Why Insulation is the Foundation of Every Van Build
Before you fit a bed, install a leisure battery, or lay a floor, insulation should be your first priority. Get it wrong and you'll spend every trip battling condensation, freezing in winter, and sweltering in summer. Get it right and your van becomes a genuine home on wheels.
Armaflex Home is a closed-cell elastomeric foam — the same material used in commercial HVAC and refrigeration applications. Unlike mineral wool or rigid foam board, it doesn't absorb moisture, doesn't sag over time, and conforms to the complex curves of a van interior without gaps or cold bridges.
Choosing the Right Thickness for Your Build
Thickness is the single biggest decision in your insulation spec. More isn't always better — it's a trade-off between thermal performance and interior space.
| Thickness | Best For | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 10mm | Space-saving builds, mild climates | Weekend vans, summer use |
| 19mm | Year-round all-rounder | Most van conversions |
| 25mm | Cold climates, extended living | Full-timers, autumn/winter |
| 32mm | Extreme environments | Expedition builds, sub-zero climates |
For most UK van conversions, 19mm is the sweet spot — sufficient thermal resistance for year-round use without sacrificing too much interior width.
Which Kit Type Do You Need?
Each van size is available in three kit configurations:
Insulation Kit
The essential thermal layer. Covers walls, roof, and floor with Armaflex Home closed-cell foam. Ideal if you're adding your own sound deadening separately or building in a warmer climate.
Insulation & Sound Deadening Kit
Adds a layer of mass-loaded vibration damping to the Insulation Kit. Eliminates the “panel bong” — the resonant drumming of bare metal panels at speed. The most popular choice for everyday campervan builds.
Premium Insulation & Sound Deadening Kit
The full specification. Maximum acoustic isolation combined with the highest thermal performance. Recommended for full-time living, high-mileage touring, or anyone who values a genuinely quiet interior.
Find Your Van Size
Our kits are precision-cut for four van size categories. Select yours below:
- Compact Van Insulation Kits — VW Caddy, Citroën Berlingo, Peugeot Partner, Ford Transit Connect, Vauxhall Combo Cargo
- Standard Van Insulation Kits — Ford Transit, VW Transporter, Mercedes-Benz Vito, Renault Trafic, Vauxhall Vivaro
- Large Van Insulation Kits — Peugeot Boxer, Citroën Relay, VW Crafter, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Renault Master, Iveco Daily
- Extra Long Van Insulation Kits — Mercedes Sprinter XLWB, VW Crafter XLWB, Fiat Ducato Maxi, Iveco Daily XLWB
Understanding Roof Height Codes — H1, H2, H3
Every van kit is also sized by roof height. Here's what the codes mean:
H1 (Standard Roof) — The factory-standard roof height. Lower profile, easier to park, but less standing room. Most common in compact and standard vans.
H2 (High Roof) — A raised roofline, typically 300–400mm taller than H1. Allows standing height in most vans. The most popular choice for full conversions.
H3 (Extra High Roof) — Maximum headroom, often achieved via a factory high-cube option or aftermarket roof raise. Found on specialist models and custom builds.
To identify your configuration, check your V5C or the manufacturer's model code — the format is typically L[length]H[height], e.g. L2H2.
What You'll Need to Install Your Kit
Armaflex Home is designed for DIY installation. You'll need:
- ArmaFlex HOME Tape — for sealing joins and edges
- ArmaFlex Cleaner — to prep surfaces before bonding
- Cutting Set — precision knives for clean cuts around curves and fixings
- ArmaComfort Barrier B 2mm — optional vapour barrier for extreme cold applications
Clean the van surface thoroughly, cut panels to size, peel and stick. Joins should be butted tightly and sealed with Armaflex tape — never leave gaps, as these become cold bridges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a vapour barrier with Armaflex Home?
No — closed-cell foam is inherently vapour-resistant. Unlike mineral wool, it won't absorb moisture or harbour condensation. The ArmaComfort Barrier is an optional upgrade for extreme cold environments, not a requirement.
Can I use Armaflex on the floor?
Yes. Armaflex Home is suitable for floor application. For high-traffic areas, pair it with a rigid subfloor layer on top to distribute load.
How do I insulate wheel arches?
Wheel arches are one of the most important areas to insulate — they're a major source of road noise and cold ingress. Cut Armaflex to shape and use Armaflex tape to seal all edges. Multiple thin layers can be easier to fit than a single thick layer in tight curves.
What's the difference between Armaflex Home and standard Armaflex?
Standard Armaflex (EVO, Class O) is engineered for pipe and HVAC insulation. Armaflex Home is the same closed-cell foam technology, reformulated and packaged specifically for van and campervan conversions, with self-adhesive backing and kit sizing by van model.
Shop Armaflex Home Campervan Insulation
Ready to spec your build? Browse the full Armaflex Home range at Pipelagging.com — precision-fit kits for every van size, roof height, and insulation requirement.
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