Full Answer
Should I insulate my van?
Some argue that if you only spend your time in hot climates (i.e. Florida or somewhere similar) then insulation may do more harm than good. The argument is that while the insulation will slow down the heat from getting into your van at first, once it does get in the insulation actually prevents it from radiating back out once the day cools off.
What type of foam should I use to insulate my van?
We recommend using ¾” to 1” polyiso or XPS foam board to insulate your van, glued in place with either Great Stuff spray foam or 3M High Strength 90 spray adhesive. If you choose to insulate your floor, we recommend using ½” XPS due to its compressive strength.
Is ceramic paint an effective way to insulate a van?
However, if research came out that ceramic paint is indeed effective, we could see it being used in conjunction with standard insulation as an exterior coating to prevent the metal body of your van from absorbing heat in the first place. In our opinion, the best all-around material for van insulation is sheep’s wool insulation.
What is the best way to insulate a van door panel?
This would be a good choice for insulating door panels, but foam board is still a better (and cheaper) choice for the rest of your van. Rock wool also has some emerging health concerns, so if you use this make sure to wear protective gear and seal it off completely from the rest of your van.
Does a van floor need to be insulated?
However, heat rises from the bottom of the van to the top. Also, the ground can put cold through the floor of your van, making it cold inside without insulation. While it's not necessary, insulating your van floor can make a huge difference in your comfort when you camp.
Is insulating floor worth it?
Floor insulation will help keep your home more comfortable throughout the year and reduce the need for artificial heating and cooling. In other words, when it's used along with insulation in the ceiling and walls, floor insulation can help you save money on your energy bills all year round.
How do you insulate a van floor?
2:2010:38How to Properly Insulate the Floor on a Sprinter Campervan Build with ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo basically what we did is we installed. It into the floor. And then we used foil tape or aluminumMoreSo basically what we did is we installed. It into the floor. And then we used foil tape or aluminum tape to tape off all the seams. And kind of make it.
Is van insulation necessary?
If you want to stay comfortable in your van no matter the weather, you need to insulate. Insulation is one of the most important steps of any van build, and it pays to take the time to do it right.
How much heat is lost through the floor?
10 percentMore than 10 percent of an average home's heat is lost through the floor. through the floor. This percentage can be much higher depending on your home floor's material.
How do you insulate a camper van floor?
8:129:32Insulate your van floor the right way. Sprinter van build. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe foil taped all of the joints. So that's now one continuous vapor barrier right the way across theMoreWe foil taped all of the joints. So that's now one continuous vapor barrier right the way across the floor I've even taped up the sides of the van.
How do you insulate the inside of a van?
2:484:52The BEST Insulation For Your Van & How To Install It!!! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSections. Another really important tip is you want to keep the thins the insulation. As far awayMoreSections. Another really important tip is you want to keep the thins the insulation. As far away from possible as any mechanical. Moving parts for instance this door handle had a moving latch on the
How do you insulate a van floor with wool?
5:3312:15Van Subfloor + Floor Insulation with Havelock Wool | Van Build SeriesYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo we bought all these 1x2 Prime boards that we're going to use to basically create a frame on theMoreSo we bought all these 1x2 Prime boards that we're going to use to basically create a frame on the van floor. And then in the gaps. We're going to place all the Havelock wool insulation.
Do you need a Vapour barrier in a campervan?
Van or campervan insulation projects need to include some sort of vapour barrier. Since you're looking to insulate such a small space, there's a risk of a build-up of moisture from people breathing and people cooking.
How do I stop my van from getting damp?
Here are the steps you can take, during your van build, to prevent condensation damage in your van:Install a Ventilation Fan. The most effective way to reduce condensation is ventilation. ... Insulate your floors, walls, and ceiling. ... Install Sound Deadening.
How do I stop my van from Condensating?
1:484:06Winter Van Life CONDENSATION FIX! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then we also put one at the back on the doors as well because they're metal with the glassMoreAnd then we also put one at the back on the doors as well because they're metal with the glass windows. But you can obviously dry these out in a microwave an oven or in the sun.
What insulation should I use for my van?
Closed cell spray foam insulation This is the most effective insulating material on the list and if installed correctly can completely shield the metal on your panel van from interior moisture as it is impermeable.
Is it worth insulating concrete floor?
