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The vanlife => Van Conversion => Topic started by: 1993chevyg20 on May 08, 2018, 08:21:29 PM

Title: self-adhesive floors and heat?
Post by: 1993chevyg20 on May 08, 2018, 08:21:29 PM
I've ripped out the old carpet and lay down a plywood foundation in my van, I'm considering what to put down on top of it.

It seems like those floating wooden floors are the floor of choice but I was wondering about the floors that have adhesive on the back.  I live in Georgia so it's going to get hot inside that van occasionally. Will those self-adhesive floors work with the extreme heat inside a van in the summer?


Thanks
Title: Re: self-adhesive floors and heat?
Post by: Camper_Dan on May 09, 2018, 03:05:43 AM
Greetings!

The only two things that work long term are carpet or roll vinyl.  Carpet with an original style thick felt pad is the best, warmer in the winter, and cooler in the summer, and really cuts down on road noise.  Original floor style insulation is the most important insulation in a vehicle, to keep out the heat generated while driving, and the radiated heat from the ground and pavement.  The heat from the drive train, and the ground will rise right up through the floor.

Nothing that is self stick works well in vehicles, neither does glue gun style hot glue.  Construction strength adhesive seems to work well, and many people seem to prefer liquid nails.  Personally, I have used liquid nails on cabinets, but never on floor, walls, or ceilings.  I am a huge advocate of original style carpet and padding, with easily washable throw rugs on top.  Having had floors of all types, I will never settle for anything less again.

It is also important to note how the thick felt carpet padding works, it wicks the moisture away from the metal floor, to prevent mold and rust, so it can be evaporated out through the carpet.  The failure to keep the metal skin of the floor, walls, and ceiling moisture free at all times is the major failure point in most DIY builds.  Looks means nothing if you're trapping moisture.  Your health, and your van's health depend on you doing it right.  Factory vans go to great lengths to prevent moisture from being trapped, the whole interior is either breathable, or vented clear to the skin.  Great lessons can be learned from factory passenger vans.

Cheers!


Title: Re: self-adhesive floors and heat?
Post by: 1993chevyg20 on May 09, 2018, 02:34:25 PM
Thanks Camper_Dan