Proper insulation is essential to keeping campervans warm. You may use Sheep wool, Multifoil, XPS or 3M Thinsulate. The purpose of this article is to explain how these types of insulation will benefit you and your campervan. You can read more about the pros and cons of each of these materials below. Once you’ve made your decision, make sure you install proper insulation in your campervan!
Sheep wool
Using sheep wool for campervan insulation is an ideal solution for a range of reasons. Wool is a natural, renewable resource that is free of chemicals and can absorb moisture in the air, wicking it away from metal walls. It’s also resistant to mildew and mould and offers excellent sound-deadening properties. Although it has a lower R-value per 100mm than fibreglass, sheep wool is a relatively cheap material and has numerous benefits.
Sheep wool is a sustainable material that can be obtained from friendly farmers. It is also very dense, preventing heat loss and ensuring a comfortable temperature. You can find sheep wool anywhere there are sheep. The only downside to using this type of insulation is the possibility of releasing small fibers into the air. But that’s negligible compared to the potential benefits of sheep wool for campervan insulation.
Another advantage to sheep wool for campervan insulation is its easy-to-handle quality. It can be easily torn into strips or even cut large sheets. The natural fibers of the wool don’t diminish in size even when they become saturated with water. Besides the great insulation qualities, wool is also free from harmful chemicals and doesn’t fade over time. So whether you want to use wool in your campervan or not, you can rest assured that sheep wool is an excellent choice for campervan insulation.
Multifoil
The multifoil insulation is ideal for campervans. Multifoil is flexible and lightweight, making it easy to fit into your van. Multifoil insulation can be easily installed on your walls and around any protrusions and wheel arches. In addition to being incredibly effective, multifoil is very cheap. Using multifoil will help you maintain a constant temperature in your van even when you’re not using it.
Another good way to insulate your van is with window tint. This helps by reflecting the sun’s rays, reducing the interior temperature. Some van models have aftermarket kits that are pre-cut to fit your window frame. DIY window tint is also possible, using bubble foil roll that you cut to fit around the edges of a piece of stiff cardboard. You’ll need to make sure the foil is the shiny side facing in for best results.
When choosing a good van insulation product, remember to look for the K-value. This is also known as the Lambda or Thermal Conductivity and is represented by the Greek letter l. The lower the K-value, the less heat can pass through the material. The K-value is measured in Watts per meter-Kelvin, which means that one meter cube of a material with a K-value of one can transfer one watt of heat per degree of its temperature.
XPS
Extruded polystyrene, or XPS, is a lightweight, high-performance insulation that is ideal for van floors. Its low K-value makes it a cost-effective alternative to polyiso, and its foil-faced side deflects radiant heat. Like Styrofoam, XPS is also a good choice for van floors. Spray foam can be used to cover irregular surfaces and fill gaps.
XPS foam is strong enough to prevent condensation, which can lead to mould and mildew growth and odour. It can also cause damage to vehicle components. Ventilation and moisture-resistant materials are essential for motorhomes and caravans. Insulation that absorbs moisture cannot function properly. In addition, a mere 10% increase in moisture can result in up to 45% less thermal efficiency. Fortunately, XPS foam is acid and salt resistant, making it an excellent choice for recreational vehicles.
When installing XPS insulation, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully. Some manufacturers provide easy instructions, but there’s nothing wrong with taking your time. You can cut the insulation to size and then hang it from attachment points or the ground. You’ll need to use a lot less glue than recommended and you can save money by using less glue. However, it’s best to do it correctly to make sure that it doesn’t come off as a messy mess later.
There are several methods to install XPS campervan insulation. The rigid foam board method uses sheets of rigid foam board that are cut to fit larger areas. The foam boards can be adhered to walls and ceilings using PU spray foam. XPS foam can also prevent mold from forming on interior surfaces. This method is also more affordable than PIR foam boards. But the main drawback of XPS insulation is that it has an open cell structure that lets moisture accumulate.
3M Thinsulate
There are two options for installing the 3M Thinsulate in your campervan: the roll kind or the foam type. The former is lighter but less effective than the latter, especially in the hard-to-reach areas of the van. The latter, on the other hand, is more expensive and requires glue to stick to the van walls. You can also use a spray adhesive to adhere the insulation to the van walls.
Another option is sheep’s wool. It costs slightly more than the other materials, but has excellent all-around insulating qualities. Another option is the hydrophobic version of the material, which manages moisture well and helps prevent mold. You can purchase both from 3M or from a local supplier. Moreover, you can find some tools to install the insulation yourself on your campervan’s walls.
Another choice is sheep’s wool, although it’s reported to be more messier than 3M Thinsulate. You can also choose rigid foam boards or sheets. Polyisocyanurate rigid foam boards have an R-value of six for a 1” panel. Thinner versions are available at 0.75” and can be easily bought at hardware stores. Despite their expensive price, these materials are easy to install and have many benefits.
A DIY version of insulated window covers may be another option, if you know how to install them. These window coverings are made of fabric and Low-E foam, which is effective in reducing heat and sound transmission. And while they may not be as effective as a 3M Thinsulate-style insulation, they still offer superior insulation. And while you’re in your campervan, you’ll still be able to enjoy the benefits of the insulation, without having to pay the full price for the installation.
FoilBoard
FoilBoard campervan insulation is an excellent option for caravans that lack floor insulation. Not only does it improve thermal efficiency and energy efficiency, it is also easy to install. The benefits of FoilBoard campervan insulation are numerous – from keeping hot air out of your caravan during summer to keeping your family warm in winter, it can help you reduce energy costs and make the environment a little more friendly. Added to that, Foilboard is non-toxic and environmentally friendly.
FoilBoard campervan insulation comes in blocks that are easy to cut and install. Each block has a flat surface and can be used under floorboards, behind roof panels, or under other parts of the van. You can also use aluminium tape or spray adhesive to secure the blocks to the van. Once you’re satisfied with the fit of the insulation, you can fill in gaps by applying expanding foam from a DIY outlet.
While FoilBoard insulation provides excellent thermal efficiency, it is still difficult to keep a van cool during the summer. The temperature inside the van can rise significantly during the day, and the insulation keeps the heat inside at a comfortable level. The reason for this is conduction, which is the transfer of heat between two solid bodies. For example, if you put your spoon in a hot tea, the spoon will soon become hot due to conduction. Heat will also transfer from the outside body to the van, so it is vital that the insulation be effective in insulating the van.
EarthWool
The EarthWool campervan insulation kit has everything you need to add insulation to your van. The blocks of insulation are easily cut to fit your van. They come in various widths and can be fitted under floorboards and behind roof panels. Once fitted, you can secure them with aluminium tape or a spray adhesive. If gaps are found, you can fill them with expanding foam from a DIY outlet.
In Australia, insulation is vital to make your van more comfortable. It can be used to prevent heat from accumulating in your van and can support temperature control when fitted with an electrical system or vent fan. As with any other type of insulation, you should read the label carefully to see what the K-value is and how it relates to the amount of heat transfer. If the R-value is low, you won’t notice a difference at all.
FoilBoard is the most popular type of insulation for campervans. This foam board is easy to cut and applies well to walls and ceilings. EarthWool can be used on ceilings and panels. FoilBoad can also be used in gaps and cavities in walls and is cheaper than foam board insulation. Its R-value per 25mm is the highest. Moreover, it’s non-toxic and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.