Top Soundproofing Insulation Materials for Your Van: A Comprehensive Guide for UK Owners

When it comes to converting or upgrading your van, one of the most critical aspects to consider is insulation. Proper insulation can transform your van into a comfortable, quiet, and energy-efficient space, whether you’re a weekend warrior or a full-time van dweller. In this guide, we’ll delve into the best soundproofing and insulation materials available for your van, helping you make informed decisions to enhance your campervan experience.

Understanding the Importance of Insulation in Your Van

Insulation is not just about keeping your van warm in the winter and cool in the summer; it’s also crucial for reducing noise, preventing heat transfer, and creating a more comfortable driving environment. Here’s why insulation is a must-have for your van:

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Thermal Insulation: This helps in maintaining a consistent temperature inside your van, reducing the need for heating or cooling systems and thus saving energy.
Sound Deadening: Insulation materials can significantly reduce road noise, engine noise, and other external sounds, making your drive quieter and more enjoyable.
Comfort: Proper insulation ensures that your van remains a comfortable space, free from excessive vibrations and noises.

Choosing the Right Insulation Materials

The market is flooded with various insulation materials, each with its unique benefits and applications. Here are some of the top materials you should consider for your van:

Sound Deadening Materials

Sound deadening materials are designed to reduce vibrations and unwanted noises within your van.

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PeaceMAT XR 20 Sheets:
This high-performance sound deadening material is 2mm thick and features a flexible butyl and aluminium design. It is easy to apply with a “cut, peel & apply” method and is water, dust, and oil resistant. It’s widely used by luxury vehicle manufacturers and professional camper van converters.
Key Features:
- Reduces panel resonance and noise transmission
- Flame retardant
- Temperature stability from -40°C to +120°C
- Ideal for roofs, doors, wheel arches, and interior bulkheads
PRO™ Vibro 2mm Van Sound Dampening Sheets:
These sheets are part of the PRO™ Campervan Sound Deadening & Insulation Kit and are designed to combat vibrations and unwanted noises. They have a strong self-adhesive and an aluminium foiled sound and vibration-deadening damper.
Key Features:
- Self-adhesive for easy installation
- Silver colour, 50cm x 35cm sheets
- Suitable for MWB, LWB, and XLWB vans

Thermal Insulation Materials

Thermal insulation materials help in maintaining the temperature inside your van and reducing heat transfer.

PRO™ 50mm Fleece Van Void Insulation:
This insulation is part of the PRO™ Campervan Sound Deadening & Insulation Kit and is designed to fully insulate and increase the thermal capabilities of your van. It is installed between panels and on top of existing insulation.
Key Features:
- White colour, 4 rolls with 15.6 SQM coverage
- Easy to install
- Enhances thermal insulation
Sheep Wool Insulation:
Sheep wool is a natural, eco-friendly insulation material that offers excellent thermal insulation properties. It is breathable, moisture-wicking, and can help regulate the temperature inside your van.
Key Features:
- Natural and sustainable
- Good thermal insulation
- Can be used in walls, floors, and ceilings

Foam Insulation

Foam insulation is versatile and can be used for both sound deadening and thermal insulation.

Spray Foam Insulation:
Spray foam insulation is a popular choice for campervan conversions due to its ease of application and high insulation value. It expands to fill gaps and provides a tight seal.
Key Features:
- High insulation value
- Expands to fill gaps
- Can be used in walls, floors, and ceilings
Closed Cell Foam Board:
Closed cell foam board is a rigid insulation material that offers high thermal insulation and is resistant to moisture.
Key Features:
- High thermal insulation value
- Moisture-resistant
- Can be used in walls, floors, and ceilings

Installation Tips and Best Practices

Installing insulation materials correctly is crucial to ensure their effectiveness. Here are some tips and best practices to keep in mind:

Preparing Your Van

Before you start installing insulation, make sure your van is clean and free from any debris or old insulation materials. This will ensure a smooth and effective installation process.

