With the holiday season in full swing, more and more Aussies are hitting the road. Whether it’s exploring quaint coastal towns, hidden beaches or the vast expanse of the Outback, you’ll want the space, comfort and convenience offered by fully featured campervans. Or if you’re on a tighter budget, the personalisation options in doing a DIY van build, and converting a van to suit your needs. The latter option is cost-effective and lets you transform an unassuming vehicle into your dream campervan with all the interior features to make your trip worthwhile.
Insulation is often the first stage of a van conversion before installing a functional kitchenette or a full-sized bed. The process is crucial in controlling temperatures, avoiding noise and condensation, and lowering heating and cooling costs while on the road. A mix of different materials keeps the warmth inside in colder months, and the sweltering heat out in the summer. Interiors are soundproofed against external noises and distractions to recharge and relax in complete calm. And simple additions like seals and liners prevent moisture and mould while balancing proper ventilation with overall comfort.
Factors to Consider Before Insulating Your Van
To start insulating your van, strip the existing flooring and liners. The exposed metal can reveal hidden debris and rust pockets that can be dealt with a simple clean and protective coatings. Once sorted, consider how the following factors determine which insulative materials you’ll use:
- Climate and weather – determine where and when you’ll be driving. Choose reflective materials that keep heat away when holidaying with your van in warmer areas during the summer and those that retain more heat in places like the Snowies and colder months. Keep in mind that some materials excel in specific areas.
- Moisture and condensation – these can lead to dampness, discomfort and mould. Vapour barriers prevent moisture, but you’ll also need to consider proper ventilation. Fresh air is vital for comfort and health.
- Thermal efficiency – this defines the ability of materials to retain or convey heat. Materials differ in thermal efficiency. This determines where in the van they’ll be used, their overall thickness and how much you’ll be spending.
- Safety – safety is always a priority. Ensure to wear protective gear like gloves, goggles and masks to shield yourself from potential risks. And that you follow instructions when handling insulation materials, considering some have high VOC content.
5 Key Insulation Materials and Where They’re Used
Five insulative materials – sound deadener, liner, wool, seal insulation and tapes are used in combination and different areas of the vehicle to good effect.
Sound Deadener
Sound deadener is a pressure-sensitive butyl rubber noise absorption layer with an aluminium top layer. This sticky and relatively thin material easily adapts to different shapes and surfaces and is the first line of defence against heat loss and excessive outside noise. The materials are sold as sheets, are easy to install, can be cut to size with basic tools, come completely waterproof, and have the added benefits of retaining form under temperature variations and being odour-free. Use ample amounts in cavities, firewalls, doors, and the roof.
Liner Insulation
Acting as a thermal and acoustic barrier, closed-cell foam liners with a reflective PET facer are applied on top of the sound deadener. The material comes with an adhesive backing for easy installation, and it too is simple to cut and shape as needed. Going in its favour is how thin this is compared to rivalling insulation materials in terms of how much heat it retains. The high thermal efficiency and low weight make it ideal for van walls, flooring, roof skins, and fender cavities.
Double Heat Retention With Foam Seals
Liner insulation can be used on its own for mild climates, but if heading to the mountains, additionally consider a closed-cell foam seal. This has reflective liners on both sides and essentially cocoons heat inside the van, slowing heat loss due to convection and conduction. The material has higher thermal efficiency than traditional foam boards, is easier to shape and cut and is flexible to conform to different shapes. For the best results, ensure that there is a ventilation gap between the two materials to allow for proper airflow.
Wool Insulation
Sheep wool is a traditional insulation choice in a van conversion. Supplied in pre-cut batts, it does well in regulating temperatures, is very effective against moisture and mould, and suppresses outside noises. Wool fibres additionally filter the air to remove pollutants and improve air quality. It’s also long-lasting, entirely renewable and sustainable, and keeps van walls dry and interior temperatures constant. Use it in cavities, doors, floors and roofs as an alternative to insulation sheets.
Tapes
Tapes are used to join separate sheets, repair tears, and most importantly, prevent thermal bridging in gaps. Aluminium foil tapes are used in conjunction with sound deadeners and liners to reflect radiant heat and get a seamless finish. Choose thicker thermal tapes when working with wool batts, and waterproof types to prevent water ingress from the roof and around plumbing fixtures.
Now that the insulative layer is installed, consider plywood boards or OSB for the walls, floors and roofs. And add carpeting or vinyl as needed. With that out the way, your fully insulated van is now ready for the fixtures and furniture you can’t do without.