Campervan insulation materials

Campervan insulation materials deserve an article of their own, because there are a lot of options and a lot to uncover. Let’s get into campervan insulation material options:

Thinsulate

R-value of 3.3 per inch

Pros of thinsulate:

Thinsulate has a high R-value of 3.3 per inch, making it an effective insulation material for campervans.
Thinsulate is easy to install and can be stuffed in hard-to-reach places, making it a versatile choice for campervan builds.
Thinsulate is hydrophobic, meaning it does not absorb or retain moisture, reducing the risk of water damage in the campervan.
Thinsulate is non-toxic and does not off-gas, making it a healthy option for indoor environments.
Thinsulate provides good noise insulation, creating a more comfortable and peaceful living space inside the campervan.

Cons of thinsulate:

Thinsulate is more expensive than other insulation materials on the market, which may deter budget-conscious campervan builders.
Although Thinsulate does not require a vapour barrier, it is important to ensure proper ventilation to avoid the risk of condensation forming within the insulation.

Bottom line:

Thinsulate is a popular and well-regarded insulation material in the campervan community. It may be more expensive than other options, but it provides added value to higher-end builds. Its ease of installation, hydrophobic properties, non-toxic composition, and noise insulation make it a versatile and effective choice for campervan insulation.

3M Thinsulate

R-value of 5.2

Pros of 3M Thinsulate:

Hydrophobic and doesn’t absorb or trap moisture: 3M Thinsulate is hydrophobic, which means that it does not absorb water or moisture. This quality is essential for insulating materials because dampness can reduce their effectiveness.
Non-toxic and good for a healthy indoor environment: Thinsulate is a synthetic material that is non-toxic and free from harmful chemicals. This makes it ideal for use in enclosed spaces, such as campervans, where air quality is crucial.
Good sound-proofing properties: In addition to insulation, Thinsulate has excellent sound-proofing properties. This makes it an ideal choice for those who want to reduce noise levels in their campervan.
Easy to install with spray adhesive: Thinsulate is easy to install using spray adhesive. This quality makes it a popular choice among those who want to do their insulation work themselves.
Handy for stuffing into nooks and crannies: Thinsulate is a flexible material that can be easily stuffed into hard-to-reach places. This makes it an ideal choice for insulating nooks and crannies in a campervan.

Cons of 3M Thinsulate:

More expensive compared to some other insulation materials: Thinsulate is more expensive than some other insulation materials. This may be a consideration for those on a budget.
Slightly lower R-value means that more material may be required: Thinsulate has a slightly lower R-value than some other insulation materials, which means that more material may be required to achieve the same level of insulation. This can add to the overall cost of the insulation work.
Lower R-value per inch than foam board and expensive: While Thinsulate has an R-value of 5.2, which is relatively high, it has a lower R-value per inch than foam board. This means that a thicker layer of Thinsulate may be required to achieve the same level of insulation as foam board. Thicker layers of Thinsulate can add to the overall cost of the insulation work.
Synthetic insulation material produced by 3M: Thinsulate is a synthetic insulation material produced by 3M. While it is a tried and tested product, some people prefer natural materials such as wool or cotton for their insulation needs.
Recommended for insulating nooks and crannies: While Thinsulate is ideal for insulating nooks and crannies, it may not be the best choice for larger areas. Other insulation materials, such as foam board or spray foam, may be more effective for larger spaces.

Polyiso Rigid Board

R-Value: 5.6 – 6 per inch at 23C,

Pro’s of polyiso rigid board:

Impermeable to water vapour: One of the major advantages of Polyiso Rigid Board insulation is its resistance to water vapour, making it an excellent choice for campervan insulation.
High R-value: Polyiso foam board has the highest R-value per inch of any common insulation material, making it an excellent choice for those who want to maximise the insulation efficiency of their campervan.
Lightweight: Polyiso Rigid Board insulation is lightweight, which is particularly important in a campervan where weight is a critical factor.
Provides excellent thermal insulation: Polyiso foam board provides excellent thermal insulation, making it ideal for use in a campervan.
Easy to install: Polyiso foam board is easy to install, which is particularly important for DIY campervan builders.
Cuts down on the amount of interior space needed: Polyiso foam board is thin, which means that it can be used to insulate a campervan without taking up too much interior space.

