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HowieE · 03-03-2010, 11:04 AM

A sealed air gap is a very good insulation and Free. The secret is the space has to be SEALED. Just think back to the wooden old windows in your home if you are over 50. They leaked like a sieve around the edges and offered very little insulation.

HowieE · 03-03-2010, 11:14 AM

If moisture can get in or out it is not insulating.

Here is the comparison of foam insulation to most other types commonly used.
Foam insulation typically is more expensive than fiber insulation. But it's very effective in buildings with space limitations and where higher R-values are needed. Foam insulation R-values range from R-4 to R-6.5 per inch of thickness, which is up to 2 times greater than most other insulating materials of the same thickness.

SilverHoot · 03-03-2010, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HowieE

If moisture can get in or out it is not insulating.

Here is the comparison of foam insulation to most other types commonly used.
Foam insulation typically is more expensive than fiber insulation. But it's very effective in buildings with space limitations and where higher R-values are needed. Foam insulation R-values range from R-4 to R-6.5 per inch of thickness, which is up to 2 times greater than most other insulating materials of the same thickness.

Well then one reason.

HowieE · 03-03-2010, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverHoot

Well then one reason.

Actually I was stating 2 reasons.

The first speaks to the fact that air can not be allowed to move through an insulated area.

The second speaks to the effectiveness of foam insulation when evaluated under controlled conditions.

Both question had been noted above and they will not give you adequate instructions to achieve results at the Big Box Store

Becky B. · 03-03-2010, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HowieE

A sealed air gap is a very good insulation and Free. The secret is the space has to be SEALED. Just think back to the wooden old windows in your home if you are over 50. They leaked like a sieve around the edges and offered very little insulation.

So, are you saying that the insulating job that Airstream did on all of our trailers was in vain? The belly pans all have holes in them. Should they be completely sealed? What have you done with your trailer? What do you suggest for those of us who use our trailers in cold weather? Just curious, not being a smart***.

HowieE · 03-03-2010, 07:33 PM

I have done nothing.

The insulation installed at the factory is within accepted standards. It is laid over the frame and the floor dropped down on it. This produces an uninterrupted, Sealed Area. The best that manufacturing cost considerations will allow. Not the best science would suggest.

My comments about sealed air pockets and sealing the perimeter of any solid insulation were just to inform anyone considering that type of insulation that there were installation considerations that would normally not be adhered to and thus discount the complete installation. Solid types of insulation are generally 2 to 4 times better than the pink stuff but those results are obtained under controlled installations that insure an effect installation.

If you want to do the best job you would use cork. Cork has the higher rating than Styrofoam but it stinks for a year or 2 after installation.

WILDRTEXAS · 03-03-2010, 08:18 PM

Best to do nothing or have rigid board with a air gaps or what? SO, not sure what to do.

Becky B. · 03-03-2010, 08:22 PM

I'm confused too. There must be at least 20 different opinions on how to do the insulation under the floor. I'm in the middle of doing mine (after reading all of the opinions) and am now hoping I've chosen the right one!

WILDRTEXAS · 03-03-2010, 09:17 PM

Becky, What did you choose to do?

Becky B. · 03-03-2010, 09:33 PM

I'm using Prodex as pictured in #8 of this thread. There was a thread by Zep (I don't know how to post previous threads like some people can) and he showed how he was doing it. If you use the search feature & put in "Prodex" a lot of information on it comes up. I have to remember that this is a trailer & not a life that I'm working on. If it doesn't last for 30 years, oh well, I'll be dead by then!

WILDRTEXAS · 03-03-2010, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beckybillrae

I have to remember that this is a trailer & not a life that I'm working on. If it doesn't last for 30 years, oh well, I'll be dead by then!

Oh NO DOUBT, Althought It seems to take life at times. Your trayler is really good looking

Zep is incredible.

bwaysteve · 03-03-2010, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin245

Many of us opt not to use under floor insulation because of it's water retention characteristics.

Kevin

Kevin,If there is no insulation under the floor doesn't it negate the expense and R factor of Prodex on the skin and ceiling? Anyone ever try to drape Prodex or Refletix over the frame rails like they did with the pink stuff?

Wabbiteer · 03-04-2010, 08:01 AM

The foam would crush readily under the fasteners torque and cause the floor to have small dished dimples around the fasteners that would increase over time. IF someone would double or triple the number of fasteners and torque them all perfectly it might stop the deformation but its a live and vibrating environment where you want the floor locked down tighter than that.