Sisalation: Pros, Cons, & Alternatives

Sisalation is a go-to option when it comes to roofing insulation. Whilst it definitely has its advantages, it does have some drawbacks that might make it less suited to your roofing needs. 

Find out whether sisalation is the right choice for your project right here. We delve into the pros, cons, and showcase the best alternatives to help you make an informed choice.  

What Is Sisalation & How Does it Work? 

Sisalation is a pliable building membrane made up of reflective foil insulation that’s used in roofing, sort of like a blanket. When it comes to regulating temperatures and keeping moisture at bay, they are a brilliant solution.

Sisalation is used as a wall wrap or roofing layer. It gets installed adjacent to an air cavity, creating bulk wall insulation, and works by reflecting radiant heat away from the building frame. This keeps everything nice and cool in the summer and warm during the colder months, making it a year-round solution, no matter how harsh the Aussie weather gets. 

In technical terms, it enhances the total R value of your roof and wall systems (this basically means it boosts the thermal efficiency of your home). 

The Pros and Cons of Sisalation

Sisalation is a top-rated insulation foil for internal building projects, and for good reason. From enhanced thermal performance to moisture control, it offers a bunch of fantastic benefits that make it a no.1 choice for roofing. But, like all building materials, it does come with a few set-backs that might not be suited to everyone. 

Here’s a complete breakdown of all the pros and cons offered by sisalation: 

Pros of Sisalation

• Protects Against Dust, Moisture, and Draughts: Sisalation is a superb solution for dust penetration. It’s also brilliant condensation management because it serves as an effective water barrier that keeps moisture out. To top it all off, sisalation helps minimise draughts which further strengthens the thermal efficiency of your home. 
• Effective Secondary Skin for Insulation: Whether you live in a four-story town heritage home or a petite bungalow, sisalation will effectively insulate your internal building and help regulate temperatures all throughout the year. 
• Boosts Energy Efficiency: Because sisalation insulates and provides temperature control, it reduces your home’s thermal load and, in turn, increases its energy efficiency. This means you get to enjoy cheaper energy bills and reduces your reliance on heating and cooling systems. 
• Suited to Residential and Commercial Buildings: Whether you’re building office roofing or upgrading your home’s structure, sisalation is a go-to for both commercial and residential applications. 
• Lightweight and Easy to Install: You needn’t be a pro roofer to install sisalation; you just need the right tools and technique for the job. Installing these sheets yourself will save you a lot of bucks on professional installation costs, so it’s great for any keen DIYers out there. 
• Long-lasting and Fuss-Free Maintenance: Once sisalation is installed, you don’t need to worry about it. That’s because it’s specially made to be ultra durable and tear-resistant.
• Meets Building Code Requirements: If you need to tick a box for moisture and insulation control, sisalation is your key ingredient because it’s specially designed to comply with building codes and regulations. But, always double check what your local government’s rules are to be on the safe side. 
• Boosts Lifespan of Roofing Materials: With less thermal stress and better moisture control, sisalation can get you a few extra decades out of your roofing setup. 
• Super Versatile: You can apply sisalation to all sorts of metal roof applications, like metal roof sarking, wall wraps, and underlays. 

Cons of Sisalation

• Risks Trapped Moisture: While sisalation can keep moisture out, it can also trap it in your roofing structure if there are any gaps. This can cause a bunch of pesky problems, like mould growth and damaged structural integrity. Making sure every crevice and joining is sealed up with good-quality flashing or roofing tape will help keep moisture at bay. 
• Needs Extra Taping and Fastening: You can’t just lay down sisalation and expect it to stay put — it needs some taping and secure fastening to keep it in place and ensure effective moisture and vapour control. 
• Not a Standalone Fix: Sisalation is definitely an effective solution, but it’s not enough on its own. You’ll typically need bulk insulation and a good ventilation system for it to work to its full potential. 
• Upfront Costs: Sisalation is a top-quality roofing material that comes with an initial upfront cost. However, because it’s durable and efficient, it will save you money in the long run. 

4 Best Alternatives to Sisalation

Sisalation is a brilliant insulation solution, but it’s not the only good option out there. Here’s a roundup of all the best alternative options you can get: 

1. Foil-Backed Foam Boards: Delivers radiant heat reflection and bulk insulation all in one application. It’s also a great fix for roofing setups with limited space. 
2. Reflective Foil Laminate: Works just like sisalation, but doesn’t require sarking. More suited to walls and beneath floors, rather than roofs.  
3. Glasswool: Boasts thermal and acoustic insulation, making it ideal if you want to improve your home’s acoustic ambience and keep outdoor noise pollution outside. 
4. Rigid Insulation Sheets/Panels: Rigid insulation sheets/panels, like PIR and EPS panels, are some of the best rigid insulation solutions that are suitable for use in flat roofing systems. They are also a popular option for commercial projects. 

Must-Know Tips To Make Sisalation Last 

First things first, when installing any kind of roofing material: safety. Whether you’re a DIY newbie or a pro, you’ve always got to ensure you’re properly prepared to setup sisalation. Your checklist should always include safety gear and accessories, such as slip-resistant work boots, a roofing harness, ladder roof hooks, and so on. 

Using premium sealing and flashing solutions, like Wakaflash, is also important as it ensures you’ve created airtight seals that keep moisture out. 

Before installation, make sure you’re looking after your sisalation and storing it properly. Keep it away from direct UV exposure, because this can cause damage, and keep it in a cool, dry space to prevent any mould or mildew growing on it — this could otherwise infiltrate your roofing system! 

You can get all the essential roofing extras, like tradies tools, accessories, sealants, and more at Evo Build. We stock all the top-rated brands, like RapidRidge, Fix-It-Fast, Smartfrom, and more. 

Shop the full catalogue online today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sisalation Fire-Resistant? 

It is indeed. Sisalation is designed with advanced fire retardant properties. This makes it suitable for use in areas with a bushfire attack level of 0 to 40 in Australia. 

Does Sisalation Work Well with Metal Roofs?

When it comes to sisalation, metal roof systems are a match made in heaven. It stops heat transfer, manages condensation, and boosts energy efficiency of homes.