There are many applications for aluminum foil that are never advertised. I reached out to Reynolds Kitchens to get an expert’s opinion about some of them…

Dear Aluminum Foilers:

The Reynolds Wrap Aluminum Foil box says, “Trusted Since 1947.” I understand you started making this product with aluminum in 1926. How come it took 21 years before everyone starting trusting it? Was it a conspiracy launched by your competitors to foil your success?

I think the most unusual use for aluminum foil is covering windows with it. I’ve seen college students do it, but I think that’s just to keep the sun from waking them up too early or preventing Narcotics Agents from spying on them with binoculars from adjacent windows. What’s the strangest thing you’ve discovered someone doing with aluminum foil?

Have you ever heard of anyone trying to put Reynolds Wrap Aluminum Foil on the sides of people’s homes in an attempt to sell them affordable aluminum siding?

Until I hear from you, that’s a wrap!

A Consumer Response Representative from Reynolds Kitchens responded with:

Thank you for your inquiry regarding Reynolds Wrap® Aluminum Foil. We are always happy to hear from our consumers.

In response to your question regarding using aluminum foil as an insulating material in your home, when foil is used alone it does not offer sufficient protection as the surrounding air causes the exposed surface of foil to cool. Also, we do not recommend covering windows with aluminum foil. Exposure to extreme heat can cause the aluminum foil to adhere to the windows and it can become impossible to remove.

Aluminum foil, when used with a material such as fiberglass, provides an excellent barrier to heat loss. In this type of combination, the foil prevents the warm air from escaping from the air space created by the fiberglass. Air space traps heat and holds it close to the object that is being insulated. An example of this from everyday life is the wearing of several layers of clothing in cold weather.

Many building supply stores carry aluminum foil-laminated building materials that are easy to use for a variety of insulating applications.

We appreciate your continued support of Reynolds consumer products. Please let us know if we can be of any future assistance.

Final Thoughts: Reynolds Wrap covers a lot of stuff and so did their Consumer Response department. Any company that takes their customers seriously — no matter how offbeat the questions — should be commended. Reynolds Kitchens is clearly committed to consumer education. By going out of their way to share such in-depth knowledge about their products, they let customers know they know what they’re doing. Receiving this kind of response also ensures that I wouldn’t even consider another brand.

Next time you’re in the market for aluminum foil, explore the Reynolds Family of Products. However, next time you cook up an idea for using a product that isn’t promoted on the package, play it smart and Write The Company.