There are many options for caravan insulation. You can choose natural products, such as sheep’s wool. Or you can choose EPS, XPS or denim batt. You’ll find some tips on how to choose the right type of insulation for your caravan below. If you’re looking to buy a new caravan, make sure to read these tips first. You’ll want to avoid thermal bridging by installing thicker insulation.
Sheep’s wool natural caravan insulation
Sheep’s wool is a renewable and natural material that is far superior to other materials for insulating caravans. Wool fiber has evolved to protect sheep from harsh conditions. It manages moisture against up to 65% relative humidity, absorbs harmful chemicals, and crushes road noise. Not to mention, it’s easy to recycle. If you want to make an even bigger impact on the environment, you can compost the sheep’s wool and grow tomatoes with it!
Sheep’s wool also has excellent moisture management and sound-deadening properties. The R-value of an insulation material is measured by how much the material resists heat conduction. The higher the number, the better. The R-value of sheep’s wool insulation is slightly lower than that of fibreglass but still superior. The material is also eco-friendly, non-toxic, and mould-resistant. Its natural properties allow it to absorb moisture from the air and wick it away from the walls. It is also relatively inexpensive compared to synthetic materials.
Sheep’s wool insulation is a wonderful option for static caravans. Not only is it breathable, but it also provides decent R values. It also dampens noise and is fire-safe. Because of these benefits, it’s perfect for damp climates. If you’re looking for more insulation than sheep’s wool, you can opt for 3M’s Thinsulate, a roll-type product with excellent moisture-resistance and sound-deadening properties. Of course, this product is also the most expensive.
Although sheep’s wool is a natural material, it still has lower R-value per 100 mm than rockwool and other synthetic insulation materials. But the great thing about sheep’s wool is that it is 100% natural and extremely sustainable. Sheep’s wool requires little energy to grow and wash. Sheep are also part of the natural carbon cycle, consuming organic carbon stored in plants and converting it to wool. In fact, 50% of the wool is pure organic carbon.
EPS
If you are looking to insulate your caravan, EPS is an excellent choice. The material is relatively cheap (three cans of 3M 90 insulating foam are only $12 each) and has many benefits, including a high R-value. The greater the R-value, the better the insulating properties of the material. The R-value is calculated as R = l/l, where l is the thickness of the material in metres and W/m.K is its thermal conductivity.
EPS is a thermally efficient, lightweight material that is also cheap. However, the material’s durability will decrease over time, reducing its R-value. Also, if your van is not kept in a damp location, moisture will accumulate in the area and exacerbate the insulation’s properties. This is especially important if your van is susceptible to wraths of moisture, which can rot wooden floors or cause mould to grow.
Although EPS is an excellent choice for campervan insulation, there are other options. Foam boards are inexpensive, lightweight, and non-toxic. They are also easily fitted and don’t take up much interior space. However, if you’re going to be spending a lot of time and energy camping, XPS foam board is a good choice. However, you must ensure the correct installation of your EPS board to achieve the best results.
Although fibreglass is a great choice for van insulation, it is also toxic and difficult to work with. Although EPS is an excellent choice for caravan insulation, you can also consider insulating your van with Rockwool, mineral wool, or sheep’s wool. These are environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and resistant to mildew and mould. They also have excellent moisture management and sound-deadening properties. But it’s important to note that sheep’s wool doesn’t have the highest R-value per inch like fibreglass.
XPS
XPS is the most common type of caravan insulation. It is durable, waterproof, and non-absorbent, and costs less than polyiso. It is also less expensive than EPS, and is slightly more effective in colder temperatures. XPS is also cheaper than Havelock Wool, a type of woven wool that can be glued to the body and ceiling of a van using 3M High Strength 90 spray foam.
XPS is more flexible than polyiso foam. When installed correctly, it will prevent moisture from accumulating in the open cells. The panels will need to be secured with a piece of lumber until the spray foam has set. XPS caravan insulation is typically about 3/4-inch thick. For larger vehicles, there are even curved walls that require several pieces of lumber to brace the panels. It is important to remember that curved van walls may need multiple pieces of lumber to brace the panels.
The R-value of your insulation is the amount of resistance it offers to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better. However, a thin sheet of insulation may not be enough to prevent heat loss. If you plan to spend most of your time outdoors, you may want to choose a thicker type of XPS caravan insulation. Alternatively, you may prefer a panel van that uses the original vehicle manufacturer’s body and subsequently fitted with a campervan interior.
When choosing a type of caravan insulation, it is important to consider the type of foam board. Polyiso is the most popular choice. However, it is more expensive than foam boards and is foil-faced on one side. This foil-faced polyiso is more durable than the rest and is also a good choice when it comes to van insulation. It is also lightweight, non-toxic, and inexpensive. This is one of the best types of caravan insulation.
Denim batt
What makes denim insulation so unique? This recycled cotton blue jean material is non-toxic and eco-friendly. Moreover, it’s twice as dense as rock wool and fiberglass, and offers the same R-value per inch. However, it is more expensive than other insulation options such as fiberglass and sheep’s wool. So, what’s so great about this material? Its durability can stretch your dollars for years.
A disadvantage of denim is that it is not standardized. If you buy a denim batt, it may be one inch too wide or wider than the cavity you’ll use it in. You might also notice that the denim has been compressed into rolls for shipping purposes, lowering its R-value. Also, the compressed insulation might not bounce back to the thickness stated on the packaging, and it may not fit into standard wall cavities. Therefore, it’s important to make an accurate cut to ensure an airtight fit.
In the United States, there’s a huge amount of textile waste. Hence, it’s essential to recycle these textiles, and this is where denim insulation comes in. The material is recycled using post-industrial denim and cotton, which is made by reducing the production of new clothing. Because denim is made of post-industrial denim and cotton, it is flame-retardant. Therefore, you’ll save money and the environment at the same time.
Lizard skin
If you’re looking for a way to insulate your van, consider using Lizard Skin. This insulating paint is made of ceramic micro bubbles that form a super-effective heat barrier. This product can be used on both the interior and exterior of your van. Because it is so thin, you can apply it to just about any surface. Moreover, it’s easy to apply and is completely environmental-friendly. If you don’t want to spend a fortune, you can even paint it any color you want.
LizardSkin is easy to apply and requires no cutting, making it a more convenient option than mat insulation. It’s also more durable because it seals against corrosion and rust, so it will last longer. Besides, it won’t attract moisture, which will result in reduced performance. This will help you avoid any future mold and mildew problems. However, you’ll need to keep this in mind when choosing LizardSkin for your van.
LizardSkin spray-on insulation is an excellent alternative to butyl. Unlike conventional insulation, LizardSkin offers other benefits including thermal and sound control. Moreover, it has a ceramic effect that helps with heat and reduces condensation. LizardSkin is non-toxic and water-soluble. It is easy to apply, and its amount depends on the total square footage of your caravan. You can buy a LizardSkin SuperPro application kit at any store that sells LizardSkin coatings. The kit comes with an air compressor and can be used to apply the product. A compressor and a water separator are required.
Once the LizardSkin has been applied, you can choose between two types of finish – SC and CI. LizardSkin SC features an orange peel texture. If you prefer a more glossy finish, you can paint over LizardSkin with an automotive-grade paint. Using paint can also change the texture of LizardSkin. You can adjust the air pressure and nozzle to make it look different. This is a very popular material in the caravan industry.