How to Insulate your Floor on a Budget - Episode 7 of the Van Build Series
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 เม.ย. 2023
- Fitting the new timber battens and insulation to the floor of our Fiat Ducato Budget Campervan Build. Finishing it with a foil vapour barrier to prevent condensation from forming under the floor.
We are using locally sourced timber roofing battens, fixed to the floor using Sikalfex 522 adhesive to form a grid that will support the new plywood floor and the campervan furniture above.
PIR rigid insulation boards are cut and inserted between the timber battens to provide the best thermal insulation layer to the floor. Then finally aluminium foil tape is fitted over all the battens and onto the PIR boards to complete the vapour barrier. This is now ready for the new Plywood Floor.
Materials we have used are as follows :-
Sikaflex 522 Adhesive www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_fr...
25mm PIR foam rigid insulation boards www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_fr...
100mm Aluminium Foil Tape www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1612415391...
The tools we have used in the video are as follows :-
Countersink Drill Bit Set www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_fr...
Dewalt Drill and Driver www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_fr...
Workmate Bench www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_fr...
Carpenters hand saw www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_fr...
Disclosure - As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase using the above affiliate link. Thank you for supporting our channel.
Please make sure you subscribe to the channel @GregVirgoe because you will not want to miss the rest of this Fiat Ducato Campervan Build.
If you found these videos to be helpful then please give them a thumbs up and share them with other people who would also benefit from this information.
If you would like to say thanks with a small donation you can do so with this link www.paypal.me/gregvirgoe
Thank you very much for watching and we wish you the very best with your own campervan conversion project.
Greg and Lou
#vanconversion #vanlife #fiatducatocamper #selfbuildcamper #offgridliving #budgetbuilds - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
Can't stress enough how beneficial this series is going to be for people who looking for a step by step guide in camper conversions. You should write a book Greg!
I’m busy working on a website to go with this build series and then hopefully I will get time to do another book on my own this time 😊
I like Matt tenant
by far the best tutorial on van builds, gives nonskilled people like me so much hope, thanks a lot!
Ability to continuously learn is an example of someone that strives for excellence.
Everyday is a school day 😃 only trouble is remembering it all now I’m getting a bit older 🤣
Love the clear detailed explanations. Well done Greg & Lou. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
Really glad you’re enjoying the videos. Thanks for following us 👍🏼😃
Love the "there won't be any holes as there will be screws in it" A man of common sense you are Greg ❤
it always made me smile when I got the odd comment about holes in my floor :D lol That waxoyl is a brillaint product
Great work Greg. For someone like me who is utterly useless at DIY, it's very instructive and gives me the confidence to have a go at jobs round the house. I love watching this series. Many thanks, we are lucky to have you. 👍
That's very nice of you, I hope they help to give you a few tips and tricks
I’m in Canada, and I’m looking at doing a conversion in an e350 van.
Your videos are absolutely amazing.
I looked at quite a few over the past well, and by far yours are the most informative and detailed.
That’s really important, because the devil is lost in the details.
I try to show exactly what I’m doing and more importantly why as that often is not covered. I’m glad you are enjoying them. 👍🏼🤩
I didn't even know my Missus was looking over my shoulder until I heard 'I hope you don't think that you're buying a van'.
Hate it when they read your mind like that.
Loving this build series. Thanks so much for sharing your skills, Greg.
Lou was like that when I started watching van videos. Now look where we are. Enjoying life of travelling 😊
A friend of mine is converting a camper van. I pointed him in the direction of your vlog as the definitive guide and he was blown away by your knowledge, skill, common sense and teaching ability. You can put that on your CV... Global Definitive Van Build Guide. Simple as that
Thats brilliant, thank you for sharing the videos, that really does help everyone. Best wishes with your builds
I'm picking up my van in a week or two, mechanically sound but a bare shell. I am no longer terrified about the conversion process having watched some of your videos. Cheers
That’s good to hear. There are lots of really useful videos on this channel. 👍🏼😊
Liked and thanks Greg, your videos help to cut down on procrastination and head scratching
Ahh nice, seen many put a lot of weight on the battens, I see clearly why not to...Counter intuitive to clamping wood joins..Another idea, put pocket holes in the subfloor noggins, once the 522 goes off, put screws in..Then it's rock solid..
