• Sealing and protecting your roof can help maintain the structural integrity of your building since it will be protected from vibrations and moisture.

If you decide to get this type of foam installed inside your rooftop then give us a call at Gardiner Australia. We can supply you with as much PE foam to fit any roof profile  as you need and we can expertly install this functional material inside your roof so your home will be protected and so you can enjoy a much more comfortable home environment.