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Old 02-21-2019, 04:13 PM   #1
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Sheep wool insulation and how many sq ft of wall space?

I have searched the forum, but the last post I see is from like 2014 and a lot has changed in the world since then.

Has anyone decided on sheep wool insulation? Even if just in the walls and not the belly pan?

I really like the many benefits, and I see that there is a handmade rv company that uses it, many thow use it, and that many van conversions use it, but still searching for airstream experiences.

Also how do you determine how much square footage of wall space you have with all the curved walls. Ours is a ‘86 34’ excella I think actually 30’ interior.

Thanks
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Old 02-21-2019, 04:50 PM   #2
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I wouldn't use fiberglass but rock wool would work good.
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Old 02-21-2019, 04:51 PM   #3
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Originally Posted by r carl View Post
I wouldn't use fiberglass but rock wool would work good.


I’m talking about actual sheep wool.
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Old 02-21-2019, 05:49 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MCPC View Post
I have searched the forum, but the last post I see is from like 2014 and a lot has changed in the world since then.

Has anyone decided on sheep wool insulation? Even if just in the walls and not the belly pan?

I really like the many benefits, and I see that there is a handmade rv company that uses it, many thow use it, and that many van conversions use it, but still searching for airstream experiences.

Also how do you determine how much square footage of wall space you have with all the curved walls. Ours is a ‘86 34’ excella I think actually 30’ interior.

Thanks
I would not use sheep's wool for insulating a trailer. (or any other organic insulation) Rot and insect infestation would concern me.
IMO, mineral wool would be a better choice.

Measure the wall height, starting at the floor and around the curve to the center point of the ceiling. Then measure the perimeter of the trailer at floor level. Multiply wall height by perimeter length. That will give you square feet, though slightly more than actual, because of the curved corners. But you will need these few extra square feet because of waste as you cut and fit the pieces into the odd shapes that are required. Deduct for large windows and doors.
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Old 02-21-2019, 05:57 PM   #5
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Never heard of it for insulation buts sounds cozy.

When I redid our endcap I was surprised at how much of the rock wool I used but sorry I don't remember the quantity. Home depot had these small rolls that were 1-1/2" thick by 16" by 48" (+-) that worked perfect.
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Old 02-22-2019, 01:22 AM   #6
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I’m surprised no one has heard of this. They treat it to make it insect and rodent resistant past what it has naturally and it is mold and rot resistant. It’s used in lots of van conversions, and often overall in the uk. It’s being used in some new rvs as well. Just hoping to find someone who’s done it on an as
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Old 02-22-2019, 04:53 AM   #7
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Sounds super absorbent, you'll never have to worry about "seeing" another leak.
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Old 02-22-2019, 05:03 AM   #8
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Sounds super absorbent, you'll never have to worry about "seeing" another leak.


They actually say that it dries back out.
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Old 02-22-2019, 09:39 AM   #9
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interesting .... what is the advantage?? ....is it a much better insulator?? ..... costs more/less?
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Old 02-22-2019, 10:42 AM   #10
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I’m glad you posted this question. Ive thought that if I ever had to reinsulate, I’d consider sheep’s wool.

Sheep’s wool is a superior material in many applications, and what I’ve read from an insulating perspective, the only downside seems to be cost. An airstream being relatively small however (compared to a house), this may be nominal.

Hopefully someone with experience using it will comment. Great question!
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Old 02-22-2019, 10:52 AM   #11
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You've got me googling it ....LOL .... interesting product.
It appears that its mostly treated with Borax for bugs etc which could be a friendly product for people with allergies etc. Could have some advantages in a RV wall with bugs vermin in general ??
They are promoting it as a green product. R-values and costs seem to be about the middle of the pack on normal insulating products. With the narrow wall space you dont get much R-value in a airstream anyway.
I did the back of mine with 2 layers of thin foam sheet as its almost impossible to do 1 thick layer and get it to bend in the curves..... but installing 1 thin and then another overtop worked good. I also use some fibreglass for tite spots etc.
I would also consider some type of thermal break between your ribs and final panelling. I've seen it mentioned in posts before on this site.
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Old 02-22-2019, 12:13 PM   #12
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Wool settles (compacts) over time, and also absorbs moisture. I know it will dry out (if you live in a desert climate ), but these two factors eliminated it as a choice for me.



