Insulating OVER windows

[Charity01]

I just bought a cargo van with windows on all sides. I assumed I would just insulate over them and cover all sides with wood paneling but have just been informed you cannot do that because the condensation that forms on the windows will create mold. Does anyone know if there is a way around this? Right now I'm thinking my only option is to sell and buy one with no windows. Ideally I would like to find a way to properly insulate/cover the windows without the risk of mold.

 

[maki2]

Condensation happens when warm moist air hits a cold impermeable surface. If you insulate in such a manner that moisture laden air can not hit the surface of the glass or the metal frame then you won't have an issue. Mold requires moisture to grow, it also requires a food source. Glass is not a food source for mold, dirt that gets onto the glass is the food source. So when you apply insulation against the window if you seal the edges so that neither dirt or moist air can get onto the surface of the glass you will not have any condensation or mold on the interior side of the glass.

An amazing amount of people on this and other RV forums do not have even the most basic knowledge of how to prevent these issues that are actually not all the difficult to prevent if you understand what causes condensation and what creates the condition where mold can develop.

Remember mold needs food, glass, metal, fiberglass and most plastics including acrylic, polycarbonate, PVC and such are not a food source. It is the dirt that accumulates on those surfaces that is providing the food.

 

[Charity01]

Thank you very much. I will use this information.