heat/sound insulation comparison

[Ralph L. Fullenwider]

Good Sunday to everyone:

While a spirited exchange of information tends to further knowledge of up
grades and parts, this is one side I will attempt to expound on, but not
with the db ratings or density factors, I do not have that information and
it is superfluous really, in an after the fact sort of way.

What I would like to send out is the experience of use and quality of sound
and heat insulation, having re done several dog houses and gen sets.

1. Original wafered or honey comb foam insulation with barrier.
a. No question, the sound deadening quality it the best. that is a plus
b. Installation ease, comparable
c. Down side, does not resist oil impregnation nor the effects of heat
deterioration, which is the reason for replacement in the first place. Will
have to repeat installation in 5 to 7 years. ( that is an estimate only)

2. Foam with sound barrier with mylar and self sticking back ( such as
Steven Birtles offers)
a. Sound deadening quality is acceptable in most cases, though certainly
not as good as the wafered foam.
b. Mylar facing does resist oil and heat added to a good sound deadening
with the barrier.
c. installation is comparable but not much room for placement error.
Once stuck you don't move it. Also sealed with either mylar tape or the
meatal a/c and heating ducting type ( best)

3. Foam with sound barrier and mylar, (such as from JC Whitney)
a. Sound quality as 2 above
b. Mylar facing, the same as 2 above
c. Installation has one more step with using a spray adhesive on both
surfaces, allowed to dry to tacky then placement. This is where 2 and 3
differ. There is room for placement error as the spray adhesive allows for
slight movement after placement.

All three above need to have screws and washers added to the overhead in
the gen set compartments to help hold it in place because of the weight of
the materials used.

I did not mention the Lizzard skin material in the above because I have
never used it, but Hank has had it done and knowing Hank and his experience
in Bird's, I trust his experience.

Also I did not mention the cost factor, this is something each individual
must research on his own. As does the material that is going to be used to
do the job. I have used 1,2 and 3 above and my personal preference is the
mylar faced material coupled with the ability to seal all the seams to
repel weather, heat and noise. Certainly there are compromises that need to
be addressed. Again that is on the individual to think about when picking
materials.

Hope this helps a little, and the above is what experience has taught me.

Safe travels,

Ralph and Charolette Fullenwider
Ralph's RV Solutions, Duncan, Oklahoma