Polyisocyanurate panels or industrial (not canned) closed-cell spray foam is what I decided were best after a LOT of research.


FWIW, a couple years ago I submerged a bunch of pieces of PIC in water and I've been pulling them out over time (the experiment is still going). That stuff is nearly impervious to moisture (though it will *burn* in an open environment).
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Old 02-22-2019, 07:50 PM   #13
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Wool settles (compacts) over time, and also absorbs moisture. I know it will dry out (if you live in a desert climate ), but these two factors eliminated it as a choice for me.



Polyisocyanurate panels or industrial (not canned) closed-cell spray foam is what I decided were best after a LOT of research.


FWIW, a couple years ago I submerged a bunch of pieces of PIC in water and I've been pulling them out over time (the experiment is still going). That stuff is nearly impervious to moisture (though it will *burn* in an open environment).
I used 1" Dow Super Tuff-R Polyisocyanurate Rigid Foam Insulated Sheathing from Lowes when I re-insulated our Sovereign almost 10 years ago. I couldn't get the insulation to burn when I tried with a propane torch.
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Old 02-22-2019, 07:55 PM   #14
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I've been Googling too.

If wool insulation is treated with borax to repel insects, that is not a good thing for Airstreams. Sodium tetraborate decahydrate (borax) is corrosive.

Wool will eventually rot when exposed to moisture and microbes, even inside an enclosure. Damp wool will support mold. If in contact with earth in a landfill situation, it only takes wool about a year to decompose.
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Old 02-22-2019, 08:02 PM   #15
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Wow, 13 posts and we've herd no puns yet? Ewe would think that by now someone would have made a joke about a guy who wants to ram wool insulation into an Airstream. Is it shear brilliance? Will people flock to this idea? Or will those who do this feel fleeced?
Now I'm feeling sheepish wondering if this message was a good idea.
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Old 02-22-2019, 08:03 PM   #16
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One byproduct of burning polyisocyanurate foam insulation is hydrogen cyanide gas. It is poisonous, deadly to humans. That is the main reason it is hardly ever used in residential construction.
https://www.firehouse.com/rescue/art...ong-fire-gases
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Old 02-23-2019, 04:48 AM   #17
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never heard of this before, very interested. do you know what is used as a rodenticide and insecticide? and what is the name of the rv company that uses it. i have a flock of 108 sheep, and a '64 globetrotter i am working on.


thanks!
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Old 02-23-2019, 05:07 AM   #18
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never heard of this before, very interested. do you know what is used as a rodenticide and insecticide? and what is the name of the rv company that uses it. i have a flock of 108 sheep, and a '64 globetrotter i am working on.





thanks!


It’s treated with borax from what I’ve seen. I know one person who also has their own sheep plan on this:
“...my plan is to wash the fleeces of dirt and suint but leave the lanolin for its water repeling ability. I don't want it collecting all the condensation from the aluminum shell. For moths I plan to add cedar, clove and cinnamon to the walls. For typical bugs that plague all homes, I will add a dish of borax between the studs.”

And here’s an article about the company that uses it. https://moderncampermag.com/sheeps-w...er-eco-camper/
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Old 02-23-2019, 07:30 AM   #19
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Wow, 13 posts and we've herd no puns yet? Ewe would think that by now someone would have made a joke about a guy who wants to ram wool insulation into an Airstream. Is it shear brilliance? Will people flock to this idea? Or will those who do this feel fleeced?
Now I'm feeling sheepish wondering if this message was a good idea.
Thanks for giggles this morning... I for one appreciate the post and could never lambaste someone for some well thought out puns
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Old 02-24-2019, 08:01 PM   #20
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Researching options for insulation as my 70' Trotter, Glinda, is naked..

This made me literally laugh out loud.

Quote:
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Wow, 13 posts and we've herd no puns yet? Ewe would think that by now someone would have made a joke about a guy who wants to ram wool insulation into an Airstream. Is it shear brilliance? Will people flock to this idea? Or will those who do this feel fleeced?
Now I'm feeling sheepish wondering if this message was a good idea.
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