Yes you do not want to squeeze all the adhesive out or it wont do its job :D
Nice Job, Greg, and a great video series. I can only confirm: I glued the floor and all the structural wood members of my van build with car body adhesive. Now it's 5 years and 10s of 1,000s of km later, and there is no rattle whatsoever. (Sorry, I don't remember the brand of adhesive, it's the same stuff car manufacturers use.)
If it's permanent and doesn't need removal later, adhesive is better than fasteners in many ways. The trick is the right adhesive for the job and proper surface prep.
Cheers from Germany - Folker
Making sure the surfaces are clean and free of grease and contaminants is crucial to get a good bond I agree with you 👍🏼😃
Wow! I followed you years ago, when you started your van build videos, and took your trips. Your videos were always some of the best (in my opinion) online. Full of your expertise, your experiences, and suggestions you've made were always backed up by research and such. ty
I always do my best to give the right information to the best of my ability, in the hopes that will make others lives a little easier
I run adhesive foam between the ribs in my floor before laying Celotex over it. Done away with having to use battens. The foam fills the voids and doesn't compress, leaving no pressure points at all. 👍🏼
The masterclass continues……. 👏
Thank you 🙏🏼
Perfect! We skipped on the screws as well, battens glued to the floor - they'll never come off again. Fixing battens to the side of the van with adhesive works just as well.
Its not just the info i love, it's the delivery Greg, so chill and no biggie, just what i need with the time crunch the missus is giving me, love her to death so not being rude, she's just really on my case with this van haha
Oh dear 😅 good things come to those who wait 😂 you can blame me for that one. Wish you the best of luck. Hope all goes well 👍🏼😃
I'm really just watching these as affirmation that what I've done so far on my van is alright... 😄
That's great to hear, sounds like you did a top job :D
You are right about the amazing strength of Sikaflex. I had to remove some battons from my van floor, after a layout change. It was a hammer and chisel job! Moral, plan everything!
I had to remove a baton from the ceiling in the sprinter build and it was a crowbar job, really is strong stuff.
@@GregVirgoe The wood splinters before the sika lets go!
It's great to see another series coming together, Greg. I learned a huge amount from you on the last build, which I put into action on my own. A huge thanks from me for giving people confidence to start their projects. Cheers! 🙂👍
Thank you for following this series. Is your first build finished now? 😃
@@GregVirgoe Thanks for asking. It is more of an ongoing rebuild of a 1990 van, so will probably never be finished! I essentially stripped everything out and started again with 400W of solar, Victron gear and an internal refit. I couldn't have done it without your videos, Greg. 👍
Same here Greg!
@@clearprop I see, interesting to make improvements to an old van and bring it bang up to date 👍🏼😃
As a budget build nice to see you reaching for the handsaw
I did listen to the viewers that wanted me to ditch the workshop and struggle :D lol
I plan to show a wider range of tools on this build and some options which are budget consicous
Soo glad you didn’t use screws there is literally no need with todays adhesive. Much neater all round finish. Excellent choice and glad you hi lighted it.
Yes the adhesive is very strong as long as the surfaces are clean.
@@GregVirgoe indeed. The van I’m starting now needs a bit of welding but floor will get in the booth soon, but in a new van you could even be really picky and even just run a grey scotch down the Chanel’s before hand. Looking forward to next vid 👍🏼
He is a brilliant teacher he couldn't make it any easier looking forward to the Electrics.
Thank you, Brendan, you're gonna love the electric videos this time. I believe I have put together the most economical off-grid setup in any van I've seen. So excited to get that video out.
@@GregVirgoe Can't wait.
@@GregVirgoethis will be interesting as that’s the one part I’m concerned about. So much choice which causes so much confusion. My van was an old ‘snap-on’ tools one so there is already wiring in it for lights and 240v hook up. Not sure whether to take that all out or use some of it.
