VanFocused
Member
- Joined
- Jun 15, 2020
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My favorite topic! Well... not really. Not at all.
I spent so many hours of research when I was building out my campervan, and a good chunk of that was on insulation. Everyone has their own, drastically conflicting, opinions. And, outside of a couple points (like avoiding fiberglass insulation), nobody seems to agree on anything.
So, what did you all use for your insulation and why? I'll start.
Polyiso foam boards
I used polyiso foam boards (various thicknesses) for all the flat, panel-like areas. Poly iso ranges in R value from 3.2 for their 0.5inch to 13 for their 2inch. I mainly used 1 to 2 inch boards and it was the majority of the wall space and ceiling.
The cons of polyiso is that it squeaks. I was super concerned of the squeaks at first, but after I finished the build I realized that the whole damn van squeaks and creaks.
The material was pretty simple to work with but does make a mess when you're cutting it. Cutting is simple enough. I just used a large razor blade and some sand-paper to sand down the sides so they woudn't get little pieces everywhere.
Installation is as simple as cutting to size and using 3m adhesive to stick it into place.
Rock Wool
Now this one gets a bit of controversy. After doing my research, I decided to go with rock wool. I used it to stuff into all the ribs and awkwardly shaped crevices.
The R-Value for rockwool is around 3-3.3 per sq inch. Although you loose some of that if you over-stuff.
The Cons are that people CLAIM that rockwool absorbs moisture. From my research, I found this to be untrue. Rockwool claims to be hydrophilic, meaning that it does not absorb water at a molecular level. However, it is designed in a way that allows water vapor to pass through it. This means condensation can still collect on the cold metal walls of the van. Most insulations will allow this, without a vapor barrier, I believe.
All in all, I decided to go with it and I don't have any regrets (yet).
The material was a little more annoying to work with. I am stubborn and not only did I not wear a mask (you really should), I also didn't wear gloves. It left me itchy for days.
Spray Foam
The last material I used was spray foam, specifically great stuff single-part sealant that supposedly boasts a 6-7 R-value per square inch. I mainly did the gaps and cracks that were otherwise exposed. It still took a few cans though.
The Cons are the price, definitely. Spray foam is expensive. I also read (I don't know how true it is) that the chemicals in spray foam can eat away at the paint of the van and erode the metal.
Installation was messy. I got that stuff everywhere. In my hair, my beard, on my freshly laid flooring (don't question me about my order of operations) and again I refused to wear gloves. That stuff is hard to get off once it dries.
Also of note
I didn't use a vapor barrier and I didn't insulate the floor.
So how is it holding up?
I'm now on my second winter living in my van full time. My first was in Missouri, where it would get down to the single digits often. This year, in Colorado, I've already hit 0 degrees F twice.
I think all-in-all I spent way to much time thinking about insulation. My van is freezing when its cold out, if I'm not physically in there and running my heater. I don't mind the cold though, and I often sleep without the heater and just my 20 degree sleeping quilt and down booties (my feet get cold).
I only wish I insulated the floor. Especially in windy CO, I think the wind rips right under my van and sucks out some of that precious heat.
I also need to find a way to insulate the living area from the front cab.
My pipes burst once, when I stayed in a hotel for a few nights.
In Conclusion
Let me know what you all used for your insulation, why, and whether or not you like it.
I have a post on my website about van insulation https://vanfocused.com/van-insulation/ and I'm looking to add to it and correct it to make sure it is accurate and up-to-date.
I know there are things missing so if you could also give it a look over and let me know if I should update or change anything.
I appreciate you all,
Cheers.
I spent so many hours of research when I was building out my campervan, and a good chunk of that was on insulation. Everyone has their own, drastically conflicting, opinions. And, outside of a couple points (like avoiding fiberglass insulation), nobody seems to agree on anything.
So, what did you all use for your insulation and why? I'll start.
Polyiso foam boards
I used polyiso foam boards (various thicknesses) for all the flat, panel-like areas. Poly iso ranges in R value from 3.2 for their 0.5inch to 13 for their 2inch. I mainly used 1 to 2 inch boards and it was the majority of the wall space and ceiling.
The cons of polyiso is that it squeaks. I was super concerned of the squeaks at first, but after I finished the build I realized that the whole damn van squeaks and creaks.
The material was pretty simple to work with but does make a mess when you're cutting it. Cutting is simple enough. I just used a large razor blade and some sand-paper to sand down the sides so they woudn't get little pieces everywhere.
Installation is as simple as cutting to size and using 3m adhesive to stick it into place.
Rock Wool
Now this one gets a bit of controversy. After doing my research, I decided to go with rock wool. I used it to stuff into all the ribs and awkwardly shaped crevices.
The R-Value for rockwool is around 3-3.3 per sq inch. Although you loose some of that if you over-stuff.
The Cons are that people CLAIM that rockwool absorbs moisture. From my research, I found this to be untrue. Rockwool claims to be hydrophilic, meaning that it does not absorb water at a molecular level. However, it is designed in a way that allows water vapor to pass through it. This means condensation can still collect on the cold metal walls of the van. Most insulations will allow this, without a vapor barrier, I believe.
All in all, I decided to go with it and I don't have any regrets (yet).
The material was a little more annoying to work with. I am stubborn and not only did I not wear a mask (you really should), I also didn't wear gloves. It left me itchy for days.
Spray Foam
The last material I used was spray foam, specifically great stuff single-part sealant that supposedly boasts a 6-7 R-value per square inch. I mainly did the gaps and cracks that were otherwise exposed. It still took a few cans though.
The Cons are the price, definitely. Spray foam is expensive. I also read (I don't know how true it is) that the chemicals in spray foam can eat away at the paint of the van and erode the metal.
Installation was messy. I got that stuff everywhere. In my hair, my beard, on my freshly laid flooring (don't question me about my order of operations) and again I refused to wear gloves. That stuff is hard to get off once it dries.
Also of note
I didn't use a vapor barrier and I didn't insulate the floor.
So how is it holding up?
I'm now on my second winter living in my van full time. My first was in Missouri, where it would get down to the single digits often. This year, in Colorado, I've already hit 0 degrees F twice.
I think all-in-all I spent way to much time thinking about insulation. My van is freezing when its cold out, if I'm not physically in there and running my heater. I don't mind the cold though, and I often sleep without the heater and just my 20 degree sleeping quilt and down booties (my feet get cold).
I only wish I insulated the floor. Especially in windy CO, I think the wind rips right under my van and sucks out some of that precious heat.
I also need to find a way to insulate the living area from the front cab.
My pipes burst once, when I stayed in a hotel for a few nights.
In Conclusion
Let me know what you all used for your insulation, why, and whether or not you like it.
I have a post on my website about van insulation https://vanfocused.com/van-insulation/ and I'm looking to add to it and correct it to make sure it is accurate and up-to-date.
I know there are things missing so if you could also give it a look over and let me know if I should update or change anything.
I appreciate you all,
Cheers.