Kenny Rogers was right – you gotta know when to hold ‘em and know when to fold ‘em.

Especially when it comes to deciding whether your van insulation will be installed as a do-it-yourself project or if you’ll hire a professional. The key is knowing whether your experience is your winning hand or if you should fold and let the pros handle it.

There are a lot of pros and cons that go along with deciding on a DIY insulation project or hiring an insulation contractor but don’t worry, we’ll help you out.

RetroFoam of Michigan has more than 20 years of experience installing foam insulation, and that’s not just in homes and pole barns – we insulate vans too. It is our mission to educate homeowners, as well as van owners, about their insulation options.

In our continued education efforts, we will give you the information so you can decide whether DIY or hiring a contractor will be best for your van insulation needs.

DIY Van Insulation vs. Hiring a Contractor

Insulating your van is crucial for maintaining a comfortable interior temperature, reducing noise, and preventing moisture buildup.

When deciding between a DIY approach and hiring a professional, here are the things you should consider.

DIY Van Insulation

If you’re ready to tackle insulating your van on your own, you have options when it comes to materials.

There is foam board, wool, or spray foam kits.

Let’s break down the pros and cons of the van insulation DIY.

Pros:

• Cost Savings: Handling the insulation yourself can be more economical, as it eliminates labor costs.
• Customization: You have full control over material selection and installation methods, allowing for tailored solutions to your specific needs.
• Skill Development: Undertaking the project can enhance your DIY skills and provide a sense of accomplishment.

Cons:

• Time-Consuming: The process can be lengthy, especially for beginners, potentially delaying your van conversion timeline.
• Potential for Mistakes: Without proper knowledge, there's a risk of incorrect installation, which can lead to issues like condensation, mold, or inadequate temperature control.
• Limited Access to Materials: Some high-quality insulation materials may be challenging to source or apply without professional equipment.

Professional Van Insulation

Choosing a professional to insulate your van will take some vetting.

Here are the pros and cons of hiring an insulation contractor for your van.

Pros:

• Expertise: Professionals bring experience and knowledge, ensuring optimal material selection and installation techniques.
• Time Efficiency: A professional team can complete the installation more quickly, allowing you to proceed with other aspects of your van conversion
• Quality Assurance: Professionals are likely to deliver a higher standard of work, reducing the risk of future issues related to insulation.

Cons:

• Higher Costs: Professional services come with labor fees, increasing the overall expense of your van conversion.
• Less Personal Involvement: You may have less control over the process compared to a DIY approach.

Key Considerations for Van Insulation

• Material Selection: Common insulation materials include 3M Thinsulate, Havelock Wool, foam board, and spray foam. Each has its own pros and cons regarding R-Value (thermal resistance), moisture resistance, ease of installation, and cost.
• R-Value: This measures the material's resistance to heat flow. Higher R-Values offer better insulation but may come with increased thickness or cost.
• Moisture Resistance: Closed cell spray foam doesn't allow moisture to move through it, which is crucial in preventing mold and mildew.
• Installation Complexity: Some materials, like spray foam, may require professional installation due to their application process and the need for specialized equipment.

The Best Van Insulation for You

You have now read the pros and cons of van insulation DIY and hiring a professional.

It’s up to you to now decide if your skills are where they need to be to install the insulation installation on your own or if an insulation contractor will be a better fit. Our hope is we have given you all the info you need to make the best decision for your van.

Whether it is your work van, your home in the great outdoors, a way to haul precious cargo, insulation will be important to your needs.

If you’d like to learn more about closed cell spray foam for your van, check out the Learning Center on our website.