Choosing the Right Floor Insulation for Your Skoolie: Why We Chose Extruded Polystyrene Foam (XPS)

Converting a school bus into a comfortable and efficient home on wheels, is a series of decisions you never thought you'd make. Among the many decisions you'll make during the conversion process, selecting the right floor insulation is a critical one.

In this blog post, we'll explore various floor insulation options for your skoolie, while highlighting the reasons we ultimately chose 2-inch extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) for our project.

Floor Insulation Options

Insulation Type	​R-Value (per inch)	Comments
Spray Foam Insulation	Varies	Excellent air seal but can be expensive. Requires floor framing.
Fiberglass Insulation	2.2-2.7	Common but may not provide optimal insulation. Requires floor framing.
Polyurethane Foam Board	5-8	Offers excellent insulation, like XPS.
Mineral Wool Insulation	3.0-4.0	Good fire resistance and thermal insulation. Requires floor framing.
Cork Flooring as Insulation	Varies	Versatile, but may not match XPS in insulation.
Reflective Foil Insulation	Varies	Enhances other insulations when used together. Requires floor framing.
Rigid Foam Panels (EPS)	3.6-4.0	Similar to XPS but with lower moisture resistance.
Extruded Polystyrene (XPS)	5.0-5.4	High R-value, moisture resistance, and durability.

Why We Chose Extruded Polystyrene Foam (XPS)

We carefully considered our options and chose 2-inch extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) for our skoolie floor insulation. Here's why:

1. High R-Value: XPS boasts an excellent R-value, making it a great thermal insulator. This quality ensures our skoolie remains comfortable year-round, whether we're dealing with scorching summers or chilly winters.

2. Moisture Resistance: XPS is highly resistant to moisture, a crucial factor in a skoolie where condensation can be a concern. By preventing moisture infiltration, we protect against mold and mildew growth, ensuring a healthier living environment.

3. Durability: XPS is known for its durability and longevity. It can withstand the wear and tear of life on the road, maintaining its insulation properties over time.

4. Ease of Installation: XPS is DIY-friendly, allowing for straightforward installation. We could easily cut and shape it to fit our skoolie's unique floor space with minimal effort, saving us time and hassle.
   

Choosing the right floor insulation for your skoolie is a pivotal decision in ensuring a comfortable and energy-efficient living space. While various options exist, we ultimately selected 2-inch extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) for its exceptional thermal performance, moisture resistance, durability, cost, and ease of installation. Our choice has allowed us to build the foundation of our skoolie with confidence, knowing that our home will provide a cozy and secure haven for all our adventures. Whatever insulation you choose, make sure it aligns with your specific needs and preferences, ensuring your skoolie suits your unique journey. Safe travels!

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