@@GregVirgoe considering an oversized load 12' wide: "freezer shipping container" or a "freezer semi trailer" And whatever maximum height can generally avoid requirements of a pilot car, or at most "one" pilot car. there are several reasons that I am considering this, but still the concerns mentioned above apply...
@@GregVirgoe35:00 as you talked about where to place vapor barrier it does seem to bring up the concern of condensation occuring ON the metal of the van and IN CONTACT with the insulation...? would a "thin layer" or regular layer of Spray Foam directly bonded to the metal and THEN an air gap/ "double wall" or "regular insulation" better to reduce the: severe temperature difference and swings in temperature during each day/a couple times per day? --- to prevent condensation occuring ON the inside of the metal that is in contact with regular insulation? --- I am not a fan of spray foam, but trying to understand fully...
@@GregVirgoeokay, "now" I am either confused OR I am thinking you mis-spoke or are not aware of a subtle but key concept (or I am) .... 24:54 a *moisture barrier* ...in the terms that you are using it is INDEED a "barrier" -----WHICH TRAPS moisture/condensed ON its surface....... ...as I have been studying others that discuss the "subtle" difference between a "moisture control layer"/a "one way/directional controlled moisture selective permeable control layer"... which MOVES moisture OUT of the structure to the outside... ...oh wait...OKAY: 28:42 so you ARE using the term as an ACTUAL vapor barrier.... Got it.
Probably the best video on RUclips explaining insulation in practical terms. Loved how you also backed up your explanation with the science behind it and yet managed to keep it simple and not complicated for a common man/woman’s understanding. Salute!
First time commenting after devouring your videos. I want to extend a big Thank you for generously sharing your knowledge and the precise execution of your build. Once I watched the videos of your van build I comfortably discarded all the others I had kept as yours eclipsed them by a rather wide margin. Opinions are interesting but science and facts are integral to solving known problems. Your attention to detail and your well thought out solutions are an inspiration to me and comfortable suggesting to many others. Will continue to enjoy your journey and will look forward to many more well edited videos.
It's comments like yours Bob that makes putting these videos together so worthwhile, many thanks for such great feedback and I hope you continue to enjoy the channel, thank you
Hello. Just wanted to thank u for a great video. I just lost my husband of 38 years and decided a van dwelling life is what I want to give a go. But I’m limited on funds so I have to do a lot myself. I have purchased just about everything, the fan, solar, rmax, flooring etc. But I’m not capable as younger folks but your videos are helping me to overcome some of my fears sans the electrical parts. I’m going to do the floors and ceiling now thanks to your video. I’m in USA and hopefully I’ll start traveling soon and meet with some folks who I can learn from so I can get my max air fan (thanks to another of your videos). Keep up the great work. You r helping us newcomers so much. Take care.
MaryAnn DuVall I’m very sorry to hear about your loss. Thank you for such a lovely message and I wish you my best with your van build and future travels. Thank you
well I read a lot of comments on van builds and have to say this one was different and warmed my heart; Maryann, all the luck in the world with you build; I wonder which van you purchased
After studying for 3 years I am building my self now. This vid was pushed forward for a long time. Happy that if seen it now! Great help this and all the other content Greg👍🏻
I don't understand why so many people on Facebook either struggle understanding insulation or thinking it not important. They really need to watch this video!
On the window covers, get those that are reflective on one side and black on the other. During the day the reflective goes out; at night put the black side out to “black out” your windows.
We now have an insulated over that wraps around the outside of the van which is reflective on the outside. Offers some insulation value and is total blackout inside.
I thought to myself ...this is going to be boring...NOT SO, I concur with others, great presentation, focused, succinct, and of course we like Greg. I watched the whole presentation and I don't even have a van.
I'm a person that don't comment easily even if I liked what I just sew (sorry about that Greg) but I must leave my comment to this.I am kind of sad 😔 because it was only 40 mins. I could hear you speaking all day. What a presentation. In depth, leaving the audience without any other questions but your t-shirt. Marvelous job Greg.
Ioannis Athanasiadis it means a lot to me that you have taken the time to comment. I wanted to keep it as short as I could because a lot of people don’t watch videos if they are too long.
Awesome transfer of your construction industry expertise busted down into easily understandable and vanlife relevant examples for insulation, thermal conductivity and condensation. You are also an excellent teacher Greg and such a valuable asset to the self build leisure industry. If I were a UK coach built manufacturer, I would be busting down doors to hire you to help recover the ground we have lost to the Germans on quality and attention to detail in this space. Very well done and I applaud you for freely giving your knowledge, skill and wisdom to self builders around the U.K. and further afield.
Greg My van is due mid February, I have started re watching all your van build videos great information well presented with attention to detail. Looking forward to your budget van build. Thanks Liam
By far the best and most logically intelligent advice on the subject of van insulation. Really glad I found you and thank you. BTW! This video should be named best van insulation, so it can be easily found. Also wear your mike to the opposite side of your display, to avoid the distortion when you turn towards it. Thx again.
After all the RUclips videos on insulation that I've seen, this is by far the easiest to understand and I now feel very confident when it comes to my time to get my van and insulate it. You made it as easy as 1 2 3 and A B C. How much did the whole insulation cost in your van, if I may be so bold to ask? Thank you!
