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Post by mibosa on Aug 16, 2015 21:05:16 GMT 10
I am nearing the end of the process of installing 40 mm of polystyrene in all the wall cavities of my 66 Viscount Ambassador and am seeking peoples thoughts, knowledge etc as to whether to place the same 40 mm of polystyrene foam in the roof cavity or to use the highest rating possible insulation batts? Can anyone please advise the insulation ability of foam V batts? Pro's and Con's?
Regards,
Bob.
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Post by DC3Td on Aug 16, 2015 21:26:37 GMT 10
Gday Bob. Ease of convenience says poly.Majority of new cars use poly under carpet/in doors/guard cavities.But that`s vehicles.Pete(Observatory) & others use all over & in roof.That being said you`d want to know its really sealed well in the roof as it won`t soak up leaks or condensation.You could lay plastic drop sheets over the roof lot taking it over & taping over the edge & under the J mold/edging thereby allowing any water away from sitting.Tough call.In my teardrop i used insulation. gordon
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Post by mibosa on Aug 16, 2015 22:03:36 GMT 10
Thanks Gordon. Yes, I have been closely watching Observatory's project as his is a similar van. I managed to find a large quantity of polystyrene foam from a factory but it requires a fair amount of shaving to get it to fit all my wall spaces and subsequently makes a lot of mess. I probably spend just as much time in 'cleaning up' as what I do in making individual pieces. In reality, on the hot days/nights and cold days/nights I will never really know the benefits of my mammoth efforts, but at least I will know on those nights that I could not have done any more to prepare my van for those climate extremes.
I agree with what you have said about covering the roof filling and had already thought of that process. I am yet to do the final sealing of the exterior but consider myself to be quite anxious to get it right first time.
I think in my early preparation I worked out that using insulation batts was going to add a few kg's, plus the cost, so went for the option of polystyrene which other than petrol to collect, was free once I found a source.
Regards,
Bob.
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Post by DC3Td on Aug 16, 2015 22:11:44 GMT 10
Hi Bob.Most fruit shops/markets chuck out their poly vege/fruit boxes. All you got to do is collect. cheers
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Post by mibosa on Aug 16, 2015 22:17:52 GMT 10
Thanks Gordon, yes I don't have a problem sourcing the polystyrene but I would just like to find a pallet load of 20mm thick foam with no extrusions etc which I have to cut/shave out. I have high standards so subsequently I am spending a fair bit of time perfecting damn pieces of foam that may ever be seen again!
Regards,
Bob
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Post by mibosa on Aug 16, 2015 23:12:40 GMT 10
But, I please welcome any other thoughts on this topic. There must be other people out there with experience in this area, people who have a more scientific background or knowledge on websites which indicate thermal benefits etc etc etc. This forum has many senior members who seem are vocal in many aspects but to me seem to be lacking in contribution in areas where junior members are asking for help.
Regards,
Bob
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Post by gregh on Aug 17, 2015 17:50:57 GMT 10
Hi Mibosa,
polystyrene was/is used as insulation in eskys, coolers and is still used as the primary insulator for commercial fridge's. I'd say if you have access to it, use it because it is an effective insulator. Thicker the better.
Cheers. Greg
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Post by mibosa on Aug 17, 2015 18:57:04 GMT 10
Thanks Greg. Yes, I'm probably about half way through the polystyrene foam insulation process and it is 40mm throughout.
Thanks for your advice.
Regards,
Bob
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Post by Roehm3108 on Aug 18, 2015 9:29:17 GMT 10
Hi Bob
There may be a few "oldies" on this site, (I've been a member for almost 11 years) but that doesn't make us experts at everything. As well, in a lot of cases, when a newer member comes onboard, they regularly ask for advice on things that has already been covered in the technical section or is readily available elsewhere on the internet. This site was never meant to be a one stop shop for every imaginable aspect of caravanning.
This site suffers from the 80/20 principle (more like 90/10 these days) where 80% of the useful input is given by 20% of the members. When us "oldies" did our restoration work, we had to do the research and much of it was shared here on this site. Perhaps it's time some of you newer "oldies" did some of that sort of thing now, especially if you think of something that hasn't been covered before. That would make this site far more interesting and active. I suspect this site is being used more for a reference point and information is being taken, rather than having new stuff added.
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Post by Mustang on Sept 4, 2015 7:53:03 GMT 10
I have used both, around the edges of the styrene & on the curves I used wool insulation on a roll $30.00 from the green shed. The insulation is easy to stuff into exposed areas that will let that Aussie heat in. Fingers crossed no leaks.
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Post by mibosa on Sept 6, 2015 23:01:33 GMT 10
Thanks Mustang for your input. I have completed doing the van with polystyrene, a lot of work and even more vacuuming!
Regards, Bob.
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Post by claireandruth on Sept 17, 2015 6:37:54 GMT 10
I am using thermobreak, a foil lined foam product with an r rating of around 1, 1.5. It so easy to use, especially in the Sunliner with the curves - although I've only done the first piece so far (in the wardrobe where noone can see. I'm using the Sika foam adhesive, although it is quite rigid when cured so I have a small question in my mind about how it will cope with the road. Not that scooby will ever be off the black top that is!
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