+- Vandweller Forum (https://vandwellerforum.com)
+-- Forum: Vehicle discussion (https://vandwellerforum.com/forum-3.html)
+--- Forum: Passenger (https://vandwellerforum.com/forum-64.html)
+--- Thread: Re: foam insulation (/thread-3162.html)
Re: foam insulation - CatPerson - 08-31-2019
If fitting sheet foam insulation onto a curved surface, it is far simpler to use two flexible sheets of 1/2" than one sheet of 1". If the 1/2" foam is purchased with a thin plastic sheet attached to it, may I assume that it is just protective, and there is no reason to leave it on when applying the foam?
RE: foam insulation - GotSmart - 08-31-2019
(08-31-2019, 12:00 AM)CatPerson Wrote: If fitting sheet foam insulation onto a curved surface, it is far simpler to use two flexible sheets of 1/2" than one sheet of 1". If the 1/2" foam is purchased with a thin plastic sheet attached to it, may I assume that it is just protective, and there is no reason to leave it on when applying the foam?Without Seeing the brand I am unsure. What I use has a foil backing as a vapor barrier. There are lots of brands out there. I used foil vent tape to seal the joints and cuts. It made a major difference.
Being cheap in this part part of the builds a mistake. Get the good stuff. It’s only a few dollars more.
RE: Re: foam insulation - CatPerson - 08-31-2019
The stuff the the guy parked next to me the other day had a thin plastic film on (at least) one side. It looked like it was peeling up on the corners on the top sheet. It looked like it was temporary/protective.
I've seen the foil-covered foam -- it looked permanent, and I could see a useful reason for it.
No decisions made yet.
RE: Re: foam insulation - GotSmart - 09-01-2019
What you saw was someone that used cheap industrial packaging for installation. The foam board in the building supply places is not that expensive but has two sides of covering. I highly recommend it. I think that I spent less than $60 doing my whole van. I sprayed it black before final installation in the window and it was basically invisible. The stuff on the walls was covered by bead board and I had a nice insulated cave. The solar panels on top gave a nice shade.
RE: Re: foam insulation - TWIH - 09-01-2019
(09-01-2019, 12:35 AM)GotSmart Wrote: What you saw was someone that used cheap industrial packaging for installation. The foam board in the building supply places is not that expensive but has two sides of covering. I highly recommend it. I think that I spent less than $60 doing my whole van. I sprayed it black before final installation in the window and it was basically invisible. The stuff on the walls was covered by bead board and I had a nice insulated cave. The solar panels on top gave a nice shade.So when gluing two 1/2 panels together (due to needing to curve), is there an adhesive thats recommended? I’ve read that some adhesives react with and “eat” the foam. So far I’ve heard of using: clear silicone, pl100/200 or other brand (caulk gun) tubes, liquid nail, 3M spray and even small amounts of the “Great Stuff” low expansion product.
Any thoughts?
Obviously the Great Stuff spray would be wasted once it is opened/used some, same with the tubes of caulk-type adhesives (panel or PL100/200 types) but the 3M spray would stay good for awhile.
RE: Re: foam insulation - rvpopeye - 09-01-2019
X2 on using the foil faced stuff.
If you use the 3M contact adhesive , remember after the pieces touch.....................
RE: Re: foam insulation - TWIH - 09-01-2019
That’s a good point. With the other types you can slide around some, however if you cut the 2nd piece correctly it should be ok.
Still, me and “correctly” don’t necessarily uh, go together...
RE: Re: foam insulation - GotSmart - 09-01-2019
That is why the backing is so necessary. I used the foil tape and attached the edges to ribs and roof. Tuck it in and tape it down. Air pockets are not a bad thing. Mark the rib location for metal fat head screws. You can use pieces and patch work it together. The tape can get expensive but it is necessary.
RE: Re: foam insulation - CatPerson - 09-01-2019
That sounds like an excellent idea!