Brilliantly done. I am now confident to say I know enough information on insulation properties that will help anybody that may ask for my advice. Thank you Greg. To anyone reading this as their watching this vid, watch till the end, the knowledge you will learn goes to the very end.
Thank you for this demonstration.....very very useful and easy to understand, even with your excellent calculations etc. Even a dummy should be able to fully understand what to do and what not to do and why!!! EXCELLENT....!
@@GregVirgoe Seriously though, I have watched more videos than I care to admit on van builds and what van to buy that my head is mush! I saw your video on some subject a while back and subscribed instantly, but got busy, today I have watched your videos for hours now.....all excellently done and very informative. Straight forward without the fancy half naked women posing trying to up their sub counts....good informative videos do not need to do this. Again thanks for taking the time to fully explain everything you make a video on. I'd also lose it if someone damaged my van.......augh!!!! Keep up the great work.
That was a proper masterclass!! Natural born teacher. Isn’t there anything you can’t turn your hand to?! Amazing, very impressive and crystal clear session with both scientific and empirical samples to solidify our understanding. I learned a lot, never before I got such a grasp of the subject!!
@@GregVirgoe it was the guy who lives opposite me, he's just finished building out a Fiat Ducato and that sparked my interest in #VANLIFE i'm the sort of guy who likes to know how things work and how to do things, your excellent step by step van build vidoes scrathed that itch for me, you gained a subscriber and thats how i ended up here.
Hi Greg, I'm in the same boat, no van yet but hoping to build soon. Been researching online and via RUclips for ages now. That's how I stumbled across your channel. Random van conversion search. Have been following almost from the start. I stayed and subbed for the clear and concise instruction, your friendly manner and innovative solutions. The unistrut solar panel rack for example was super clever and cost friendly. I've load of non van related projects in mind for that stuff now, and hadn't a clue about it until you showed it to us. The channel is a real variety of stuff, woodworking, plumbing, electrical etc and I often end up spending hours looking into some tiny component you use I'd never heard off before. The unistrut, the sticky pins the rigid foam board. It's just an all round excellent production. Keep it up 👍 tldr I think what really clicks for me is much of what you do could be applied to many other projects, man cave, shed self build, general diy 👍
@@anomandaris2010 I feel the same way here! Also hoping to get a van in a couple of years, until then I'm watching a lot of videos on RUclips. Came across @Greg Virgoe through another RUclipsr from the Camp Quirky 2019 video, and have started to watched his videos. Of course I subscribed as well.
me too. i've been watching van builds and i wanted to know exactly how insulation worked because so many people use different products and do it differently. now i do. Hope to use this knowledge in the future.
I truly cannot express my thanks enough to you Greg for taking the time to share your careers worth of knowledge and experience related to insulation and material thermal properties. Your confident disposition and calm manner of delivery is constantly interesting and the way you make things easily understandable with relevant examples is absolute pure diamond level teaching, you must really be one in a million mate. I am endlessly thankful for your videos.
Wow! It was about 6 years ago I wanted to build my own camper and I've watched and rewatched all your videos in that time. 6 years later I've started working on my own van and I'm watching your essential guide videos, and sharing videos to friends and family who are also planning or starting their own builds. Thank you so much for all your inspiring and educational content Greg, I love them all and it takes away so much fear of the unknown, and the 'I'll never be able to do this' thoughts and makes me enjoy every minute of the build. What would Jesus do? No, more like what would Greg do? 🤣
Textbook presentation Greg. Insulation is the most contentious part of a van build but you clarified it all with simple facts and figures, plus a little humour. Brilliant stuff.
Thanks again for sharing your knowledge Greg, it’s very much appreciated by people like myself who are still in the planning and preparation stages of van building. I’ve always said if you’re going to do something, do it right! - you’re helping many people do just that. Thanks again! 👍👍
On the environmental aspects of insulation... I've recently helped a friend insulate his van using the recycled plastic bottle material. I was a little concerned about the amount of material it sheds when cut or torn. This, I think, falls into the category of "micro-plastics" which is making it's way into our waterways and aquatic life. I know we're very unlikely to get to a perfect state from an ecology perspective but certainly worth taking precautions when using this material: correct PPE such as face masks / glasses, be sure to vacuum your van thoroughly once you've finished and dispose of the plastic residue safely. Great video though Greg, thanks for explaining all of this so thoroughly.
Thanks for sharing so much valuable information so freely. Your channel is a superb resource for DIY converters but also for those who own commercially converted motorhomes. Great stuff. 👍
If you remember, I asked you something about reflectix and condensation, on another video. I finally be able to see this video and you can forget my questions! I totally understand all the principles of insulation in a van! You deserve a lot more subscribers and views, Sir! Insulation was the most problematic part in planning my van build and you answer all of my questions! Thank you!
What a great walkthrough - seriously. There are a lot of questions and different answers out there and it can all get a bit confusing so to find one, comprehensive solution is gold. Love the story of the t-shirt too... :o)
Absolutely brilliant lecture on heat transfer and insulation. I subscribe to a few camping forums and there is so much unscientific guff spoken about insulation properties of foil mats, it’s laughable. Anyway, a big thumbs up to you Greg; you’ve gained another subscriber. ATB.
