R5 foam beats R6 polyiso insulation in cold climates

Converting Cargo Trailers into TTTs

R5 foam beats R6 polyiso insulation in cold climates

Postby ZColorado » Fri Apr 26, 2019 9:46 am

In cold climates R5 foam beats R6 Polyiso insulation. Fascinating article about how R value changes based on temperature. I was going to insulate in Polyiso due to it's higher R value, but looks like I would be better served with foam due to my climate and typical camping locations.

https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/ar ... -beats-r-6
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Re: R5 foam beats R6 polyiso insulation in cold climates

Postby Rainier70 » Fri Apr 26, 2019 1:53 pm

Good information. Thanks for posting it.
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Re: R5 foam beats R6 polyiso insulation in cold climates

Postby John61CT » Fri Apr 26, 2019 2:17 pm

Yes. In arctic conexts, reefers and custom mobile boxes for 12V kits, you put 1/2" of XPS on the coldest side, then the rest (2-6") as polyiso.

Proven as the best, within the reasonably priced arena.
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Re: R5 foam beats R6 polyiso insulation in cold climates

Postby featherliteCT1 » Fri Apr 26, 2019 6:44 pm

Yes, there are many tradeoffs when comparing types of insulation to use. I chose to use Polyiso because per the data sheets Polyiso is temperature rated to a maximum of about 350 degrees F

https://www.dyplastproducts.com/data-sheets-isoht

whereas the XPS is rated to a maximum of only about 165 degrees F (the data sheet says do not use on roofs).

https://www.owenscorning.com/insulation ... amular-250


I was concerned about my aluminum skin and roof exceeding 165 degrees F.
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Re: R5 foam beats R6 polyiso insulation in cold climates

Postby John61CT » Fri Apr 26, 2019 8:32 pm

Actually doesn't really matter what it is on the cold side, just a bit of effective thin layer so the polyiso itself isn't at arctic temps.

Rockwool is impervious to heat. . .
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