Any reason not to tape flexible foam to the outside metal walls?

[HarmonicaBruce]

My new van has bare metal walls. I was going to use foam sheets where possible, but in the little nooks and crannies I'm thinking about using thin, flexible foam and taping it to the walls. I don't see any potential problem with it, am I missing something?

There are so many people on this forum who know so much more than I, I figured I'd ask.

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I was going to use this stuff:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Owens-Corning-Foam-SealR-Sill-Plate-Gasket-5-1-2-in-x-50-ft-2FS/202080947
I figure it will act as a vapor barrier. Of course I'll have more insulation on top of it.

 

[karl]

Sill seal wouldn't be my choice- not much, if any, insulation value....and it's only 6" wide.
Vapor barrier should be on the living side of the insulation- that is where moisture will be coming from(unless of course there are leaks in the shell) in the form of vapor, then condensing on the cooler surfaces.

I'd use 1/2" foil faced foam and layer it in the tight spaces. Sometimes you can score the back and fold the pieces to get them into a hole, then open again. Sometimes fitting pieces together is the answer. A dab of polyurethane adhesive to hold 'em and your good.

In those truly impossible spots, I resort to fiberglass that can be compressed and will expand inside the cavity, those areas really require that the vapor barrier be well installed. I like carpet protector (think wide roll of clear packing tape)

YMMV

 

[Luisafernandes]

Bruce, I used that same product on the ceiling ribs where anything else was too thick. I figured something was better than nothing. I then taped everything with metal tape.
Like this;

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[HarmonicaBruce]

I like carpet protector (think wide roll of clear packing tape)

Pretty cool stuff, I'll bet that would be an excellent vapor barrier. Thanks!

 

[cdiggy]

Pretty cool stuff, I'll bet that would be an excellent vapor barrier. Thanks!

Great idea!!! I am 'stealing' this idea

 

[HarmonicaBruce]

Like this...

Thanks for the awesome reply, especially the pictures! That's EXACTLY what I needed.
By the way, was that 3/4 inch board flexible enough to curve a little? I assume it was, it doesn't look like it cracked or anything. Good looking job.

 

[Luisafernandes]

Thanks for the awesome reply, especially the pictures! That's EXACTLY what I needed.
By the way, was that 3/4 inch board flexible enough to curve a little? I assume it was, it doesn't look like it cracked or anything. Good looking job.

No cracks, just enough flexibility [emoji106]

 

[Almost There]

What is the purpose of completely covering the ribs with the metal tape?

 

[Luisafernandes]

What is the purpose of completely covering the ribs with the metal tape?

One; it holds everything else together.
Two; it helps with sealing in the cold or warmth.
Three; makes the van look shiny.
Four; keeps space aliens [emoji573]from reading your mind.
Five; just kidding on the alien thing[emoji56]

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

 

[highdesertranger]

I thought that is what tin foil hats were for. highdesertranger