Greg, I’ve started to get excited about a van build. I’m probably a couple of years away so doing some research now. You my friend, are making the research element an absolute joy. Thanks for all your hard work and conveying your experience to us. Really appreciated.👍🏻
Always such good information and so well presented. And I love that John & Mevi we’re in on the editing. The three of you are some of my favorite YT channels and the way your personalities interact is a joy. Thank you again!
Those guys are total legends! This video has taken over 28hours to edit, we had 5 cameras running and 6 audio streams. All only decided on about 1 hour before the workshop started. Can't thank them both enough, beyond the call of duty.
I've watched a lot of videos on insulation but yours is the best advice I've ran across. i truly thank you for your great videos. i am starting my insulation this week!
Wow! We were fortunate to see you live @ CC. You could start a documentary series: Science with Greg 🙂👍 Your light humoured presentation demonstrated that you have what's required to communicate your knowledge to a wide range of individuals. Your audiences understanding ranged from 0 to 100 and it became quiet obvious whilst listening to you that this was learnt from you own practical experiences. Can't wait to wake up to a toasty 15' in our van with no condensation. Lambda, R values and Dew Points will always make us grin when heard in future. Thank you for sharing 👍👍 BTW, your Mum was so impressed at how many people 'knew' you !! Cheers
I read a study which the US Navy did where they determined that human comfort (feeling hot or feeling cold) was more dependent on the temperature of surrounding surfaces (radiation) than it was on the air temperature. They put sailors and pilots in a chamber and manipulated the temperature of the walls and the air. For air that is relatively still, this is absolutely the case. This speaks clearly to the importance of your inner walls being warm in the winter and cool in the summer. We also know that in summer, comfort is more a function of humidity than air temperature. I smile when I see van dwellers in the western US say they don’t need AC - they’d die in the humid southern US where I live.
That’s very true, in hot climates if it’s dry your body can easily regulate its temperature by evaporating sweat but in humid climates that sweat cannot evaporate as easily and you produce more sweat and feel really sticky and horrible. We keep the sun out of the cabin summer with window blinds so that the interior furniture stays cool and that keeps the comfort level much better. We have stay in ambient of 38°C with no AC in the van using this principle. Thanks for a great comment. 👍🏼😊
Hi Greg, First time back on your channel in a while - still great info. I enjoyed watching your lecture. One item of constructive criticism: while you address the problems of humidity/condensation very well, I'd drive home the importance of a.) closing off the insulation completely with a hermetically sealed (as well as poss, anyway) vapor barrier, and b.) using insulation that does not absorb moisture in the first place. You could show in your wall/insulation cut-away diagram (starting at 27:00 in the vid) that somewhere between the 1°C steel wall and 20°C interior, you will have the dew point for the air inside the van. That means that, with an 'open' insulation that is able to absorb water and a non-functioning vapor barrier, over time you will have condensation in the insulation, leading to worse and worse insulating properties which leads to more condensation, etc etc. And with that all the associated problems that wet insulation in a van brings: mildew and rot, rust, etc. I mention emphasizing this because I don't believe the majority of van builders realize the gravity of their insulation decisions - at least not if you go by what is shown on various van builds on other youtube channels. The other item I almost never see mentioned in discussions about van insulation (or van build-outs in general) is that you can not apply house construction methodology to a van build 1 to 1, even if the van is to become a tiny home. It is a van, made mainly of metals and plastics. It moves flexes and must be light enough to BE moved all the time. Vans rust, have accidents, mechanical or electrical issues etcetcetc. You must be able to service items located behind the insulation. One of the greatest stupidities IMO is spray foam insulation throughout the van. Imagine water ingress - be it through condensation or something like a leaking ceiling fan. If this water gets behind/under the insulation there is no way to trace where it is coming from, assess possible damage (such as rust...) or dry the affected area without huge amounts of effort. And I have seen vids where people have used open cell foam too... You have to think more like a vehicle manufacturer than a house builder - because that is essentially what you are when you build a van. I showed my wife your explanation for the t-shirt. She want's to form a club with your wife :-))
@@GregVirgoe I understood you :-) I just thought it might help. Watching your lecture with an outside perspective and after numerous conversations with people (though generally in the context of home renovation, not van building), it has been my experience that this is one point that people don't get. They just think: oh, that little bit of humidity. I'll never notice that...
Absolutely brilliant Greg so glad to see you promoting recycled plastic insulation as you know I’m I big fan of it.it’s all I use in my builds well done mate great all round presentation 🤙🤓
Great lesson for all of us Van converters as usual a thorough excellent job. Thank you. Cheers to you both. (Yes behind every successful man is an exhausted women)👍
Thank you so much for that really great explanation. Helped me a lot through the "isolation jungle". Don't even have a van yet, but at least the big question of "isolation" is now clear to me. Thanks!!!
Hi Greg, I think you have just created a standard as far as facts and science around van insulation is concerned. Here in the fatherland, people have all sorts of - sometimes very odd - ideas surrounding van insulation and most of them end up using a product called Armaflex without any vapour barrier at all. Furthermore, many van dwellers here have an almost religious belief, that a restful night can only be attained by turning the heat off entirely, wrapping themselves in layers of sleeping bags and hoodies - only to be marvelling at the condensation everywhere after waking up. Thank you so much for this video and all the scientific facts. It'll make my van build so much better. Best regards from Germany, Volker P.S.: I have linked this video as required reading on my site.
