What is the best insulation for a campervan?
By
Elaine Knight
In this blog post, we will answer the question: “What is the best insulation for a campervan?” We will also discuss PIR boards’ benefits and insulation properties. Additionally, we will discuss the various types of campervan insulation materials that are used and touch upon their benefits.
What is the best insulation for a campervan?
The best insulation for a campervan is a Polyisocyanurate board (PIR Board). This is also one of the most common insulation types used for campervans. Polyisocyanurate board has a high rating with an average K-value of 0.024, making it one of the top options for insulation. Adding to the advantage is the affordable price range.
These insulation boards are also used for commercial buildings and homes. These boards are developed by creating a rigid single-core of Polyisocyanurate. These boards are fixed between high-performance aluminium foil facings for the best insulation benefits. They are also lightweight and are the best insulation for campervans.
Benefits of PIR boards
PIR boards have incredible thermal properties and excellent water vapour resistance. The installation process is easy, and they are non-toxic and environmentally friendly. They are also better than XPS foam boards. Here are Some of the best benefits of PIR boards described below.
Excellent thermal efficiency
- PIR boards serve the purpose well and are more than effective when cone to R-value. These boards have the highest R-value per inch in the industry. PIR boards also have thermal resistance in the long term, which makes them the most effective insulation option for campervans.
They are versatile
- Not only can PIR boards be used commercially, but they can also be used at home and in all types of motorhomes. These boards are versatile as they can be used for roofs and wall insulation. There is no better option for campers in extreme winter climates than PIR boards.
They are compatible
- These PIR boards are also compatible with various types of materials or solvents that are used in construction. They are perfect with all types of adhesives and best to stick on campervan walls and roofs.
They are fire resistance
- When it comes to fire tests, PIR boards have shown excellent performance, and they keep getting better over time. PIR boards also meet the criteria of the ASTM E84 standard. This means they are more tolerable to fire than most other boards.
Excellent stability
- Due to the top-class insulation properties, they retain the original dimensions when installed on the roof. PIR boards reduce the energy efficiency of the building, and they also prevent the formation of thermal bridges.
- The Polyisocyanurate material, on the whole, is rigid, and it significantly benefits the walls since they do not collapse. Hence, they will not deteriorate so quickly.
They are compact
- PIR boards are compact and lightweight and they arrive in a convenient size. They are easy to transport and handle due to the consistency of their thickness.
Exceptional service temperature
- The service temperature is exceptional with PIR boards. They can withstand the lowest and highest temperature without losing their physical characteristics. The service temperature is -73 to 122 degrees Celsius.
They are environmentally friendly
- Unlike other insulation materials, PIR boards are environmentally friendly since Polyisocyanurate is a product without CFSs and HCFCs.
Perfect for buildings
- PIR boards meet the requirements of building codes and are the only foam plastic insulation with FM 4450 and CAN/ULC S123 approvals. However, this applies when directly installed on a steel deck.
- That said, Polyisocyanurate boards are one of the best insulations for a campervan. They are built for all climatic conditions and provide the best results compared to the other insulation materials. The price is also affordable, and the installation process is easy due to the lightweight of this product.
Various types of campervan insulation
Apart from PIR boards, there are various types of campervan insulation materials. These materials vary according to their weight, K-value, and other aspects. Campervan insulation is important, and knowing the right type of insulation to suit your needs is good. Here are the various types of campervan insulation.
Sheep’s wool
- Sheep’s wool is one of those common campervan insulations that are used widely. With a similar R-value weight to polyester, Sheep’s wool can be slightly expensive. However, there are several benefits.
- Sheep’s wool is a plastic-free option, and it produces fewer emissions when compared to polyester wool. It is also biodegradable at the end of its use.
Fiberglass wool
- Fiberglass wool is perfect to work with since they are easy to pack in tough spots. These are made up of small glass fibers and microfibers along with styrene. It is a synthetic material that is built to absorb water when saturated.
Expanded polystyrene
- Otherwise known as (EPS), expanded polystyrene is yet another alternative to PIR boards, which are cheaper. The only downside to EPS is that it can be difficult to dry and can cause mold and mildew to form. Hence, it is not one of the best options to consider for campervan insulation.
Mineral wool
- Mineral wool is also known as rock wool and is known for a higher R-value than the usual glass fiber. Mineral wool is hydrophobic, and no need to worry about water. They have lesser structural integrity when compared to polyester wool. The downside to mineral wool is that they are not too easy to install.
Expanding foam
- Expanding foam has been used for decades, especially with campervan insulation. These are extremely easy to install. All you need to do is spray the expanding foam into a void and let it expand by filling the space. It sticks to the sides and solidifies over time. Despite the benefits, expanding foam is not one of the best insulation options.
Aluminum bubble foil
- Aluminum bubble foil is yet another insulation method that has been caught up over time. This material is used as a vapor barrier and is easy to work with due to the single-ply aluminum. It serves the purpose of adding an insulation layer.
Polyethylene foam sheets
- Polyethylene foam sheets are also widely used by campervan owners for moderate climatic conditions. This is a self-adhesive foam liner, and it is one of the fastest ways to insulate your campervan. The biggest disadvantage is that polyethylene foam sheets are not easy on the pocket as they can be expensive.
Extruded polystyrene
- Just like EPS, extruded polystyrene (XPS) is also common. This material is resistant to water ingress but is still no match for PIR boards. The price is almost equal to PIR bards, and the thermal resistance is not too great.
Those were the various types of campervan insulation material that can be used. Despite the variety, PIR boards have no match since they are one of the best. PIR boards are also used in RVs and large motorhomes. They are easy to work with and are also better than most of the other options.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we have answered the question: “What is the best insulation for a campervan?” We have also discussed PIR boards’ benefits and insulation properties. Additionally, we have discussed the various types of campervan insulation materials used and touched upon their benefits.
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