Dynamatting the Fridge and Rebuilding the Wall

[deminimis]

That begs a great question. Is Reflectix pretty much the same as Dynamat? This is double sided reflective insulation. Sure looks similar. They have it at Home Depot:

[jage]

Nope, totally different.

Reflectix is bubble pack lightly coated with aluminum (or something) on both sides.

Dynamat is aluminum backed butyl rubber, the aluminum is paper thin and only on one side.

[deminimis]

Thanks. Off to HD in a bit for, hopefully, matching MDF, some insulation and some dry erase board. I might give the bubble wrap stuff a try.

[vwteleman]

Originally Posted by jage

Reflectix is bubble pack lightly coated with aluminum (or something) on both sides.

Dynamat is aluminum backed butyl rubber, the aluminum is paper thin and only on one side.

How does Dynamat compare to Reflectix as an insulator (ignoring the sound properties)? I'm researching options to insulate the floor and walls of my van. I would guess Reflectix is much easier to work with.

What are the relative costs of the two products?

Thanks,
Brent

[deminimis]

Well, the Reflectix was very reasonably priced at Home Depot. That's all I can tell you.

[jage]

For my fridge project the Dynamat was much easier to work with, as I think the Reflectix would have just ripped, torn, and bunched putting it back in.

Everything I've done with the Reflectix has been super easy, but the applications are totally different.

Have no idea the R value of either, however the Dynamat is slightly sticky on the one side, somewhat stiff, thick and heavy and the reflectix is light, flexible and there is no inherent way to attach it.

The more I think about it, there really is no comparison, they are such different products. It's as useful to say Dynamat is only shiny on one side, the Reflectix is shiny on both. I can't think of an application where it would make sense to interchange them.

[scatter]

I can't remember the R value of Reflectix, but it's not very high. The air spacing in the bubbles is what gives it it's insulation value. It's supposed to be installed with an air space on either side of it and not directly against anything. I've used it in the ceiling of my Baja house and it does a pretty good job. Also used it for lots of little projects with and without an air space and do like it. I wouldn't think it would be too good under the floor or carpet as you can pop the bubbles by walking on it. Me thinks Dynamat or good 'ol jute (used forever under carpets in cars) would be the way to go. Dyanmat make lots of different products for different needs. Jute works great, but does absorb water. Holds it like a sponge and will mildew and rust out a floor pan. Gotta keep it dry.

[vwteleman]

Thanks guys, for the added details.

Jage, I hadn't thought of Reflectix that way (getting caught or torn). I think for my application - starting with bare walls - Reflectix may be easier. And definitely cheaper. It looks like Dynamat can be 5 to 10 times more expensive than Reflectix.

But, as you have pointed out, they are two different products with different applications. I will consider Dynamat in the future if I need to line the fridge, and possibly for the front doors.

Regarding the floor, I think a plywood sub-floor over top of the insulation would be enough to distribute weight and prevent damage to the Reflectix, but maybe not. I'm just tired of waking up on the ski hill (in our old VW Westy) with my boots and the dog's bed frozen to the floor! We want to start off on the right foot with our new Ford.

Cheers,
Brent

[deminimis]

Damn, I'm craving a micro brew for some reason.

[vwteleman]

Originally Posted by deminimis

Damn, I'm craving a micro brew for some reason.

Looks tasty, huh?

Brent - craving one too