Damaged Goodz, it is an excellent insulation material and has very good thermal properties. Only downsides are it’s permanent installation and can be very messy with lots of cleanup. With regards off gassing you would be excluded from occupying for a min of 24hours while the product expands and hardens www.sprayfoamexperts.co.uk/worry-spray-foam-insulation-off-gassing/
Excellent presentation, I haven't started my build yet, though watched all your build video's. So I know how I'm going to insulate my Van but It's great to now have a better underststanding of why, I'm going to be doing it that way. Thanks very much. Respect, Dave Yeatman.
I am not insulating anything, but I learned so much anyway! Great video. Mayb handing out fliers and adding them to this video as a downloadable pdf would be helpful, if you want to share with others. I couldn't read those charts you had. Loved the white board, very helpful! Brilliant, Greg, really! Good on you! Thanks.
Brilliant. One of the best content i came to watch on RUclips. Thanks a lot. A lot of van build on YT speaks about the benefits of Armaflex. What do you think of this product? Is it a good insolator apart maybe from the friendly environment point of view and the budget? Greetings from Belgium
After this video, I would be totally confident insulating a van following your guidance 👍
Timo Grönroos I was planning for this to be the definitive guide and I’m glad that has come across. Thank you
@@GregVirgoe
looking for Van & Shipping Container & Semi trailer insulation SPECIFIC TO: Condensation, moisture, mold, AND foam OFF GASSING, termite/ant/meal worm resistant foam/insulation....
~ Cold Roof.
~ BSE 101/ "perfect wall"/"100 year wall"
~ double wall.
@@GregVirgoe considering an oversized load 12' wide:
"freezer shipping container"
or a
"freezer semi trailer"
And whatever maximum height can generally avoid requirements of a pilot car, or at most "one" pilot car.
there are several reasons that I am considering this, but still the concerns mentioned above apply...
@@GregVirgoe35:00 as you talked about where to place vapor barrier it does seem to bring up the concern of condensation occuring ON the metal of the van and IN CONTACT with the insulation...?
would a "thin layer" or regular layer of Spray Foam directly bonded to the metal and THEN an air gap/ "double wall" or "regular insulation" better to reduce the: severe temperature difference and swings in temperature during each day/a couple times per day? --- to prevent condensation occuring ON the inside of the metal that is in contact with regular insulation?
--- I am not a fan of spray foam, but trying to understand fully...
@@GregVirgoeokay, "now" I am either confused OR I am thinking you mis-spoke or are not aware of a subtle but key concept (or I am)
.... 24:54 a *moisture barrier* ...in the terms that you are using it is INDEED a "barrier" -----WHICH TRAPS moisture/condensed ON its surface.......
...as I have been studying others that discuss the "subtle" difference between a "moisture control layer"/a "one way/directional controlled moisture selective permeable control layer"... which MOVES moisture OUT of the structure to the outside... ...oh wait...OKAY:
28:42 so you ARE using the term as an ACTUAL vapor barrier.... Got it.
I think I just got a PHD in insulation techniques in 40 minutes. Absolutely brilliant Greg!! top notch💪
Probably the best video on RUclips explaining insulation in practical terms. Loved how you also backed up your explanation with the science behind it and yet managed to keep it simple and not complicated for a common man/woman’s understanding. Salute!
Thank you very much for such great feedback, exactly what I was hoping to achieve. Glad you liked it 👍🏼😃
i agree and you tube know it also, as they ran so many commercials when i viewed this, i let al the ads play fully....Greg your a top man!!
First time commenting after devouring your videos. I want to extend a big Thank you for generously sharing your knowledge and the precise execution of your build. Once I watched the videos of your van build I comfortably discarded all the others I had kept as yours eclipsed them by a rather wide margin. Opinions are interesting but science and facts are integral to solving known problems. Your attention to detail and your well thought out solutions are an inspiration to me and comfortable suggesting to many others. Will continue to enjoy your journey and will look forward to many more well edited videos.
It's comments like yours Bob that makes putting these videos together so worthwhile, many thanks for such great feedback and I hope you continue to enjoy the channel, thank you
Well put mate
You are a born teacher! 👍🙂👍
Hello. Just wanted to thank u for a great video. I just lost my husband of 38 years and decided a van dwelling life is what I want to give a go. But I’m limited on funds so I have to do a lot myself. I have purchased just about everything, the fan, solar, rmax, flooring etc. But I’m not capable as younger folks but your videos are helping me to overcome some of my fears sans the electrical parts. I’m going to do the floors and ceiling now thanks to your video. I’m in USA and hopefully I’ll start traveling soon and meet with some folks who I can learn from so I can get my max air fan (thanks to another of your videos). Keep up the great work. You r helping us newcomers so much. Take care.
MaryAnn DuVall I’m very sorry to hear about your loss. Thank you for such a lovely message and I wish you my best with your van build and future travels. Thank you
well I read a lot of comments on van builds and have to say this one was different and warmed my heart; Maryann, all the luck in the world with you build; I wonder which van you purchased
After studying for 3 years I am building my self now. This vid was pushed forward for a long time. Happy that if seen it now! Great help this and all the other content Greg👍🏻
I have a lot of useful build videos full of factual content. Hope you find them useful with your own build. Best wishes Greg
I don't understand why so many people on Facebook either struggle understanding insulation or thinking it not important. They really need to watch this video!