Love your work, Greg. Your videos convinced me that at 74 I can do it. Bought '05 Sprinter and am just starting my conversion. Lost my home of 15 years and am now excited as I build out my rolling home and art studio. I see you as my mentor in this transition. Thank you.
I know of a few older people that have successfully converted a van so you are in good company. Hope the videos help you 👍🏼😃
How are you getting on?
great to see a budget build. with simple tools. we use adhesive sealant for joining materials, with a lightweight DIY modern build.
I'm trying to use a wider range of more basic tools and no workshop this time so that its relevant to more viewers.
@@GregVirgoe great to see, that's what I found when using composite panel, you can even score and snap it, if you don't have a saw.
I did a camper in lock down after watching your videos thank you for everything you taught me.
This content seems to be your USP on TH-cam 👍
You are right, I enjoy making these the most and they are the most popular so I think this is my calling :D lol
Do you know that was really therapeutic watching you create that lovely shiny floor x loved it x it looks so easy when you do it x would take me and Nige a month! 🤣
It was much easier having done it before. It was just over a day to get that down. 👍🏼😃
Thanks very much for your excellent instruction,I will use it on my Sprinter van!
I also have a full build series that we did on our previous sprinter van you can find the playlist here th-cam.com/play/PLLhAyWhGGbi6JLJBHePgsmR-jSbyC_RgO.html
This is the definitive version of camper van conversions. Watch this series and it's all here. Excellent quality 👌 👏 no one need go to any other channel for instruction unless for comedy purposes of course. Congratulations Greg you are the canine cajones of van camper builds.
High praise indeed and thank you very much Mark. Glad you are enjoying the series.
@@GregVirgoe Say as I see Greg, I think I must have watched over 300 van conversion videos and the majority are also ran's. It's either an ad for gear, for a personal journey thing, we don't watch these videos for anything other than facts and techniques without excessive waffle. Your presentations are perfect without giving the bigun or trying to be the next TH-cam sensation.
Fantastic Budget build. I recommend Humble Road for the other end of the price scale. His Lithium battery is more than this entire project.
I love George’s channel he’s the Gentleman’s self builder 😎👍🏼
Great vlog looking forward to the next vlog
Be safe 👍
Thank you very much 👍🏼🤩
Nice work buddy truly inspiring 👍🤓👍
Thanks a lot Mel, nice to see your name pop up in the comments 😊hope you are keeping well 👍🏼
You’re an absolute legend mate. Can’t thank you enough for these videos…
No problem at all 👍🏼 glad you like them 😃
whew I'm so glad no screwing into the floor! thank you for that info! Greg
Cheers Adam, I’m glad you liked it 😃
Result wie those buys ...it’s good to see I’m not the only one that searches about Greg 👍
I’m having to do a lot more digging this time to keep within budget. Managed to get some good deals 👍🏼😃
Another great referencing video Greg - thanks.
You are most welcome Mike
18:19 yes I'm really enjoying watching😊
Thank you very much
Loving this series. One day I'm going to follow your shining example.
I wish you the very best with your future adventures. Thanks for watching us 👍🏼😃
You do realise mate there gonna be a lot of proper built vans on the road if they take you advice I am for sure thanks again mate
I do hope these videos go a long way to help anyone who may be a bit nervous about taking on a project like this and give them the confidence to just have a go 👍🏼😃
@@GregVirgoe look at the comments mate Everyone appreciates your efforts
Best van build tutorial yet!
Thank you very much hope you continue to enjoy it. 😊
Love this series Greg, can't wait to get my van build started. You give me alot of confidence to try this myself and I can't wait for the next one
That brilliant Mike, do you know what van you are hoping to get?
The detail is great, it’s the whole nuts and bolts so to speak, thanks.
i'll be thowing in some belts and braces too later on :D lol
@@GregVirgoe 😂
Missed you at Quirky but understandably a busy man. Plenty of questions from viewings on EDD from people looking to build their own conversion and keeping their dream of a campervan cost more affordable compared to buying bespoke of having a donar van built out for them. Had my solar tilted for the whole festival with grey skies which certainly increased interest to my solution. Greg your videos continue to inspire so many to help enable your followers to build their dreams themselves in monetary challenging times. #SelfConvertersRock!