Insulating a floor will be most beneficial to homeowners where the floor is above a cold space. A cold space can be any unheated or unused room as these can cause buildings to lose a lot of heat very quickly. Bedrooms above garages and houses with basements or cellars are the most common examples of this.
Can underfloor insulation cause problems?
What Can Go Wrong With Underfloor Insulation? Worst case scenario you trap moisture from spills or interstitial condensation up against the timbers within hydrophobic insulation and in turn risk rotting the floor joists.
Should I insulate my concrete floor?
A guide to insulating a concrete floor. The concrete floors of most modern houses should all have been insulated during construction, normally using a thick layer of dense polystyrene laid in sheets between the hardcore base and the finished surface.
Is it worth insulating suspended timber floor?
Insulating suspended floors has emerged as a modern solution that addresses recurring problems for homeowners of older properties: namely, preventing draughts, helping to keep a home warmer and prevent energy loss, and maintaining the integrity of timber suspended floors.
How much does it cost to insulate a van?
You should be able to fully insulate your van with Havelock Wool sheep’s wool insulation for about $300 to $600 (including shipping), depending on the size of your van.
Why insulate thicker than 1"?
If you spend a lot of time in very, very cold weather, you will probably want to insulate thicker than 1” to get more R-value. You will also want to reduce thermal bridging as much as possible to prevent as much heat from escaping as you can.
What is insulation batt made of?
Eco-friendly and all-natural insulation batts made from sustainable sheep's wool. Sound dampening, breathable, controls moisture, sequesters carbon, and easy to install.
What is the R value of insulation?
Every insulation material has an R-value, which is a measure of the material’s Resistance to heat transfer. The higher the R-value, the better it’s able to resist heat transfer via conduction.
Why is ventilation needed in winter?
Even in the winter, ventilation is required to combat moisture and mold problems. Insulation offers little to no value for temperature control when ventilation is required, which is pretty much always. Beating hot or cold weather is relatively easy, but insulation for temperature control is a waste of time and money.
Why do vans have a fan?
Because of convection, the heat inside your van naturally rises upwards. Having thicker insulation on the ceiling helps keep this heat inside during cold weather. And when it’s hot, a ventilation fan can suck out the warmer air near the ceiling while pulling in cooler air from a floor vent or cracked window.
Is foam insulation toxic?
Either the material is impervious to moisture (like rigid foam board or spray foam) or has moisture control properties and natural mold resistance (like Thinsulate or Havelock Wool ). Non-toxic. You don’t want harmful gases or microscopic particles from your insulation filling your (very small) living space.
How Much Van Insulation Do I Need?
This depends on both the type of insulation and the size of your van.
What Is the Best Way to Insulate a Cargo Van?
There’s no right answer when it comes to the question of how to insulate a cargo van. The exact process depends on the shape and size of your van, as well as the materials you’re using. Moreover, each part of the van (such as the floor, roof and walls) has its own installation rules. Below you’ll find a general guide covering the basic elements of the van insulation process.
What Are The Benefits of Van Build Insulation?
If you’re still unsure about the idea of cargo van insulation, it might help to take a closer look at its benefits. Here are some of the top advantages of van interior insulation.
What Is the Best Insulation for an RV or Camper Van?
However, the journey’s not over yet — you still have to select your desired material. The truth is, there’s no best way to insulate a cargo van. The answer depends entirely on your unique budget and heat needs. To help you decide, we’ve analyzed and compared some of the most commonly used materials.
Where Can I Find Van Insulation?
Now that you know the different materials available, you might be wondering: where can I actually get van insulation? When making a purchase, most people turn to one of the following options:
Is Insulating a Van Safe?
Van insulation is safe as long as you follow the proper safety guidelines. These include:
Why is insulation important in a van?
by Will Cecil. Why is van insulation important? Campervan insulation is really important in order to moderate the temperature within your van. Typical campervan conversions will use a panel van as a base vehicle, but the thin metal walls will very easily transfer heat and equalise to external temperatures.
Why do vans need a vapour barrier?
Using a vapour barrier will stop the generated moisture from living in a van from contact with the metal van walls which can lead to rust. The argument against it is that getting moisture behind the walls is inevitable in a van, and once water gets behind the vapour barrier it will not be able to escape.
What is PIR insulation?
Within the US, it’s most frequently called foam board insulation. PIR insulation is an excellent choice because it is lightweight, moisture resistant, affordable, non-toxic and fire resistant.