Thank you David, exactly why I have posted these to help those that are confused about it 👍🏼😃
Brilliant. The gold standard for van builders.
Much appreciated :D
On the window covers, get those that are reflective on one side and black on the other. During the day the reflective goes out; at night put the black side out to “black out” your windows.
We now have an insulated over that wraps around the outside of the van which is reflective on the outside. Offers some insulation value and is total blackout inside.
I thought to myself ...this is going to be boring...NOT SO, I concur with others, great presentation, focused, succinct, and of course we like Greg. I watched the whole presentation and I don't even have a van.
The guru setting standards, great work and well explained Greg
I'm a person that don't comment easily even if I liked what I just sew (sorry about that Greg) but I must leave my comment to this.I am kind of sad 😔 because it was only 40 mins. I could hear you speaking all day. What a presentation. In depth, leaving the audience without any other questions but your t-shirt. Marvelous job Greg.
Ioannis Athanasiadis it means a lot to me that you have taken the time to comment.
I wanted to keep it as short as I could because a lot of people don’t watch videos if they are too long.
Awesome transfer of your construction industry expertise busted down into easily understandable and vanlife relevant examples for insulation, thermal conductivity and condensation. You are also an excellent teacher Greg and such a valuable asset to the self build leisure industry. If I were a UK coach built manufacturer, I would be busting down doors to hire you to help recover the ground we have lost to the Germans on quality and attention to detail in this space. Very well done and I applaud you for freely giving your knowledge, skill and wisdom to self builders around the U.K. and further afield.
Thank you Greg.... You covered a lot of helpful technical information.
Great work Greg, really enjoying your van build films.
I really appreciate it 👍🏼😃
Hands down the best video with actual science to back it up.
Excellent Workshop Demonstration Greg.... Job Well Done...
Thanks very much
Greg
My van is due mid February, I have started re watching all your van build videos great information well presented with attention to detail.
Looking forward to your budget van build.
Thanks Liam
By far the best and most logically intelligent advice on the subject of van insulation. Really glad I found you and thank you. BTW! This video should be named best van insulation, so it can be easily found. Also wear your mike to the opposite side of your display, to avoid the distortion when you turn towards it. Thx again.
Greg, you are an absolute gentleman! Much respect for sharing your in-depth knowledge so generously with us. Thank you sir!
Anton Vilanov you are most welcome and thank you for such kind comment
After all the RUclips videos on insulation that I've seen, this is by far the easiest to understand and I now feel very confident when it comes to my time to get my van and insulate it. You made it as easy as 1 2 3 and A B C. How much did the whole insulation cost in your van, if I may be so bold to ask? Thank you!
Brilliantly done. I am now confident to say I know enough information on insulation properties that will help anybody that may ask for my advice. Thank you Greg. To anyone reading this as their watching this vid, watch till the end, the knowledge you will learn goes to the very end.
Thank you for this demonstration.....very very useful and easy to understand, even with your excellent calculations etc. Even a dummy should be able to fully understand what to do and what not to do and why!!! EXCELLENT....!
New title - Insulation for Dummies :D lol
@@GregVirgoe Seriously though, I have watched more videos than I care to admit on van builds and what van to buy that my head is mush! I saw your video on some subject a while back and subscribed instantly, but got busy, today I have watched your videos for hours now.....all excellently done and very informative. Straight forward without the fancy half naked women posing trying to up their sub counts....good informative videos do not need to do this. Again thanks for taking the time to fully explain everything you make a video on. I'd also lose it if someone damaged my van.......augh!!!! Keep up the great work.
@@WillysJonathanRoberts thank you very much, i try to keep it factual and to the point, no BS :D
Amazing! Finally a video that describes how and why to properly insulate from a metal wall to avoid condensation! Thank you!!
Very good ! The best explanation of what’s best for insulating your van. Thank you
Glad you enjoyed it!
That was a proper masterclass!! Natural born teacher. Isn’t there anything you can’t turn your hand to?! Amazing, very impressive and crystal clear session with both scientific and empirical samples to solidify our understanding. I learned a lot, never before I got such a grasp of the subject!!
God I love Engineers! Great talk Greg, Brilliant as ever... from a fellow Engineer! lol
mechmanau thank you for such a nice comment. 👍🏼
As usual a very informative video that will give knowledge and confidence to those that are about to start their journey. Thank you and well done.
Tony White really appreciated thank you
Great video, Watched the whole thing, dont even own a van :D
darren simpson that’s brilliant I’m intrigued to know what brought you to the video?
@@GregVirgoe it was the guy who lives opposite me, he's just finished building out a Fiat Ducato and that sparked my interest in #VANLIFE i'm the sort of guy who likes to know how things work and how to do things, your excellent step by step van build vidoes scrathed that itch for me, you gained a subscriber and thats how i ended up here.
