How do you insulate the underside of a static caravan?

In this article, we will answer the following question: How do you insulate the underside of a static caravan? We will explain why it is important to insulate a static caravan, what materials to use and how to do it. 

How do you insulate the underside of a static caravan?

Insulating the underside of a static caravan usually allows you to enjoy your mobile home during summer, autumn and spring. Still, insulating only the underside is rarely enough to keep warm in the caravan. 

To insulate your static caravan completely, it is necessary to intervene at several levels: the floor and the frame, the water network, the walls and the ceiling, the roof.

Standard insulation effectively protects you of:

• heat and sun,
• rain,
• the wind.

For “four seasons” use of your static caravan, the manufacturers often offer underside reinforced insulation.

It translates into:

• an additional insulation underside the caravan,
• thickening of the glass wool layer to fight against heat loss,
• a snow shield,
• protection of water pipes against freezing,
• an aluminum gutter to collect rainwater.

Here is a summary table of what to isolate in a static caravan and what it means:

Floor and frame (the underside)	For the classic insulation of the floor and the mobile home, the builders integrate an insulation of the glass wool type for a thickness of about 60 mm.
Water network	To protect its water supply pipes, manufacturers offer two options: a heat-insulating coating,tracer wires to prevent the pipes from freezing in winter.
Walls and ceiling	To insulate the walls, a thermobubble type of insulation can surround the wooden frame.On the window side, double glazing is required.
Roofing	For medium insulation, 160 mm thick glass wool is sufficient.For regions with a temperate climate, the thickness of the glass wool can reach 200 mm thick.

What type of insulation to choose for your static caravan?

Like any home, the insulating parts of the static caravan deteriorate over time. Despite the heating in winter, you can feel the cold air. In summer, the heat becomes stifling. So much inconvenience that we want to avoid. Especially if you want to occupy your property at any time of the year!

In this case, there are three factors to consider.

1. The first and most important element is the roof. It will be necessary to remove the plates (in the case of a double pitched roof) and install glass wool with a good thickness to insulate throughout the year. A vapour barrier sealing filter will then be applied.

2. The second element is the floor. Poorly protected, the floor allows cold air to pass into your living rooms. To insulate the floor above, a strip of mineral wool and insulation plates are laid. The downside is the loss of some height. It will then be necessary to cut the doors to put everything up to level.

3. Finally, the third element is the walls. One method is to insulate the walls from the inside and attach wooden plates to the top. Precision work requires a good calculation in relation to your openings (windows and doors)

If you take possession of a static caravan, make sure that the insulation is sufficient to be able to live there in winter and summer. In the case of a used model, work to reinforce the insulation will necessarily be required.

What materials to use to insulate your static caravan?

As we mentioned, you can choose from a variety of materials to insulate your static caravan. We will mention a few of the most popular:

• Fibreglass: You may choose to use fibreglass if you live in a particularly humid part of the country, as fibreglass is naturally waterproof. Plus, fibreglass is corrosion resistant and won’t catch fire or break down easily. This method of insulation can be expensive compared to other products listed but will stand the test of time.

• Styrofoam Beads: Styrofoam beads are installed using a blower, which may need to be rented from your local hardware store. These beads are an excellent method of insulation because they are resistant to moisture. However, their R-value and thermal resistance are lower than that of fibreglass. Therefore, this material should be reserved for less severe cases.

• Cellulose: Like polystyrene beads, you will need a machine to install cellulose-based insulation. Be aware, however, that this method of insulation will put more strain on the walls and ceiling of your mobile home than others. Also, this material absorbs water easily, so cellulose should not be used if you live in a humid climate.

Should you waterproof your static caravan as well?

Yes, you should consider waterproofing your static caravan, right after insulating it. The waterproofing process typically involves installing infill under your static to further reduce any form of air infiltration. This step will create a real thermal blockage. You will be able to choose from a wide variety of materials, although the most commonly used are fibreglass and cellulose.

However, fibreglass is naturally water repellent, unlike cellulose. Therefore, the choice of your material will directly depend on the climate in the area where your mobile home is located.

There are many ways to waterproof a mobile home. Here are some examples :

• Repairs: Repairs are made by correcting visible holes in the bottom or sides of your mobile home structure. This can be done in a number of ways, but it is recommended that you use an air barrier that you can get at the hardware store. Staple it to the frame or use screws and washers to secure it in place.

• The Entry Point: Consider accessing the cavities around the entry point to your static caravan. This can be done by drilling holes through the joists and then sliding or removing the skirt that is in place on the outside. Enter the cavity by carefully lifting it with an aluminum pole.

The bottom line

There are many advantages of insulating your static caravan, as you have (probably) read in this article. It is not a complicated process, it can be done quickly and with relatively low funds, but it will bring you so much comfort no matter the season. 

Do you have any thoughts or comments about this subject? Please let us know!

FAQ on How do you insulate the underside of a static caravan?

How to thermally insulate a caravan?

To thermally insulate a caravan you can use an asphalt blanket, aluminium adhesive felt, EVA thermal insulation or aluminized etalon. Coating the interior of the vehicle with these characteristics is what creates the insulating layer, helping to prevent heat from the exterior from reaching the interior of the vehicle.

How is the insulating membrane placed?

The role of insulation should be extended towards the highest part of the ceiling. Once the roll reaches the highest level of the ceiling, it must be attached to the structure. Once the insulation is fixed on the top of the roof, it should be aligned until it is parallel with the braces. 

How can I insulate a van?

The best option to insulate the van: Kaiflex or Armaflex type synthetic rubber elastomeric foam. The best insulating material is elastomeric foam based on synthetic rubber with a closed-cell structure. The best-known brands are Kaiflex or Armaflex.

Can you live in a caravan in winter?

It is possible to live in a caravan in winter, but you must insulate your vehicle well and make all the necessary preparations. 

Snow, heavy rain, cold or ice may be very present on the road. But you don’t have to worry, today’s caravan brands are prepared for all types of climates. What’s more, new caravans on the market are becoming better equipped to be able to use them regardless of the season of the year. 

Other FAQs about Static caravans that you may be interested in.

How wide is a static caravan door?

Do I need a solicitor to buy a static caravan?

Can you tow a static caravan?

References

• Static Caravan | Mobile home | under floor insulation #farmlife #vanlife
• Insulating a static caravan
• How Do You Insulate A Static Caravan – Parklink