Why use moisture resistant insulation?
You’ll want to use insulation which is moisture resistant to stop any mould growth or take precautions to ensure no moisture can access your insulation using a vapour barrier.
What is the most common insulation material in the UK?
Mineral wool is perhaps one of the most common household insulation materials within the UK.
Can fibreglass be used as an insulator?
Fibreglass has been used for many years, and although it is an effective insulator, our concerns come from its toxicity. Contact with skin will result in a rash and it naturally sheds very small fibres, which will be exaggerated through vibration in the van. If inhaled, these can cause respiratory damage.
Can you apply Reflectix to a van?
Do not apply Reflectix directly on the van walls.
What is the best insulation for a van?
Another emerging front-runner for van insulation is sheep’s wool from a company called Havelock. An all-natural material, sheep’s wool has been touted as an eco-friendly choice. It’s got a slightly higher R-value than 3M Thinsulate, it’s cheaper, has natural moisture-wicking properties, and also provides sound dampening. However, bugs love wool, so in order to prevent insects, as well as reduce flammability, Havelock applies a small amount of boric acid to the sheep’s wool. This is considered non-toxic, according to the National Pesticide Information Center. One last thing to consider is that compared to 3M Thinsulate, sheep’s wool is reported to be slightly messier on the install.
What is outside van insulation?
3M Thinsulate is a synthetic material, it’s non-toxic and easy to install, and also has some sound dampening properties. Despite having a higher price tag and a slightly lower R-value than some of the other options, 3M Thinsulate is a clear front runner in discussions on the Sprinter Source Forum.
How does sound dampening work in a van?
Sound dampening materials make a huge difference in reducing the vibrations and road noise in your van. These materials help keep outside sounds outside and inside sounds inside so you can enjoy peace and quiet inside the van and you won’t be as easily heard from the outside. They are typically installed directly on the inside of the vehicle’s metal walls before adding insulation.
How to reduce noise in van?
Peel and stick sound deadeners are a popular option for van conversions – they’re easy to install and you don’t need a ton of it to make a big difference. Applying the material to even just 25% of the inside space will significantly reduce outside noise and vibrations if you’re using a good product specifically designed for this purpose. We suggest applying it to walls, the ceiling, the cab, the floor, wheel wells, doors, and under the hood. 50 square feet is typically enough for the major areas of a panel van, but you’ll need more if you want to cover the entire inside. That’s what Outside Van did when they converted my van and other van lifers who ride in here always comment on how quiet it is.
What kind of wood do van lifers like?
Other van lifers like the look of wood paneling. I don’t have personal experience with wood, but many DIYers opt for tongue and groove paneling. Others on a tighter budget just use marine-grade plywood and paint over it.
What kind of upholstery do you use for a camper van?
In the case of Outside Van, they typically use polyolefin, which is an upholstery with many uses such as carpeting and vehicle interiors. It’s durable, resistant to stains, mildew, and sunlight, so it’s a great option for camper vans.
Why is it important to have a solid van?
Because of the nature of van life, it’s important to have a solid build that can withstand constant vibrations of the road. Vibrations not only weaken the integrity of the build but can also be really noisy. Cargo vans aren’t designed for quiet road trips; they’re work vehicles, so with that comes highway noise and sounds of people walking by while you’re trying to stealth camp. But there are ways to make your van quieter and more comfortable which we’ll dive into now, starting with sound dampening.
What Should I Use to Insulate My Van?
There are quite a few different products you can use to insulate your van. The r-value is the measurement of how well insulation combats heat. The higher the r-value the better a product is at insulating. Here are a few different options which of course all have their advantages and disadvantages:
Why do we insulate our vans?
Insulation is one of the first things we did during our van build in order to be able to control the inside temperature as much as possible . Ideally you want to be able to keep the warm in on a cold day and keep the hot air out on a warmer day. There are quite a few ways of doing it you can use depending on how much time and money you want to put in. Here is our guide to insulating your van including options for products, what we used and how much it all cost!
Why put XPS board on top of thinsulate?
We chose to put XPS board on top of the Thinsulate to better insulate our van. With the 2 combined we have an r-value of about 10 which is really good! Of course it’s not perfect and there are areas where we used more of one material than the other just due to the curves of the van but together it’s a really good combination!
What is XPS insulation?