Cons of polyiso rigid board:

R-value decreases substantially at cold temperature: One of the major disadvantages of Polyiso Rigid Board insulation is that its R-value decreases substantially at cold temperatures. This means that it may not be the best choice for those who plan to use their campervan in very cold climates.
Creates air gaps on funky surfaces: Polyiso foam board can create air gaps on uneven surfaces, which can lead to water traps. This is particularly problematic in campervans, which often have uneven surfaces that can be difficult to insulate properly.
Flammable: Polyiso foam board is flammable, which means that it may not be the best choice for those who are concerned about fire safety in their campervan.
Can release toxic gases when burned: Polyiso foam board is flammable and can release toxic gases when burned.
May emit VOCs when new: Polyiso foam board may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when new, which can be a concern for those who are sensitive to these chemicals. It may also require ventilation during installation to avoid exposure to VOCs.

XPS Rigid Board

R-Value of 5.0 per inch

Pros of XPS rigid board:

High R-Value: XPS Rigid Board has an R-Value of 5.0 per inch at 75F, 6.0 per inch at 15F. This means it provides excellent insulation and helps keep the van warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather.
Reliable Thermal Performance: XPS provides more reliable thermal performance than Polyiso, making it a more consistent choice for insulation.
Impermeable to Water Vapour: XPS is impermeable to water vapour, so it won’t absorb moisture or promote mould growth in your van.
High Compressive Strength: XPS is highly durable and has a high compressive strength, which
makes it a great choice for flooring insulation and building lightweight cabinets in a van.
Performs Better in Extreme Cold: Some research shows that XPS performs better than polyiso in extremely cold temperatures.
Readily Available: XPS is affordable and readily available at most hardware stores.

Cons of XPS rigid board:

Creates Air Gaps on Funky Surfaces: One downside of XPS is that it creates air gaps on irregular surfaces, such as those often found in vans. These gaps can create water traps, so it’s important to ensure a tight fit when installing XPS insulation.
Not Environmentally-Friendly: XPS is not environmentally-friendly as it uses harmful greenhouse gases in its production.
Lower R-Value Per Inch: Although slightly cheaper than polyiso by the sheet, XPS has a slightly lower R-value per inch.
Not Convenient for Nooks and Crannies: XPS is not convenient to use for nooks and crannies, as it is not flexible like spray foam insulation.
Maximum Service Temperature: XPS has a maximum service temperature of 165F, which is something to consider when using it on a darkly painted roof that can get hotter than that in the sun.

Spray Foam

R-value of 6.5-7 per inch

Pros of spray foam:

Conforms to curved surfaces: Spray foam can be easily applied to curved and irregular surfaces which makes it a great choice for insulating the tight and hard-to-reach areas of a campervan.
Impermeable to water vapour: One of the biggest advantages of spray foam is that it is impermeable to water vapour, meaning it can help prevent moisture buildup in the insulation and walls of the van, which can lead to mould, mildew, and other issues.
Great for filling small gaps: Spray foam is excellent for filling in small gaps, cracks, and crevices that other insulation materials might not reach, providing a more complete insulation solution.
Very good at creating a tight seal: The nature of spray foam allows it to create a very tight seal around all areas it is applied to, preventing drafts and helping maintain a consistent temperature inside the campervan.
High R-value: Spray foam has a high R-value of 6.5-7 per inch, making it an efficient insulator and a great choice for regulating temperature.

Cons of spray foam:

Can distort the van panels if applied in thick layers: If too much spray foam is applied in one area, it can cause distortion or damage to the van’s panels.
Messy to apply: Spray foam is a messy material to work with and requires protective gear and careful application to avoid overspray or spills.
May block mechanism if no precautions are taken: If spray foam is applied to moving parts or mechanisms, it can cause issues such as blockages or sticking.
Can be tricky to install correctly: Spray foam requires precise application and proper drying time to work effectively. Incorrect installation can lead to issues such as incomplete insulation or damage to the van.
Expensive option: Spray foam can be more expensive than other insulation materials, making it less attractive to those on a tight budget.
Some body shops won’t do repairs if spray foam was applied: If repairs are needed to the van, some body shops may refuse to work on the vehicle if spray foam has been used as insulation.

