Superbubble 1 in (25 mm): R-37 Walls and R-48 Roofs
Superbubble is the thickest bubble insulation IIP makes: 1 in (25 mm) of air cells between reflective faces, in foil/foil or foil/white. It is built for metal-building walls and roofs where you want more performance from a reflective system.
What the numbers mean
Reflective insulation is rated as part of an assembly, because the enclosed air spaces do much of the work. In IIP’s specification build-ups, each Superbubble layer counts as R-3.5. Two layers with the reflective air spaces shown reach the system values below, calculated per the ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals (Chapter 26, Table 3) and ASTM C1224.
| Assembly | Build-up, outside to inside | System value |
|---|---|---|
| Metal building wall | Metal cladding · 1 in (25 mm) air space · Superbubble (R-3.5) · 6 in (152 mm) reflective dead air space (R-30) · Superbubble (R-3.5) · 1-1/4 in (32 mm) air space · thermal break | R-37 |
| Metal roof | Metal roof · 1-1/4 in (32 mm) air space · Superbubble foil/foil (R-3.5) · 8 in (203 mm) reflective dead air space (R-44) · Superbubble foil/white (R-3.5) · 1 in (25 mm) air space | R-48 |
| Wall behind ventilated siding | Wood siding · furring gap · Superbubble (R-5) · building paper · sheathing | R-5 layer |
Superbubble vs double bubble
In the same two-layer metal wall build-up, Superbubble layers count as R-3.5 each for a system R-37, compared with R-2 per layer and R-34 for IIP double bubble.
Facings
- Foil/foil: reflective on both sides, for cavities with air spaces on each face.
- Foil/white: a bright interior finish, or the inner thermal break in the roof solution.
How to install
- Fix Superbubble to the outer frame with large-head screws or similar fixings.
- Use spacers to hold the air space between the insulation and the cladding.
- Unroll and fix the second sheet on the C-channels or purlins; add wood furring if needed.
- Overlap sheets by at least 2 in (51 mm) and seal the joints with IIP seaming tape.
- Install the interior lining over the furring channels.
Full installation drawings for the R-37 wall, R-48 roof and ventilated-siding details are available on request.
Questions we get asked
Do I need two layers?
The R-37 wall and R-48 roof systems use two layers with the air spaces shown. A single layer behind ventilated wood siding is rated R-5.
Can I get the installation drawings?
Yes. The R-37 wall, R-48 roof and ventilated-siding drawings are available on request.
What does it cost?
Superbubble is priced on request by roll size and quantity, with LTL freight to your ZIP.
Superbubble is priced by roll size and quantity. Request a quote with your wall and roof square footage, or see the photos and drawings on the Superbubble page.