Foam board such as XPS board is rigid foam board insulation that you have likely seen in house construction. It has a relatively high r-value of 5 and actually increases in r-value to 5.6 in colder temperatures. It’s a good option if you think you will be in cold weather often.
What is the best product to use to seal gaps and cracks in a van?
Great Stuff Gaps and Cracks is a very easy to use foam insulator. It would take forever (and require a lot of cans) to use to insulate your whole van but it is a really good product to use to seal up gaps and cracks. It is so easy to spray and once dried you can easily cut off extra with a box cutter.
What is the first layer of insulation?
Our first layer of insulation is Thinsulate. We used 3M-77 adhesive spray on the white side of the Thinsulate and pressed it onto the metal of the van. It stayed for almost 4 months before we put up our walls and ceiling so the adhesive spray definitely works!
How many inches of XPS board for floor?
We ran 2×2’s and 2×4’s as floor supports and then fit pieces of XPS board in between the wood for insulation. The XPS board pieces ranged from 2-7 inches depending on the gap between supports.
How much does it cost to insulate a Sprinter van?
How much does it cost to insulate a Sprinter van? Insulating a van camper can cost between $250 to$1000 depending which insulation is used in the van. Cost will also depend on if the work is done professionally or by the owner. Professional van insulation cost can be upwards of $1950.
What is a camper van window cover?
Custom sprinter van camper insulated window covers can provide a barrier between the heat from the summer sun and the cold from the winter nights. Campervan thermal window covers will help retain heat inside the sprinter van during the winter.
What is the purpose of a van camper heater?
Insulation in winter conditions, a van campers heater provides Radiant heat that heats the air ( convection) the warm air heats the surrounding surfaces, walls and ceiling ( conduction ). Insulation between the ceiling and metal van exterior will slow provides a barrier to slow down the Conduction and loss of heat.
How does insulation work?
How insulation works. Insulation works by slowing the transfer of heat. Heat moves in three different ways, radiation, conduction, convection, The sun rays (radiation) strikes the exterior of the van heating the metal. The heat transfers through the metal (conduction) to the inside heating the air (convection).
What does the inside of a van camper sound like?
The inside of a van camper can sound like reverberating tin can. The thin metal walls will vibrate and eco sounds almost like a bell. This effect can be reduced with the use of one of the following products.
Do van campers need ventilation?
I personnel don’t think so.Van campers are small living spaces that are made to be water and air tight to an extent. My belief is you need to have some material that will absorb the moisture you exhale and proper ventilation to keep the moisture from staying inside for too long inside. Better ventilation.
Do you need to insulate van floor?
Insulating the van floor is a good idea. I keeps out the heat from the engine, transmission and road heat. In the winter cold weather moving under the van will create colder temperatures making the metal ice cold that will transfers inside the van. Insulating the floor will also reduce road noise.
What is the best way to insulate a camper van?
Within the US, it’s most frequently called foam board insulation. PIR insulation is an excellent choice because it is lightweight, moisture resistant, affordable, non-toxic and fire resistant. PIR boards come in a range of thicknesses and are excellent choices for insulating the ceiling and floor of a van conversion.
How do you insulate a camper floor?
If you are thinking about insulating your RV’s underbelly, you have several inexpensive options to choose from. External skirting, underlayment insulation sheets, and spray foam are some of the more popular options for insulating an RV’s floor.
What is the best insulation for a camper?
The higher the R-value, the more thermal resistant the walls in your RV are. Fiberglass insulation is the best insulation for consistent temperature maintenance.
How do you keep an RV warm in the winter?
There are several ways to insulate them: foam insulation boards, bubble insulation, solar blankets, etc. For extra warmth, line your windows with heavy-weight thermal curtains. You may also want to go over your RV windows and doors with a layer of RV sealant or caulk, just to ensure they’re nice and weather-tight.
How do I stop condensation in my van?
Here are the steps you can take, during your van build, to prevent condensation damage in your van:
Is it worth insulating a van?
Keeping your van or campervan well insulated is not only a real lifesaver on cold nights while out camping, but it’ll stop it getting too hot on sweltering summer days. It also has other benefits, like reducing condensation (if installed correctly) and acting as a sound barrier.
Are passenger vans insulated?
Insulation in the van will probably be minimal, and interior room is usually somewhat less due to all the trim and upholstery. Of course, they will have side windows.