Hi Greg, I'm in the same boat, no van yet but hoping to build soon. Been researching online and via RUclips for ages now. That's how I stumbled across your channel. Random van conversion search. Have been following almost from the start. I stayed and subbed for the clear and concise instruction, your friendly manner and innovative solutions. The unistrut solar panel rack for example was super clever and cost friendly. I've load of non van related projects in mind for that stuff now, and hadn't a clue about it until you showed it to us. The channel is a real variety of stuff, woodworking, plumbing, electrical etc and I often end up spending hours looking into some tiny component you use I'd never heard off before. The unistrut, the sticky pins the rigid foam board. It's just an all round excellent production. Keep it up 👍 tldr I think what really clicks for me is much of what you do could be applied to many other projects, man cave, shed self build, general diy 👍
@@anomandaris2010 I feel the same way here! Also hoping to get a van in a couple of years, until then I'm watching a lot of videos on RUclips. Came across @Greg Virgoe through another RUclipsr from the Camp Quirky 2019 video, and have started to watched his videos. Of course I subscribed as well.
me too. i've been watching van builds and i wanted to know exactly how insulation worked because so many people use different products and do it differently. now i do. Hope to use this knowledge in the future.
Excellent job Greg!
Thank you 😊
Totally agree with all the positive comments and your delivery of information is excellent too 👍👍👍
Thank you kindly!
I truly cannot express my thanks enough to you Greg for taking the time to share your careers worth of knowledge and experience related to insulation and material thermal properties. Your confident disposition and calm manner of delivery is constantly interesting and the way you make things easily understandable with relevant examples is absolute pure diamond level teaching, you must really be one in a million mate. I am endlessly thankful for your videos.
So nice of you, what a lovely comment. You have made my day, thank you very much :D
Wow! It was about 6 years ago I wanted to build my own camper and I've watched and rewatched all your videos in that time. 6 years later I've started working on my own van and I'm watching your essential guide videos, and sharing videos to friends and family who are also planning or starting their own builds.
Thank you so much for all your inspiring and educational content Greg, I love them all and it takes away so much fear of the unknown, and the 'I'll never be able to do this' thoughts and makes me enjoy every minute of the build.
What would Jesus do? No, more like what would Greg do? 🤣
Textbook presentation Greg. Insulation is the most contentious part of a van build but you clarified it all with simple facts and figures, plus a little humour. Brilliant stuff.
Excellent video - we are doing the insulation on our bus and found this extremely informative. Thank you!
Beginning from this Morning thanks for great feedback 👍🏼
Thanks again for sharing your knowledge Greg, it’s very much appreciated by people like myself who are still in the planning and preparation stages of van building.
I’ve always said if you’re going to do something, do it right! - you’re helping many people do just that. Thanks again! 👍👍
Peace… Salam... Shalom... Namaste and Thank You so much for All that you are doing to Heal our Mother Earth 🙏🏻 😊 🌈 ✌ 🌷 ❤
Thank you for this Greg, You are definitely the best source for insulation info I have yet to find. We really appreciate you spreading your knowledge!
Ricksflicks I really do hope that it helps many people doing a van conversion.
Thanks Greg that was just brilliant , and thanks to your film crew assistants for helping make this possible 👍
Chris-90 it would not have been possible without help from my fellow youtubers.
They are amazing 😉
On the environmental aspects of insulation... I've recently helped a friend insulate his van using the recycled plastic bottle material. I was a little concerned about the amount of material it sheds when cut or torn. This, I think, falls into the category of "micro-plastics" which is making it's way into our waterways and aquatic life. I know we're very unlikely to get to a perfect state from an ecology perspective but certainly worth taking precautions when using this material: correct PPE such as face masks / glasses, be sure to vacuum your van thoroughly once you've finished and dispose of the plastic residue safely.
Great video though Greg, thanks for explaining all of this so thoroughly.
Dave Fisher it makes sense to wear a mask and of course clean up and dispose of left over product responsibly.
Brilliant video. Technical information and invaluable products very well presented by Greg 👍
Andy Chattaway very much appreciated. Thank you.
Excellent explanation Greg as always. Nice and clear and covers everything even a simpleton like me can understand😂👍
Incredible work. I can’t believe you explained it all so thoroughly. Remarkably well done, thank you so much.
Flurble Wibble thank you very much. Pleased it was useful.
Thanks for sharing so much valuable information so freely. Your channel is a superb resource for DIY converters but also for those who own commercially converted motorhomes. Great stuff. 👍
If you remember, I asked you something about reflectix and condensation, on another video.
I finally be able to see this video and you can forget my questions! I totally understand all the principles of insulation in a van!
You deserve a lot more subscribers and views, Sir! Insulation was the most problematic part in planning my van build and you answer all of my questions!
Thank you!
Brilliant! Thanks for a detailed, cogent explanation. 👍
Thank you so much. It is so nice of you to share all that knowledge. I even think I get most of it :)
Kosmetik Katze I do hope so. I try and pitch the science at a level that everyone can relate to and understand. 👍🏼😊
Very nicely done 👍 😀🐾🍺❤️🍟
One Man and His Whippet the thumbnail is from your video so thank you Dave 👍🏼😊
Greg Virgoe 👍❤️😀🐾🍺🍟 have a great weekend you two 👍
Good job Greg as always, 50K i think your becoming a bit of a celeb deservedly so.