Rock Wool

R-Value: 3.0 per inch.

Pros of rock wool:

Made from recycled stone spun into thin fibres: Rockwool is an eco-friendly insulation material that is made from recycled materials.
Has higher R-value per inch than fibreglass: Rockwool has a higher R-value per inch than fibreglass, which means that it provides better insulation.
More durable and easier to work with: Rockwool is more durable and easier to work with than other types of insulation, such as fibreglass. It can be cut to size and easily installed in a campervan.
Easy to install: Compared to other types of insulation, rockwool is relatively easy to install. It can be cut to size and easily installed in a campervan.
Hydrophobic (doesn’t retain moisture): Rockwool is hydrophobic, which means that it does not retain moisture. This is important for preventing moisture buildup and mould growth in a campervan.
Does not off-gas: Rockwool does not off-gas, which means that it does not release harmful chemicals into the air.

Cons of rock wool:

More expensive than fibreglass and lower R-value per inch than foam board: Rockwool is more expensive than fibreglass and has a lower R-value per inch than foam board, which may make it less attractive to some campervan builders on a budget.
Installation can be itchy and there are health concerns associated with inhaling rock wool slivers: The process of installing rockwool insulation can be itchy and uncomfortable, and there are health concerns associated with inhaling the small fibres that can be released during installation.
Can release fibres: Rockwool can release fibres during installation, which can be a potential health hazard if inhaled. Care should be taken to wear appropriate protective equipment during installation.

Reflectix

R-value of 1 per inch without an air gap or R-value of R-4.4 per inch with an air gap.

Pros of reflectix:

It is primarily a radiant barrier that is very effective at reflecting radiant heat.
It is awesome as a window covering and works well for insulating large cavities like the interior of door panels.
Light and easy to work with.
Reflectix is a lightweight and flexible material that’s easy to work with, making it ideal for creating a custom fit.
Excellent as a radiant barrier.

Cons of reflectix:

A very poor insulator. Reflectix has a low R-value of 1.0 per inch, and even with the added air gap, it only provides minimal insulation.
Requires an air gap to be effective. Reflectix needs an air gap to work as a radiant barrier, and when placed directly against other materials, it loses most of its insulating properties.
It can be prone to tearing. Reflectix is a thin and delicate material that can tear easily if not handled carefully.
Not suitable for insulating the van walls directly, as it’s costly, minimally effective and needs an air gap to work as a radiant barrier.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Reflectix is primarily used as a radiant barrier to reflect heat and light, and it’s not recommended to use it as a standalone insulation material.

Reflectix is not recommended for use in direct contact with van walls or other materials, as it needs an air gap to work effectively as a radiant barrier. It’s best used as a layer on top of other insulation materials or in areas where air gaps are present, like window coverings and door panels.

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Foam Board

R-value of 3.9 per inch

Pros of expanded polystyrene foam board:

Cost-effective: EPS foam is one of the cheapest insulation products available. It is an affordable option for those on a budget.
Relatively environmentally friendly: EPS foam is produced without releasing any harmful greenhouse gases into the environment.

Cons of expanded polystyrene foam board::

Limited R-value: EPS foam board has a relatively low R-value of 3.9 per inch. This means that a thicker board will be required to achieve an adequate level of insulation, which can add additional weight to the vehicle.
Poor durability: EPS foam board is not as durable as other options, such as Polyiso or XPS. It won’t stand up to vibrations as well and is more prone to damage over time.
Moisture permeable: EPS foam contains numerous small air gaps, between the beads, which may allow moisture to gradually infiltrate and deteriorate the material over time, potentially causing indeterminable rust on nearby metal. (We have a full guide about ‘rust’ here)
Not as effective as other options: While EPS foam is still thermally efficient, there are better options available that have a higher R-value per inch and are more durable. Polyiso and XPS are better options that can stand up to vibrations, are moisture impermeable, and are generally more effective as insulators.

Recycled Denim

R-Value: 3.5 per inch.

Made from recycled jeans

Pros of recycled denim:

Non-toxic and environmentally friendly.

Cons of recycled denim:

Expensive (for the R-Value)
Hydrophilic: it absorbs and retains moisture, which we do not want in our walls.