insulation for penthouse

[BroncoHauler]

OK my grand plans for using a non-bubble material seem to be popping (get it?).

Right now I'm leaning back towards Reflectix, but I see my options as:

Reflectix
- Easily available
- Available in single bubble or double bubble thickness
- Cheap
- Unattractive in unfinished form
- Fabric backing would definitely increase cost
- Concerns about durability


Insul-Bright
Insul~Bright consists of hollow, polyester fibers needlepunched through a nonwoven substrate and through a reflective metalized poly film. The needled material is breathable and won’t break down with washing. The hollow fibers resist conduction while the reflective metalized poly film resists radiant energy. The energy, hot or cold, is reflected back to its source.

http://www.warmcompany.com/ibpage.html

- Unattractive in unfinished form
- Concerns about trapping moisture and subsequent mold growth
- Good-Fair availability
- Would possibly need additional "structure" to remain in place (PH & van body windows)


Ironing board cover material
Woven of 100%-cotton with a unique aluminized coating, this quality material gives your ironing board a smooth, resilient surface. Also recommended for pot holders and oven mitts. Clean with a damp cloth. 44"-wide bolts. Sold in whole yards only.

http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/prod ... D=prd10219

- Not bad looking
- Would possibly require an additional insulative layer
- Concerns about trapping moisture and subsequent mold growth
- Good-Fair availability
- Would possibly need additional "structure" to remain in place (PH & van body windows)


Thoughts?
Herb

[jage]

Would the ironing board material be strong enough to stand in the PH? The reflectix all around about maxes my storage, so adding ironing board material to the reflectix to get the best of both would ruin being able to fit things for me.

I'm inclined to say try attaching the ironing board material to the reflectix for a nicer inside look. Unlike fabric-to-reflectix whatever you attach it with won't come through and ruin the look. I'm not sure the ironing board material alone would help with heat loss, judging from my wife's ironing board. Oven mitts construction uses additional batting probably...

Another thought would be to sew sleeves for the reflectix- instead of attaching fabric to the foil, just make a tube of light fabric that is supported by the reflectix.

[Greg In Austin]

I am not sure about the insulating properties of the ironing board material. I bet it will not burn, but instead just blacken, but that is probably not the worry.

I bet that material matching your interior attached to Reflectix will be as much insulation as ironing board material attached to Reflectix.