Hi All ,
I am in the process of lining and insulating my new swb med roof transit and I am really trying to get it right however I would very much appreciate comments and advise as this is my first time.
I have 6 mm ply lined the van and now intend insulating so it can be used during the winter in the alps with the addition of a Eberspacher diesel heater. My intention is to line between the body and the ply with Celotex/ Kingspan foil covered stuff and my concerns are whether it is necessary to install a polythene membrane over this or not. My thoughts are that if a membrane is in place and vapour manages to get trapped it will remain damp and cause problems. Actually fitting a 100% vapour barrier looks very difficult. Another thought was to insulate without the vapour barrier and on return to home run a de-humidifier in the van for a couple of days to thoughly dry things out.
My choice of Celotex/ Kingspan is that it will not sag or actually hold water itself.
Any comments or experience would be very welcome.
Regards
Lincol
hi lincol, i too am just about to insulate my van,i am also using celotex. i would assume that if insulated proplerly you wont get any moisture.i may be wrong
Hi Alan,
I think the celotex is the best option, and possibly polyester for the awkward bits as it does not apparently hold water. I am going down to the alps in the ski season and will live in van, so want to minimise the effects of condensation, the idea of a de-humidifier for a while after I return seems a good one to me.. My thoughts regards the vapour barrier is that if water gets trapped it may not get out so I think fitting the celotex/polyester as good as possible and not fitting a vapour barrier is the way to go. What van have you got and what are your plans ??
Colin (Lincol)
has any one used aerogel to insulate their vans before? i've just heard of it, it sounds expensive but very very good. if you have, i would really appreciate your experiences with it... thanks. anna
Hi guys I am new to this forum and aboout to insulate my van, I must add I am a building surveyor/Architectural tech. I find the subject of insulation and condensation is very interesting, basic priciple is that warm air holds more moisture in suspension as vapour than cold air, when warm moist air cools the vapour condenses and forms water droplets, this can happen halfway through a constuction on the first surface that is below the dewpoint of the air. (interstitial condensation) to help alleviate the problem a vapour control layer should be added, which will prevent the moist air reaching the cold surface. If there is an effective vapour control layer, then it would also be prudent to ensure there is sufficient ventilation present to ventilate away the stale moist air. (hence trickel vents etc in houses).
So I will include a vapour barrier in my construction and ensure that the van is ventilated especially at night when sleeping and also during cooking etc.
I'm not sure about the use of a dehumidifier as a total solution as all cab vents will need to be taped up to prevent moist air being drawn in
Just my thoughts
Nick