Yes sorry we were not there this year, we have a really full-on schedule with the current build and video schedule. I'm focusing on getting this series out for the benefit of everyone and once done we can enjoy more meetups to see what everyone else has created :D
I'm really appreciating the detail on these videos. It'll make it much much easier when i come to do my build!
Great videos Greg. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise ❤
Straight to the point. Thanks for great videos
Again a great video. Easy to learn all the basics of building a buscamper. Thanks again👊
To be honest I'm not building a van as my DIY skills are something to be admired 😁but I thoroughly enjoy watching the building process, your thought process & the way you explain in detail how to go about it. So who knows one day 🤞
I have seen many people that confess to no diy skills turn out some incredible looking builds so anything is possible
@@GregVirgoe Vandamonium! David built a nice van and his skill set is very average.
I worked at SunSeekers and everything was Stikaflex ! ... once on there for good !
It’s bloody good stuff that’s for sure 👌🏼
Thank you very much for this step-by-step instructions. They are priceless, as a I about to convert my Ducato into camper. Cheers!
Cracker of a video mate…and you are so correct - we use Sika Flex to glue light weight cable trays to carbon fibre panels and they just stay put 👌🏽
Yes it is strong stuff 👍🏼😃
Thanks for all the time and effort you put into filming all of the conversion steps. Currently doing a 2019 Citroen Relay L4H3 while having an 8 week baby at home so your videos really help me prepare for the task ahead and be way more efficient. I'm starting my floor tomorrow...
I’m glad these are helping you. Good luck with your build 😃
Converting a van at the moment. These videos are invaluable. Thank you sir!
Greg i was just about to comment saying great job but think screwing the battens down is overkill imo then you did the rewind bit Lols
If i did another van to make the floor install simpler I'd consider gluing down a high density foam then glue 18mm ply on top, full insulation and no cold spots through battens. Just an idea.
The wood has good insulation values of 0.1 W/mk so it does offer some insulation. but more than that its structurally load bearing than just a layer of insulation or foam, Put lots of heavey furniture on top of a single layer of foam it will get squished :D
@@GregVirgoe i hear you for sure Greg.
The solid foam they use under cement screeds interlocks and doesn't crush. I saw someone do it once and thought it made alot of sense mainly for the simplicity.
This will be my bible when I do my van build, many thanks
Hope it gives you many good tips to make your job easier :D
From Canada: Greg, I love your videos, since their beginning and I am glad that you finally discovered, by accident, that screwing the battens through the metal floor was useless.
I have to disagree with your choice of words there., using screws is not uselss, because screws do add extra strength to the floor, it's just not essential if you use the right adhesive.
Thanks.
I definitely want to convert a van , to a camper.
I was always afraid to take on the challenge.
But your videos are extremely helpful.
And will in the not too distant future.
Thanks again.
Brillaint, it is a lot of work but if you break it down into these tasks as per this video series it becomes more managable and you get the satisfacttion of little goals along the way when you tick of each task done
Screw rewind inset, brilliantly placed. Superb video - a quality of your own. Well done both of you. Thank you.
Always useful info Greg. Thanks.
Glad you liked it :D
Thanks Greg. Really informative video as always.
Glad you liked it Jim 😃
Stirling work Greg! As usual your videos will serve as a step by step guide to hapless van builders like myself for years to come 💥🤛
Thank you Greg for this episode ! Looking forward to the rest of the series !
You are welcome, I'm pleased you are enjoying the videos
I going to enjoy this budget van build Greg so looking forward to each vlog take care.
That’s really nice to hear. Thank you 🙏🏼
Almost a work of art. So neat and tidy. Thank you again for a great video Greg.
Thank you very much 👍🏼😃
I didn't screw down the buttons either. And I was following the steps on your Sprinter van conversion, I simply forgot as you did here. There'll be many structures pressing down on it and attached to the walls so I think it's secure. No issues so far. The Sickaflex is the only thing holding my flexible solar panels in place for four years so yes, that glue is something else.
