ceiling insulation

Oregonconversion · February 28, 2009, 11:33:56 AM

I took the panels off my ceiling and the insulation looks new. I want to keep that stuff in there and I am debating adding some foam insulation to it and then putting plywood over it.

I am more concerned about the winter and keeping heat in than the summer.

How much of a difference will it make if I ad the foam insulation than if I do not for those cold winter months?

JohnEd · February 28, 2009, 03:19:57 PM

Heat loss in winter is the same thing as heat loading in the summer. Heat goes thru somthing but in dif dir. Nobody has yet NOT put as much foam in their ceiling as they could. You can get it in there with glue and cut foam boards or spray it in....but it should be foam....period. The roof should be Bright White.

Spoken in the most supportive and patient tone

John

Oregonconversion · February 28, 2009, 04:57:00 PM

I guess my question is... should I take out the insulation that is in there now so more foam will fit? or keep it in and put foam in it too.

JackConrad · February 28, 2009, 05:07:04 PM

I don't think you will find any insulation that has a better R factor then foam. The more foam the better total R factor. Spray foam also prevents any condensation forming in the walls. Jack

cody · February 28, 2009, 10:36:52 PM

I would remove the existing insulation and then foam it.

Highway Yacht · March 01, 2009, 07:12:20 AM

Quote from: Oregonconversion on February 28, 2009, 04:57:00 PM
I guess my question is... should I take out the insulation that is in there now so more foam will fit? or keep it in and put foam in it too.

I am keeping the stock insulation and adding foam on top of that. The reason I am going that route is because my ceiling has lots of little divets molded into the stainless panels and the stock insulation is molded to fit into all the divets perfectly. Also, my stock insulation is in almost near perfect condition. Otherwise, I would have to cut tons of small foam circles to fill the divets before gluing in the full sheets of foamboard.

Jimmy

PP · March 01, 2009, 08:01:06 AM

As a fellow Oregonian, you want to do whatever it takes to make certain you have no air space behind the ceiling panels or you will have condensation bigtime. Sprayfoam works best as everyone on here will tell you, but in Jimmy's case, I can't fault him for leaving the existing because of the good fit and condition. Going over that with foam will be a lot less expensive. Only Jimmy knows the fit and condition of what's up there now, so I support his efforts and wish him luck,
My $.02 worth.
PS-I have a small area over the driver's compartment that is not spray foam (will be soon) where I always get condensation. I thought originally the roof was leaking LOL and the foam boards are a tight fit in it. Not a good thing!!

TomC · March 01, 2009, 08:25:54 AM

Jimmy-use spray foam, then you don't have to worry about the ins and outs of the panels. Good Luck, TomC

Highway Yacht · March 01, 2009, 09:18:26 AM

Quote from: TomC on March 01, 2009, 08:25:54 AM
Jimmy-use spray foam, then you don't have to worry about the ins and outs of the panels. Good Luck, TomC

I do agree that spray foam would be the best....but in my situation, I already have 54 sheets of foamboard that I have no other use for except to use in my bus. I can't see throwing that away and going to the expense of spray foam at this time. Since I am located in the Southeast and have no desire to travel too far north, trying to keep the bus cool is a far bigger concern to me than trying to keep it warm. My bus is 20 years old this year and from looking at the condition of the stock insulation and ceiling, I can't see where condensation has been too much of a problem yet although I know it must be occurring. I must admit though, If I were planning on full-timing and planning on doing much travel up north that there would be no other choice than having it spray foamed.

Tom Y · March 01, 2009, 09:38:35 AM

Jimmy, What make is your bus? Intresting looking ceiling. Tom Y

Highway Yacht · March 01, 2009, 10:17:57 AM

Quote from: Tom Y on March 01, 2009, 09:38:35 AM
Jimmy, What make is your bus? Intresting looking ceiling. Tom Y

Tom Y...It is a 1989 TMC RTS..

Jeremy · March 01, 2009, 11:20:02 AM

That RTS roof is a nice piece of engineering - puts most other buses in the shade. Kudos to GM for such a highly-spec'd design

Jeremy

HighTechRedneck · March 01, 2009, 11:38:15 AM

Quote from: Jeremy on March 01, 2009, 11:20:02 AM
That RTS roof is a nice piece of engineering - puts most other buses in the shade. Kudos to GM for such a highly-spec'd design

Jeremy

And all of that is 409 Stainless Steel, as are the stamped side pans. The roof skin is 409 stainless. The side skins are fiberglass (Gel Coated Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic actually) except for the left side of the driver section and the engine section, which are also 409 SS. The tubing structures are E4 Stainless Steel (aircraft grade).

alkco1-rts · March 01, 2009, 11:40:49 AM

for heat or cold I would go with spray foam. My first conversion I used foam panels it didn't work. My second conversion is an 82 RTS which I furred out with 2X2s and then sprayed with hot foam and in 100 degree temp the walls and ceiling are cool. What it's worth.

Leroy

Oregonconversion · March 01, 2009, 11:57:24 AM

Thanks for the reply guys! Sounds like the best way is to just get rid of the old insulation even though its in great shape. It will cost under $200 to use foam sheets of insulation, but I would really like to spray for the ceiling.

How much will it cost if I use the spray foam on JUST my ceiling?

ceiling insulation

cody

HighTechRedneck