My insulation progress....The triple layer combo

[Wabbiteer]

The reflective thing works against foam and fiberglass, just not as well.

The reflectix bubbles are not very robust when it comes to extreme sun heating temperatures.

[timzog]

Originally Posted by Wabbiteer

The reflective thing works against foam and fiberglass, just not as well.

The reflectix bubbles are not very robust when it comes to extreme sun heating temperatures.

Does anybody have any data to support this claim about the bubbles? I know that they use Reflectix in tent applications that go to extreme places and may encounter greater temperatures than you would see in any place that you would live or camp.

[Wabbiteer]

A quick search here showed VIKING posted on about the bubbles going flat - remember its a different kind of heat, zero cooling breezes locked up under the sun-baked shell.

Also - both types list 180°F as their upper limits, if temps go above that the Prodex has a better chance of returning to normal than the bubble...

I cut window sunshades from the Prodex and had them kicking around my truck bed & in the windows for almost three years and 60,000 miles now and they are getting a little flimsy and dog-eared but bubble would've been gone a long time ago.

[Melody Ranch]

I have a sun screen window protector/reflector with bubbles that I bought in 1984. Not one, not one, of the bubbles has deteriorated or gone flat.

[Wabbiteer]

Hey Melody Ranch - is it "Reflectix" brand exactly or just that style?

[VIKING]

"I opted for the prodex, partly due to Uwe's recommendation of it. The manufacturer claims it holds up better to high-heat situations like Airstreams walls encounter ocassionaly. Their claim is that heat causes the air in the bubbles to leak out and allows the foil layers to collapse against each other. I couldn't verify that, but I do know the Prodex was easier to handle then the Reflectix, because it was more rigid."

The info about the bubbles going flat in Reflectix is from the Prodex website and should be treated as such.

Cheers!
Rich the Viking

[timzog]

Thanks so much for the background.

[Jcondon]

No matter what their advertising says, That Prodex has an R value of 1. Then the fiberglass has an R value of 4. so your total R value is 6. Which would have been the same as 2" insulation installed in a 1.5" space. The Prodex is an expensive way to get R1. And when you times it by 2? Prodex is a scam for sure. The limiting factor to good insulation in a metal tube is the conduction of heat through the ribs, cross ribs, window, and door frames. Including a thermal break on the interior surfaces helps a bit.

[Sylvain]

Jcondon, you are really digging up an old thread here!

[Jcondon]

You are right! How did this show up on the recent comments side? Must be the HEAT?
This forum is kind of clunky.