It may have appeared like that on the video but it was a consicious decision this time to see how well the adhesive cured and then decide whether to use screws or not. You cannot rely on just the weight of the objects alone, they must to be secured to both the floor and walls. That weight when driving has huge stored potential energy and in a crash will continue to travel forward towards the cab if not secured.
Great video Greg & Lou, nice little Marketplace haul 😀👍🏼
Another brilliant video backed up with experience. I never fancied screwing through the woodwork and floor, I was interested to see how your own van has held up over the last 5 years, but, if it was going to go wrong it WOULD happen to me 😂... so I was chuffed to hear you say how well the adhesive had held the wood to the floor. That's what this video is all about, vicarious learning. Another brilliant and entertaining video. This is shaping up to be one of, if not, THE best build video series on TH-cam. Thank you for continued efforts 😊
There are a few things that I have learnt from building and living in our Sprinter van and am happy to share those epxeriences to make future builds better even if that means admitting that i could have done something better or that I made a mistake :D.
Trust me, there is absolutely, categorically, unequivocally no need to screw your flooring battens down. 45 years time served tradesman, and I'm telling you, once the ply is screwed down, you have one single solid structure that is going nowhere. I would say you really don't need the adhesive. Something to stop it squeaking, maybe.
Looks Amazing already! Top job! cant wait to start my van build
Thank you, it reeally help to have the knowledge from my first build, I hope you will benefit from both my build series.
If you really enjoy reading the comments, so here is one! 😄 Build is gettin done quite quickly! And I now know that I don't need a double decker for proper insolation 😀 keep it up, awesome work, as well for filming it all!
Yes I have more time to just crack on now I’m not working so plan to put out at least two videos a week to keep the pace up 👍🏼😃
leaving comments bumps videos up in TH-cam's algorithms so always leave comments on videos or channels you think should get a bigger audience.
Nicely done and explained Greg.👍
Really appreciated Norman
Loving it Greg, great work and many excellent tips....
I’m really pleased you like it 👍🏼😃
Thank you for such a thorough build series❤
You are most welcome 🙏🏼😊
Any premium polymer will do the job, trying to pull those timbers off won’t be easy. Good job as always Greg, well done on the savings especially the PIR.
2x PIR x £18
1 timber £20
2x sika £16
1 roll tape £3
Yeah not bad I think 👍🏼😃
Very good job Greg. Very well explained and very informative!!
Thank you very much 😃👍🏼
Another great video greg I've really learned alot watching your videos greg and its left me in good shape to start my own build during the summer thanks greg👍
That’s brilliant 🤩 pleased do tag me if you end up posting any pics so I can follow your progress 👍🏼🚐
Very much appreciated as always Greg 🎉
Glad you liked it 👍🏼🤩
Top tier as usual Greg - thanks for all the help over the years :)
You are most welcome 🙏🏼😃
Thank you for the videos, I am learning so much and intent to apply it to my build out.
Thank you 🙏🏼
You just should pour clear resin on this subfloor, would be so nice to see through down to your perfect job!
👍👍👍
Yes its a shame they don't make clear insualtion, so I can see that I have no condensation too :D lol
@@GregVirgoe 😂
Great work with the details and explanations!! Love your work!! 🇦🇺🇬🇧👍👍
Thank you very much
easily the best van build series on yt, i watched the old vids over the years and now i'm building van myself finally and this is the best!! thanks Greg you rule mate! Also, such easy listening and a top bloke 🤗
You make it look so easy Greg....
It really isn’t difficult to do. Just take your time. Thank you for nice comment 😊
Your videos are absolutely brilliant thanks Greg. Having watched a few of them I’m now feeling that we might actually be capable of converting our own Fiat Ducato. I imagine we’ll be watching each one a number of times! Keep going, these are invaluable 😊.
I love FB market place, Gregg. Ive managed to get two brand new firefly solar 15o watt flexible solar panels for my van for under a hundred quid plus roof bars etc for viv-i-van. I'm always looking on there. You get a few con artists on there but some great bargains also. I love your videos and often go back to previous ones for tips etc. There's a reason you are highly regarded in our camper van comminity and its well earned. Much respect and thanks for another great informative video. Bessy regs- Kenny.
