Insulation, just don't get it but have no choice now

[eddiewalkling]

Hi, we were never planning to insulate our van at all. It's a simple build for sure but it works, we live in it. We'd finished it pretty much and were happy. Late September early October we were due to head South for the winter taking some savings and hoping to volunter on farms in Spain and Portugal through the WOOFING scheme to return in the spring to find work again. Ok, then there were two rather than one line on my girlfriends pregnancy test. I/we are very happy if a little suprised!

We won't be heading south this winter but love staying in the van so much we wish now to insulate and stay in her as long as possible. We have a site that will let us stay longer than I think they ought so will have electric to provide heating. We have spent the last two days stripping everything out of the van, a little depressing how quick it all came out given how long it took to get it all to fit in there! Now I'm drilling out all the pot rivets that hold all the wall panels in place (the panels were put in for the police as she was a riot van) leaving her as bare as possible. I have between an inch and two between the panels and the metal on the lower half and fibre glass (I think) on the top (she is a high top Transit 190 built in 99).

We have heard that condensation gathering on the metal inside the van will cause her to rust from the inside out and of cause really don't want that. There is already a strong emotional attachment to her and we plan to keep and use her for as long as possible/financialy viable. We don't have lots of money but have basic D.I.Y skills, we would however save if a profesional option would be worth it in the long run given the high level of use intended year round (at least as long as comfortable and safe for the wee one). I spent last Febuary and March in a caravan with little heating and it truely was miserable at times.

Your thoughts gratefully recived. Thanks Ed and Deb's

[Breakdown Biker]

Congrats on the wee one to you and the mrs mate.
I'm just finishing off my build but if you click on my thread, there's a wee bit on how I insulated it.
Good luck

[tinkadill]

insulation should cut down your condensation problems, i would also consider fitting a carve type caravan heater as they vent outside and cause no condensation as bottled gas is very moist and causes lots! So does (obvious I know) cooking boiling the kettle etc. Or as you say use electric heating and avoid drying clothes and stuff like that inside.

I would think any insulation is better than none, in one thread i read some one was using screwed upnewspaper but i think that would fail with any moisture present from damp etc.

anyway, i was fitting some wodden flooring today the laminate stuff, and i was supprised how much the 10 meter foil backed rolls of insulation have dropped in price, I am plannig to put some under the ply lining when i line my van.

whatever you choose i would go for something that doesn't hold moisture, polystyrene etc.

congratulations by the way, we are expecting another addition to the family as well, exciting and scarey all at the same time!

[Nick]

Hi Ed,Check out this guys website.Tells you all about Insulation and a great deal more too.!! (congrats on the rug rat).

http://www.soh.me.uk/

[eddiewalkling]

Thanks, I've been looking and asking aronund and if I had more money it would be the spray foam. But I don't therefore it'll be loft insulation and a vapour barrier. Just not sure if it will fall down in the wall cavities? do i need to glue it?

Also I'm looking for a suplier of rockwool cladding rolls (60mm) in Kent or near if anyone knows? Ive found one online but they want to charge 25 quid delivery on my 24 quid ofder!

[MinorMatt]

Suprisingly the DIY stores arnt expensive for rockwool insulation... if its a bit wide it will compress

[ake]

or and builders merchant, Jewson, keyline etc etc