Using the Right Tools

Application Roller: An application roller, like the PRO™ Van Insulation Application Roller, can help ensure maximum adhesion of the insulation materials to the van’s surfaces.
Cutting Tools: Use sharp cutting tools to cut the insulation materials to the right size to fit your van’s panels and spaces.

Installing Sound Deadening Materials

Partial Coverage: For sound deadening materials, partial coverage can be effective, but full coverage will provide the best results.
Apply to Key Areas: Focus on areas like the roof, doors, wheel arches, and interior bulkheads where noise and vibrations are most prominent.

Installing Thermal Insulation Materials

Layering: Use multiple layers of insulation to achieve the best thermal insulation. For example, you can use fleece insulation between panels and then add another layer of foam or wool insulation.
Seal Gaps: Make sure to seal any gaps or seams with insulation tape to prevent heat transfer and maintain the insulation’s effectiveness.

Comparative Analysis of Insulation Materials

Here is a comparative table to help you choose the best insulation materials for your van:

Material	Thickness	Coverage Area	Thermal Insulation	Sound Deadening	Ease of Installation	Price Range
PeaceMAT XR 20 Sheets	2mm	1.0m² (20 sheets)	Low	High	Easy	£25.00 (20 sheets)
PRO™ Vibro 2mm Sheets	2mm	8.4 SQM (48 sheets)	Low	High	Easy	£634.76 (kit)
PRO™ 50mm Fleece	50mm	15.6 SQM (4 rolls)	High	Low	Moderate	£634.76 (kit)
Sheep Wool	Varies	Varies	High	Low	Moderate	Varies
Spray Foam	Varies	Varies	High	Low	Moderate	Varies
Closed Cell Foam Board	Varies	Varies	High	Low	Moderate	Varies

Practical Insights and Actionable Advice

Here are some practical insights and actionable advice to help you get the most out of your insulation materials:

Measure Carefully

Before purchasing any insulation material, make sure to measure your van’s interior carefully to ensure you buy the right amount. This will help you avoid wasting material and save money.

Use a Combination of Materials

Using a combination of sound deadening and thermal insulation materials can provide the best results. For example, you can use sound deadening sheets on the roof and doors, and thermal insulation materials like fleece or foam in the walls and floor.

Check for Certifications

When choosing insulation materials, check for certifications like DGNB or BREEAM, which ensure the materials meet high environmental and health standards. Kaimann’s Kaiflex products, for instance, come with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) that highlight their ecological balance.

Consider the Climate

If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, choose insulation materials that can withstand these conditions. For example, PeaceMAT XR 20 Sheets have a temperature stability range from -40°C to +120°C.

Real-Life Examples and Testimonials

Here are some real-life examples and testimonials from van owners who have successfully insulated their vehicles:

Steve’s Experience with PeaceMAT XR:
“I used PeaceMAT sheets on my VW T5 and it significantly reduced the rattling and noise within the van. It was easy to apply and has made a huge difference in the comfort of my van,” says Steve, a happy customer.
VanPimps’ PRO™ Kit:
“The PRO™ Campervan Sound Deadening & Insulation Kit was a game-changer for my campervan conversion. It provided everything I needed to thermally insulate and sound deaden my van, giving it a professional finish,” says a satisfied customer of VanPimps.

Insulating your van is a crucial step in creating a comfortable, quiet, and energy-efficient space. By choosing the right insulation materials and following the best practices for installation, you can significantly enhance your campervan experience. Whether you’re looking for sound deadening or thermal insulation, there are a variety of materials available that can meet your needs.

Remember to measure carefully, use a combination of materials, and check for certifications to ensure you get the best value for your money. With the right insulation, your van can become a haven on the road, providing you with the comfort and peace you deserve.

In conclusion, insulating your van is not just about adding some materials; it’s about transforming your vehicle into a comfortable and enjoyable space. By understanding the different types of insulation materials, following installation tips, and considering real-life examples, you can make your campervan conversion a success. Happy insulating