Peter Wilson lol will try and keep my feet on the ground 😎
What a great walkthrough - seriously. There are a lot of questions and different answers out there and it can all get a bit confusing so to find one, comprehensive solution is gold. Love the story of the t-shirt too... :o)
Just learning about the existence of those insulation pins was worth watching this video.
Absolutely brilliant lecture on heat transfer and insulation. I subscribe to a few camping forums and there is so much unscientific guff spoken about insulation properties of foil mats, it’s laughable. Anyway, a big thumbs up to you Greg; you’ve gained another subscriber. ATB.
Thank you very much for such great feedback and I’m pleased you found the video to be interesting 👍🏼😃
Great video, very informative. Thanks for sharing your knowledge! 👍
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience . Great !!!
Blazej Duliniec I hope to give everyone the facts as there is lots of mixed opinions about it
Greg absolutely fantastic, with your knowledge you should have been a scientist 👍
Awesome science video explaining it all.
Thanks for the info Greg, keep up the good work.
Just registered to youtube to say thanks, this is an amazing source of knowledge and inspiration for every DIY vanbuilder. Have a nice day and be safe
You are a van builder's dream Thank you for educating me as I begin my build.
He certainly knows his stuff this guy 👍
Excellent class you held Greg, top man for sharing your valuable knowledge.
Greg, I’ve started to get excited about a van build. I’m probably a couple of years away so doing some research now. You my friend, are making the research element an absolute joy. Thanks for all your hard work and conveying your experience to us. Really appreciated.👍🏻
Always such good information and so well presented. And I love that John & Mevi we’re in on the editing. The three of you are some of my favorite YT channels and the way your personalities interact is a joy. Thank you again!
Those guys are total legends! This video has taken over 28hours to edit, we had 5 cameras running and 6 audio streams.
All only decided on about 1 hour before the workshop started. Can't thank them both enough, beyond the call of duty.
I've watched a lot of videos on insulation but yours is the best advice I've ran across. i truly thank you for your great videos. i am starting my insulation this week!
Thank you Greg. Very informative. Learned a lot about insulation.
Alex Tot you are welcome, pleased it was interesting.
Superb presentation Greg. I learnt loads! Thanks so much.
Peter Farmer you are most welcome glad you liked it
Thanks Greg, You're the best
Thank you 🙏🏼
Nice one Greg
Wow! We were fortunate to see you live @ CC. You could start a documentary series: Science with Greg 🙂👍 Your light humoured presentation demonstrated that you have what's required to communicate your knowledge to a wide range of individuals. Your audiences understanding ranged from 0 to 100 and it became quiet obvious whilst listening to you that this was learnt from you own practical experiences. Can't wait to wake up to a toasty 15' in our van with no condensation. Lambda, R values and Dew Points will always make us grin when heard in future. Thank you for sharing 👍👍 BTW, your Mum was so impressed at how many people 'knew' you !! Cheers
Great video! Can’t thank you enough. You gave me total confidence in insulating my van.
Congratulations to you and your production team 😊 very good presentation 👍
I read a study which the US Navy did where they determined that human comfort (feeling hot or feeling cold) was more dependent on the temperature of surrounding surfaces (radiation) than it was on the air temperature. They put sailors and pilots in a chamber and manipulated the temperature of the walls and the air. For air that is relatively still, this is absolutely the case. This speaks clearly to the importance of your inner walls being warm in the winter and cool in the summer. We also know that in summer, comfort is more a function of humidity than air temperature. I smile when I see van dwellers in the western US say they don’t need AC - they’d die in the humid southern US where I live.
That’s very true, in hot climates if it’s dry your body can easily regulate its temperature by evaporating sweat but in humid climates that sweat cannot evaporate as easily and you produce more sweat and feel really sticky and horrible. We keep the sun out of the cabin summer with window blinds so that the interior furniture stays cool and that keeps the comfort level much better. We have stay in ambient of 38°C with no AC in the van using this principle. Thanks for a great comment. 👍🏼😊
Hi Greg,
First time back on your channel in a while - still great info. I enjoyed watching your lecture. One item of constructive criticism: while you address the problems of humidity/condensation very well, I'd drive home the importance of a.) closing off the insulation completely with a hermetically sealed (as well as poss, anyway) vapor barrier, and b.) using insulation that does not absorb moisture in the first place. You could show in your wall/insulation cut-away diagram (starting at 27:00 in the vid) that somewhere between the 1°C steel wall and 20°C interior, you will have the dew point for the air inside the van. That means that, with an 'open' insulation that is able to absorb water and a non-functioning vapor barrier, over time you will have condensation in the insulation, leading to worse and worse insulating properties which leads to more condensation, etc etc. And with that all the associated problems that wet insulation in a van brings: mildew and rot, rust, etc. I mention emphasizing this because I don't believe the majority of van builders realize the gravity of their insulation decisions - at least not if you go by what is shown on various van builds on other youtube channels.
