Introduction to Insulating Your Van
Insulating a van is something more and more people are opting to do as a way to protect themselves from the elements and save on energy costs. Whether it's a small or large van, the process is generally the same for any size vehicle. With some simple steps and materials, you can thermally insulate your van and keep the interior space comfortable and weather-proof no matter the season. Read on to learn more about how you can insulate your van.
Steps to Insulating the Interior
The process of insulating begins with choosing the appropriate materials for your van. Depending on the size of your vehicle, you may need to acquire materials in large or extra large sizes. The interior will be surrounded by insulation, so it is important to pay attention to measurements and amounts when buying for your project. For walls, floors, and ceilings, many people opt for polystyrene foam boards. These boards can be easily cut to fit any space, making them ideal for creating a snug interior.
Once the materials have been bought, you can begin taping and fitting the boards. For walls, the boards should be placed directly against the metal of the van. The tape used should be designed to hold up against hot and cold temperatures. To ensure a secure fit, seal up any gaps between the boards either with tape or waterproof sealer. Once the boards are in place, polyester fiber felt paper can be taped over the walls for added insulation.
Board installation should be repeated for the ceiling and floor. For the floor, boards should be laid horizontally with any stubs facing downwards. Insulation underlayment can also be laid over the floor for extra warmth. Here, you may want to consider investing in carpets or tiling if you plan to use the van for extended periods of time.
Making the Interior Secure and Weatherproof
Once the boards are in place you can begin to secure the exterior walls and roof of the van. To do this, you should invest in quality self-adhesive line tape. This line tape should be waterproof and fireproof and be used to tape the edges and corners of the walls. Once the exterior is secure, you can begin to add weatherproof seals to block water from getting through doors and windows. These seals can be found in most hardware stores.
Finally, to ensure the outside of the van is thermal resistive you can make use of thermal foil tape. This can be used to cover parts of the van exterior that are not insulated, such as windows and walls. Thermal foil tape is a great option as it is both heat and light reflective and can reduce heat loss through those areas.
Conclusion
Insulating a van is not a difficult job, but it does take a little bit of knowledge and patience. With some simple materials and easy steps, you can create a fully insulated and weatherproof interior that will keep you warm and comfortable during the colder months. Don't be afraid to ask around or look online for advice when it comes to van insulation - there's lots of helpful advice and tutorials out there. With a little work, you'll soon have a van that is completely insulated so you can get the most out of your vehicle!