Lazy Daze Owners' Group

Insulation Efficiency Comparison

December 30, 2009, 12:16:07 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 108838

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AFAIK, the factory began using the 1.5" styrofoam block insulation instead of the fiberglass in the 2008 models; can anyone who has taken delivery of a 2008 or 2009 *AND* has owned an earlier model LD (not an SOB) with fiberglass insulation comment on the increased insulating efficiency (if any) of the styrofoam? I realize that this would not be a "scientific" study with quantifiable results; just interested in your experiences if you have a base of comparison.  TIA.

Joan

Re: Insulation Efficiency Comparison

Reply #2 – December 30, 2009, 02:10:50 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 108841

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wrote:

A quick Google search netted

R-value of fiberglass insulation = 3.14 per inch

R-value of Styrofoam insulation = 4 per inch
 Styrofoam is better, but not enough so I'd be prompted to go trade in my '05 Lazy Daze (g).
--- I did look up the relative insulation values of fiberglass vs. styrofoam before I asked the question, so I know what the "press" says. ;-)  And, I know that the amount of window area can affect the amount of heat/cold retention/exclusion.
 But, I *saw* the amount of fiberglass insulation put in my 2003 while it was being built, and I can say that there is nowhere near a *consistent* 1" (or any other thickness) anywhere it was stuffed.  LD didn't use fiberglass batts and cut these to fit; they used "loose" insulation because it was easier, faster, and less-labor-intensive.  Some between-the-studs areas have much less fiberglass than others.
 Because the block foam is a consistent thickness of 1.5", the slab must be cut-to-fit (instead of the "inconsistent stuff" method)and pieced in with litle or no "air space", and it has a higher insulative value than the fiberglass in the first place, I would think that the overall insulation of the rig would be better with styrofoam block.
 I owned an SOB before the LD with styrofoam block insulation, and it retained heat/"cool" inside far more efficiently than the Lazy Daze does. (And, it had single-pane windows.)



Joan

Re: Insulation Efficiency Comparison

Reply #4 – January 04, 2010, 03:45:09 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 108987

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"Because the block foam is a consistent thickness of 1.5", the slab must be cut-to-fit (instead of the "inconsistent stuff" method)and pieced in with little or no "air space", and it has a higher insulative value than the fiberglass in the first place"

Joan
 Steve and I inspected an LD under construction last year and he was very proud of how tightly the foam was cut to fit between the studs.
The lack of air passages should make a significant difference. I have not been impressed with how the fiberglass insulation has looked when opening walls of older LDs. I have seen gaps and a lot of settling of the glass, both of which should not occur with foam.
Another big plus of foam is that it does not absorb moisture if a leak occurs. Fiberglass insulation sucks up water like a sponge.
The change to foam insulation is a significant upgrade.

Larry

Re: Insulation Efficiency Comparison

Reply #6 – January 04, 2010, 10:35:45 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 109018

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Interesting how well insulated the LD RV's are! I have a 94' LD MidBath and have been keeping track of inside vs. Outside temps with the recent cold spell we have been experiencing here in Florida.
 It was 60.3/27 degrees in and outside the LD this morning at 8:53AM when I turned off a small Holmes Electric Heater running on close to the lowest setting (Dial set around the 9:30 position)
 Upon returning tonight, at 8:35PM, it was 48.4/36 degrees. Within an hour and a half of the small Holmes heater being turned on low again, the temp was 60/32. Now at 11:15PM, the temps are at a cozy 61.7 and has dropped to (Brrrrr....) 29 outside. Although I have never had any experience with any other brand of RV, I am quite impressed that a little heater running at close to 700/750 watts can keep the back lounge and bathroom cozy in some pretty cold temps (For Florida, 29 is pretty cold!)

Gotta love it!

Ed. 94' LD MidBath