Insulation discussion

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kstills
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Insulation discussion

Post by kstills »

Are you putting the same kind of insulation back in or going with something else? I'm reading that wool is a good choice for van builds because it doesn't hold moisture or some such.
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skater
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Re: Buying it back...

Post by skater »

kstills wrote:
Thu May 26, 2022 7:28 pm
Are you putting the same kind of insulation back in or going with something else? I'm reading that wool is a good choice for van builds because it doesn't hold moisture or some such.
Huh, I've heard that wool is good for keeping you warm even when it's wet. I haven't really thought much about it yet, but I was probably just going to use regular fiberglass insulation.
1991 Airstream B190 - bought, 2005; sold, 2011; bought 2017
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kstills
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Re: Buying it back...

Post by kstills »

https://havelockwool.com/van-insulation-products/

That's the stuff I'm thinking of using.
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skater
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Re: Buying it back...

Post by skater »

kstills wrote:
Sun May 29, 2022 6:42 pm
https://havelockwool.com/van-insulation-products/

That's the stuff I'm thinking of using.
Interesting. It's somewhat more expensive - this stuff works out to just under $100 for the same 100 sq ft that is $150 of the wool. But the difference might be worth it.
1991 Airstream B190 - bought, 2005; sold, 2011; bought 2017
1995 Airstream Excella 30' trailer

WBCCI #13270, Washington, DC Unit
kstills
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Re: Buying it back...

Post by kstills »

The unfaced fiberglass is a good bet, but the wool will have better sound insulating qualities at the same thickness. I wouldn't use it in a house because of the cost, but for the amount I'll be putting in the van I think it's a bit better and worth the extra cost. But I also may be talking my self into using it, lol, because there really isn't that much difference between the two.
kstills
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Re: Buying it back...

Post by kstills »

skater wrote:
Tue May 31, 2022 7:11 am
kstills wrote:
Sun May 29, 2022 6:42 pm
https://havelockwool.com/van-insulation-products/

That's the stuff I'm thinking of using.
Interesting. It's somewhat more expensive - this stuff works out to just under $100 for the same 100 sq ft that is $150 of the wool. But the difference might be worth it.
https://www.insulation4less.com/reflect ... x3EALw_wcB

Just came across this bit. Fiberglass insulation loses R value dramatically as the humidity increases, which if I'm reading the specs on the wool insulation correctly, it does not (up to 65%). I think that is why the wool would be a significantly better insulator than the fiberglass for these builds.
kstills
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Re: Buying it back...

Post by kstills »

https://gnomadhome.com/van-build-insulation/

This website DOES NOT recommend using fiberglass batting for insulation. Reading their rationale for the use/non use of other products, they do seem to know what they're talking about wrt insulation methods (IE not using reflectix attached to the van walls etc), so I think they're correct in what they're saying.
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skater
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Re: Buying it back...

Post by skater »

kstills wrote:
Wed Jun 01, 2022 7:33 am
https://gnomadhome.com/van-build-insulation/

This website DOES NOT recommend using fiberglass batting for insulation. Reading their rationale for the use/non use of other products, they do seem to know what they're talking about wrt insulation methods (IE not using reflectix attached to the van walls etc), so I think they're correct in what they're saying.
Thanks. Maybe I will go with the wool. I hadn't even thought about using the expanding foam to fill in gaps, too, but I'll need to do that.

I've always been a little suspicious of the reflectix - and that article confirmed my thoughts. We have some that we use in the rear window of the trailer (for example) to provide extra insulation. But I would never use it in a wall.
1991 Airstream B190 - bought, 2005; sold, 2011; bought 2017
1995 Airstream Excella 30' trailer

WBCCI #13270, Washington, DC Unit
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Re: Insulation discussion

Post by skater »

Are you still planning to use this?

I recently learned about Rockwool, which is stone wool and apparently somewhat resistant to mold, etc. Just curious if you're familiar with it and your thoughts on it, especially compared to the Havelock Wool.
1991 Airstream B190 - bought, 2005; sold, 2011; bought 2017
1995 Airstream Excella 30' trailer

WBCCI #13270, Washington, DC Unit
kstills
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Re: Insulation discussion

Post by kstills »

Yep, ordered and received my first $150 worth of wool, and it would have been in by now if I hadn't gone mental on the inside of the van.

Lots of folks use Rockwool, I preferred the natural wool because of the antimicrobial and water absorbing characteristics. Mold and water damage are my two big issues with RVs, and natural wool works to prevent both. I think Rockwool does also, but I'm not sure.
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