Reflective foil is prized in many industries because it reduces damage from heat. NASA uses it in the Gemini and Apollo space missions. The U.S. Forestry Service relies on it to protect its firefighters. The same material can be used in your home to reduce heat gain and save energy. A radiant barrier is the best way to lower the temperature.

Hawaii’s building code requires mass insulation or radiant barriers on the roofs of all new homes and additions larger than 100 square feet. Insulation options include fiberglass rolls, reflective foil radiant barriers or a combination of both. For Hawaii homes, City Mill recommends Tarpfoil. Some benefits of using Tarpfoil compared to fiberglass are: It is safer and easier to install; it lowers cost by reducing heat gain by as much as 46 percent; it reduces energy use for cooling up to 25 percent; and it qualifies for federal tax credits.

Tarpfoil is available at City Mill in 4-foot-by-250-foot rolls (1,000 square feet), 2-foot-by-250-foot rolls (500 square feet) as well as by the linear foot (2 feet wide). It can be used to insulate your water heater, or to make your own vehicle windshield shade.