The other item I almost never see mentioned in discussions about van insulation (or van build-outs in general) is that you can not apply house construction methodology to a van build 1 to 1, even if the van is to become a tiny home. It is a van, made mainly of metals and plastics. It moves flexes and must be light enough to BE moved all the time. Vans rust, have accidents, mechanical or electrical issues etcetcetc. You must be able to service items located behind the insulation. One of the greatest stupidities IMO is spray foam insulation throughout the van. Imagine water ingress - be it through condensation or something like a leaking ceiling fan. If this water gets behind/under the insulation there is no way to trace where it is coming from, assess possible damage (such as rust...) or dry the affected area without huge amounts of effort. And I have seen vids where people have used open cell foam too...
You have to think more like a vehicle manufacturer than a house builder - because that is essentially what you are when you build a van.
I showed my wife your explanation for the t-shirt. She want's to form a club with your wife :-))
It’s exactly what I was trying to explain. Maybe I’ll emphasise that a bit more in this years workshops.
Thanks for the feedback. 👍🏼😃
@@GregVirgoe I understood you :-) I just thought it might help. Watching your lecture with an outside perspective and after numerous conversations with people (though generally in the context of home renovation, not van building), it has been my experience that this is one point that people don't get. They just think: oh, that little bit of humidity. I'll never notice that...
Thankx a million for this explanation. What a great idea to film this.....all in one....lots to think over.....
Absolutely brilliant Greg so glad to see you promoting recycled plastic insulation as you know I’m I big fan of it.it’s all I use in my builds well done mate great all round presentation 🤙🤓
Great lesson for all of us Van converters as usual a thorough excellent job. Thank you. Cheers to you both. (Yes behind every successful man is an exhausted women)👍
Thank you so much for that really great explanation. Helped me a lot through the "isolation jungle". Don't even have a van yet, but at least the big question of "isolation" is now clear to me. Thanks!!!
All you need now is to tell your phone keyboard what word you actually wanted.
'Insulation' please.
At last a explanation of the insulation jungle - thanks
Hi Greg,
I think you have just created a standard as far as facts and science around van insulation is concerned.
Here in the fatherland, people have all sorts of - sometimes very odd - ideas surrounding van insulation and most of them end up using a product called Armaflex without any vapour barrier at all.
Furthermore, many van dwellers here have an almost religious belief, that a restful night can only be attained by turning the heat off entirely, wrapping themselves in layers of sleeping bags and hoodies - only to be marvelling at the condensation everywhere after waking up.
Thank you so much for this video and all the scientific facts. It'll make my van build so much better.
Best regards from Germany,
Volker
P.S.: I have linked this video as required reading on my site.
Fabulous information!
Thank you 🙏🏼
A really excellent presentation Greg! Good job. 👍🏼
Thanks so much for taking the time and effort to produce an excellent guide.
I will tell my kids to watch this video.
Thank you 🙏🏼 lots of useful information in this build series 😃
Nice presentation, thanks for the 8nfo. Greetings from The Netherlands
Glad you liked it 😊
Buenísimo video, muchas gracias, una masterclass muy aprovechable. thanks!!!! desde Granada España, un saludo
Plus the immense moisture from showering Greg !
Yes that does put a lot of moisture into the van. Very important to have extract in the bathroom
Great informative video but I wouldn’t iexpect anything less from you mate. Cheers I’ll be saving this one for future reference.
Jason Petley hope it helps you
Brilliant! - great ending :)
Thank you Kal
Brilliant as usual ,this video also saves me money by buying to many insulation boards ,thanks a lot greg 👍
Very well presented and very easy to understand,explained in great detail, thank you I have subscribed 👍
Thanks for sharing this vital information. 👍
Only 9 mins in Greg and loving it. What are your thoughts on closed cell spray foam? I'm thinking of doing a box truck with 2 inches of it.
I too would like to hear the answer to this question. In particular how long it must cure / degas before it’s safe for habitation.
Time stamp 19:10
Damaged Goodz, it is an excellent insulation material and has very good thermal properties. Only downsides are it’s permanent installation and can be very messy with lots of cleanup. With regards off gassing you would be excluded from occupying for a min of 24hours while the product expands and hardens
www.sprayfoamexperts.co.uk/worry-spray-foam-insulation-off-gassing/
@@GregVirgoe Cheers :)
I think Gregs enjoying himself, and good he is too.
philip matthews it was great to meet everybody at Camp quirky. I did enjoy doing the workshops too. Great to help others with the right information
That’s insulation sorted 🥇 great work Mr Virgoe.and the northern production rabble .
Excellent presentation, I haven't started my build yet, though watched all your build video's. So I know how I'm going to insulate my Van but It's great to now have a better underststanding of why, I'm going to be doing it that way. Thanks very much. Respect, Dave Yeatman.
Great video Greg very informative.
Absolutely fantastic information Greg, thank you.
I am not insulating anything, but I learned so much anyway! Great video. Mayb handing out fliers and adding them to this video as a downloadable pdf would be helpful, if you want to share with others. I couldn't read those charts you had. Loved the white board, very helpful! Brilliant, Greg, really! Good on you! Thanks.
Brilliant. One of the best content i came to watch on RUclips. Thanks a lot.
A lot of van build on YT speaks about the benefits of Armaflex. What do you think of this product? Is it a good insolator apart maybe from the friendly environment point of view and the budget?
Greetings from Belgium
Yes it is good as an insulator. It has it’s own in built vapour barrier. Only down side is little bit heavier and may cost more but easy to install.
Very useful. Thanks.
You’re welcome ☺️