Kyla
Member
Posts: 40
Likes: 4
1963 Kenskill
Currently Offline
|
Post by Kyla on Sept 8, 2020 7:57:59 GMT -8
I bought this insulation for Petunia.
1.5" thick to match the frame.
I've heard talk about a vapor barrier. What is that and do I need it?
Thanks!
|
|
|
|
Post by vikx on Sept 8, 2020 11:24:19 GMT -8
If the foam is tight, you shouldn't need a vapor barrier. Cut it just a bit bigger than the space and it should squeeze right in. In areas with Refectix, you can tape at the seams.
NOTE: I cut mine with a small jigsaw. It makes a horrible mess but is very accurate. Talk about little cruddlies EVERYWHERE... Use a multitool to trim out for wiring; makes great grooves and fun too!
|
|
John Palmer
Senior Member
Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
Posts: 1,624 
Likes: 574
Currently Offline
|
Post by John Palmer on Sept 8, 2020 19:19:15 GMT -8
If the foam is tight, you shouldn't need a vapor barrier. Cut it just a bit bigger than the space and it should squeeze right in. In areas with Refectix, you can tape at the seams. NOTE: I cut mine with a small jigsaw. It makes a horrible mess but is very accurate. Talk about little cruddlies EVERYWHERE... Use a multitool to trim out for wiring; makes great grooves and fun too! If one were to put a "home made" sharp knife blade into a jig saw, you would have a perfect tool to cut ridged styrofoam without any mess. |
|
|
|
Post by vikx on Sept 8, 2020 19:40:23 GMT -8
Hmm, never thought about that. I was using a pretty aggressive toothed blade...
|
|
John Palmer
Senior Member
Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
Posts: 1,624
Likes: 574
Currently Offline
|
Post by John Palmer on Sept 8, 2020 20:08:35 GMT -8
Hmm, never thought about that. I was using a pretty aggressive toothed blade... A piece of broken hacksaw blade, with a couple of minutes spent on the bench grinder, don't let the blade get hot, just keep dipping it in water, so it does not loose it's temper. It does not need to be really sharp either, it's the motion that makes it all work, just like a Multi Tool. |
|
Kyla
Member
Posts: 40
Likes: 4
1963 Kenskill
Currently Offline
|
Post by Kyla on Sept 11, 2020 8:52:10 GMT -8
Very helpful. Thanks guys!
Most of the pieces fit pretty snug; a few have small gaps.
I'm not sure I understand this part: "In areas with Refectix, you can tape at the seams."
Help?
|
|
|
|
Post by vikx on Sept 11, 2020 10:34:48 GMT -8
Reflextic comes in sheets, so if there's a seam, they make tape to hold it together and complete the barrier. In other words, no gaps where the edges meet.
You can also use dreaded caulk to fill in any gaps in the foam. Also helps hold looser pieces in place.
Have fun!
|
|
WhitneyK
Active Member
Posts: 492
Likes: 169
'67 Shasta Compact
Currently Offline
|
Post by WhitneyK on Sept 16, 2020 6:48:19 GMT -8
Hmm, never thought about that. I was using a pretty aggressive toothed blade... A piece of broken hacksaw blade, with a couple of minutes spent on the bench grinder, don't let the blade get hot, just keep dipping it in water, so it does not loose it's temper. It does not need to be really sharp either, it's the motion that makes it all work, just like a Multi Tool. Just take a worn out jigsaw blade and file / grind the teeth down to make a sharp knife type blade. I do this with my reciprocating (sawzall) blades if I need to cut the sidewall out of a tire so I can discard it. I've even snapped the end of the blade of square, sharpened it to use as a scraper to remove glue from the floor and the such. Just put it back in the saw and the reciprocating action sure beats elbow grease. Depending on the length of the blade will determine how stiff it is. The flexibility will keep you out of trouble by not gouging into the wood as bad. But, ya, to use the old blade as a knife to cut foam, whether rigid or cushion foam should work great! |
|
RachelMarie
New Member
Posts: 10
1971 Kit Companion
Currently Offline
|
Post by RachelMarie on Sept 23, 2020 21:15:47 GMT -8
Very helpful. Thanks guys! Most of the pieces fit pretty snug; a few have small gaps. I'm not sure I understand this part: "In areas with Refectix, you can tape at the seams." Help? You can use foil HVAC tape! |
|
Kyla
Member
Posts: 40
Likes: 4
1963 Kenskill
Currently Offline
|
Post by Kyla on Oct 17, 2020 15:22:50 GMT -8
Clarification? I'm tucking foam board insulation into the framework. See pic (work in process) below.
Do I need to cover it all with Refectix for a vapor barrier?
Thanks smart people!
 below. |
|
|
|
Post by vikx on Oct 17, 2020 21:09:05 GMT -8
It looks good! just be sure to keep it tight and caulk any gaps. Also, the wiring should be on the inside with the grooves for them on the inside. It's not too late to redo that part... The wiring could easily rub if on the outside.
Also, the silver stuff may already be a vapor barrier.
|
|
Kyla
Member
Posts: 40
Likes: 4
1963 Kenskill
Currently Offline
|
Post by Kyla on Oct 19, 2020 13:22:13 GMT -8
Thanks Vikx. The silver stuff is the old fiberglass insulation that I hadn't yet removed. Bummer about the grooves. Back to the drawing board.
|
|
|
|
Post by vikx on Oct 19, 2020 18:30:06 GMT -8
Is that a metal support at the front corner? Interesting...
|
|
|
|
Post by wisconsinjoe on Oct 20, 2020 13:28:22 GMT -8
If one were to put a "home made" sharp knife blade into a jig saw, you would have a perfect tool to cut ridged styrofoam without any mess. This is brilliant. If this works I will be indebted for life. |
|
John Palmer
Senior Member
Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
Posts: 1,624
Likes: 574
Currently Offline
|
Post by John Palmer on Oct 20, 2020 18:40:01 GMT -8
If one were to put a "home made" sharp knife blade into a jig saw, you would have a perfect tool to cut ridged styrofoam without any mess. This is brilliant. If this works I will be indebted for life. LOL, Just make sure you mail the royalty check, the end of the month. |
|
/Campers/67%20Shasta?preview=2019-02-03+18.01.00.jpg)