My best advice to avoid scams when buying from other members of the public is not to part with cash until you see the product yourself and if it looks to good to be true it often is.
@@GregVirgoe agreed Greg. I actually drove 140 miles round trip to get the second panel and have only ever bought stuff of facebook market in person. At the moment there are 50-60 cons on there adverising powerbanks from various makes, all for 82 quid and all fake profiles. I've literally reported 30-40 of them in the past few weeks and keep getting replies from FB saying these adverts are ok and wont ban the fake profiles-all of which are fulll of scam ads. None of which according to FB market contravine their "standards" its a joke. Likewise many of their "sppnsored" ads , one of which the other day ,was a 1500 quid bike for 90 quid. sadly not everyone knows a scam and fb market is becoming the "wish" of social media scams. Bessy regs- Kenny
Many thanks. Impressed as ever and learning loads. I can't build the same thickness into my rebuild but will do the most I can.
What tyoe of van do you have? and what height you got?
Awesome 👌 Super 🆒️ 👌 👏 👍
Thanks for sharing this info and advice and tips with us. Great stuff 👏 👍 👌 🙌.
Really glad you liked it 👍🏼😃
Cracking videos very informative and easy to follow keep up the good work greg 👍.
Thank you very much😊
Once again pure genius! Thanks for the info and advice. It's interesting to see your thoughts on screws/no screws. I guess there's positives and negatives either way. Keep up the great work Greg👍👍
There's no doubt any fixings add strength, I don't regret doing my own van, if the adhesive is very good then perhaps you can get away without that step with a simple van layout.
Hi Greg, not sure if you plan on doing this but a spreadsheet with a breakdown of material, components and appliances you use in the build along with costs and how you sourced them would be a valuable resource. Cheers for this series, invaluable 👍.
There will be a detailed breakdown video. Lou has already compiled a spreadsheet of everything we have purchased down to the last screw.
I’m posting as many links as we go along the way and like todays video will give snippets of costs where they apply in each video. 👍🏼😃
@@GregVirgoe Cheers.
Hi Greg once again great info, will there be break down of costing
Brilliant Vlog once again Greg its inspiring me to consider an economy build at some stage for sure. Excellent quality work and some really good procurement of materials. Have a great week and I am looking forward to the next set of videos.
Thank you Gary, I'm really enjoying this series and have got so many interesting and useful things to show everyone, hope you enjoy it
Enjoying the channel mate, nice slow pace so what you’re doing can be followed. This one has almost convinced me to do my floor😂👍
Another great one Greg.
Thank you John 😊
Van looks really well now
Perfect timing for a quick, simple but detailed instructional video. I’m really enjoying this series Greg to the point where I’m actually glad it took me a while to find the right sprinter as now I have two points of help… both your videos of now and years before. I’m a little behind though as I’ve still got to pull out the original floor. I have done the solar panels already though 😊 I’ll try catch up 😂
Fortunately i have much more time to do this one but with filming and editing it's still taking longer than I had hoped. I dont know how i managed to find the time go to work before.
Thank you Greg, great video 🤘👍
Glad you liked it! 👍🏼😃
Hi Greg. Im enjoying watching your channel. This is giving me some ideas for when i retire when i build my own van.
Thats brillaint Jon, what are your plans? :D
About to start my own Camper van conversion soon. Just debating on what Van/Size I will need. Thanks so much for doing these videos Greg, they’re brilliant and very informative 👍
Hi there from the netherlands, Thanks for your detailed explanation that truly will help our own build in the future
I'm pleased it's giving you lots of tips, good luck with your own build.
Yes, mechanically it makes sense to screw the batons down...you don't want any furniture potentially flying over in a crash or strong braking...it still would be very, very difficult, but I would do it in my van too...one wouldn't just trust the sikaflex to secure a driving-seat to the floor, right? in a cheap build, it does add more complexity and expenses though , and especially something more to worry about (rust underneath), so as long as it's not heavy-loaded (or any furniture is also screwed on the side metal pillars, where possible) it would most probably be fine.
The crash safety was a big part of my decision making process originally especially with the bulkhead removed. you are right about seats etc, great comment, thank you