How To Insulate A Van For Comfort at Work or Play

Australia has amazing weather for most of the year. While long, sunny days are perfect for a day at the beach, they can make life uncomfortable inside a work van. Whether you’re using your van for sleeping while on a road trip or for transporting cargo, then insulation is a must.

In this article, we’ll explain how to insulate a van the right way and what to consider for the best results.

Why should I insulate my van?

There is a range of benefits to insulating your vehicle including the following:

  • If you’ve got a camper van, then insulation will make sleeping in extreme weather conditions much more bearable.
  • Transporting perishable and heat-sensitive cargo in hot weather is possible.
  • For some goods, insulating a transport van may be more financially viable than forking out for an expensive refrigerated vehicle.
  • Workers with tools that clank around will appreciate the noise reduction as well as a cooler workplace when they’re in the back.

How to insulate a van with spray foam

The most effective way to insulate the interior of a van is by using polyurethane spray foam. This option costs a little more than alternative products like batts, but the results will be much better.

Polyurethane spray foam can get into the many nooks and crannies found in a van. This makes the insulation much more effective that just isn’t possible with other types of insulation.

Check out: 6 Popular Types of Insulation For Australian Houses

Insulating a van with spray foam isn’t as difficult as you might think. The first step is to prepare the van for spraying. Here’s how:

  • Take everything out of the van so that there’s nothing left that you don’t want to be sprayed
  • Tape together any wiring and remove the door panels.
  • Remove any built-in shelving or platforms
  • Cover any screw holes that you’ll want to use after installing the insulation

Once the interior is cleared out, it’s time to get busy spraying. You could do it yourself or contact us to get a quote. We have years of experience in foam insulation, so you can have peace of mind that the job will get done properly.

Case study: So, we insulated a school bus

To insulate the van inside, we usually recommend applying foam to the walls, backdoor, and ceiling. The floor is often left as is, because it has a protective coating that is best left untouched. If there’s no coating on the floor, then a layer of spray foam will further improve the insulation.

The dividing wall that separates the driving area doesn’t always need to be sprayed.

What type of spray foam is best?

If you’re going to leave the insulation exposed, then closed-cell foam is your best bet. It’s a more durable option that can take the knocks and is fine for drilling into.

Is foam insulation safe?

The spray foam used by Tates Coating is perfectly safe for use in vans. You can use the vehicle the same day as the foam is applied. However, you should expect the smell to linger for a day or two.

Check out: Polyurethane spray foam, the eco-friendly insulation choice

Do I need a vapour barrier?

A vapour barrier will help protect the van’s metal interior from moisture and rust. But if the van is properly insulated then a vapour barrier is unnecessary. Instead, spray foam partnered with a vent fan will effectively remove unwanted moisture from the van.

The advantages of polyurethane spray foam insulation

Polyurethane spray foam insulation is a vastly superior product when compared to older forms of insulation such as board insulation, Earthwool insulation batts, and foil insulation.

Here are some of the advantages of spray foam insulation:

  • Eco-friendly, safe, and energy-efficient
  • Creates an airtight seal in one step
  • Durable and long-lasting with a product lifespan of 30 to 50 years
  • Can be tailored to be either rigid or flexible
  • Excellent at insulating around building details such as light fixtures and trusses and difficult to reach areas

How To Choose the Best Insulation Contractor for your Project

Investing in spray foam insulation installation is one of the best ways to ensure that the job is done properly. Professional installation means your insulation will reach its expected life span and even keep going for a few years longer. At Tates Coating Services, we’ve been installing spray foam insulation and protective polyurethane coatings since the 1980s.

From spray insulation to protective coatings, we’ve worked with clients big and small across various industries. Commercial, industrial, domestic or marine, our past clients include BHP, BGC, ALCOA, FMG, McDonald’s, IGA, and Kailis Marine to name a few.

If you’d like to learn more about spray foam insulating a van, then contact us for a free quote. We’re happy to answer any other questions you have about your project.