Welcome to the how-to guide series from Combe Valley Campers. This guide will be on the art of sound deadening and insulation which, if done correctly will make a world of difference to your van. We have put this blog together to give some hints and tips regarding sound deadening.
Due to the repetition involved in sound deadening, we haven't given today's guide in a detailed step by step guide. Instead, we will talk about what to do with the products and some handy tips we have discovered. All you need to do is repeat the steps we've explained throughout the interior of the van until it is fully insulated.
What you will need
Scissors
Stanley blade
Tape measure
Marker pen
Cutting board (off-cut of 12mm ply)
Step One- Measurements
Before we start we strongly recommend wearing a good pair of work gloves, the 2mm sound deadening mat can be sharp when you are fitting the sheets onto panels in the van.
We are going to start with the larger interior panels. These larger areas are going to resonate the most and also let the most heat escape so focus on these first. If you have enough for remaining areas then cut them to size later on.
Using your tape measure get an idea of how much of the product you need and then cut the sound deadening to fit. It doesn’t need to be perfect but the aim is to cover as much as possible. This, of course, depends on two main factors the first being your budget and how much product you have and secondly patience. Fitting the 2mm sound deadening thoroughly could take up to two days to fit. We really do recommend covering as much as possible as it is a job you will only have to do once!
Step Two- Cutting
Place your sound deadening sheet on your cutting board and using your Stanley blade create the shapes to fit the van. if you are not familiar with the safe and correct way to use a Stanley blade then use a safety knife
When it comes to the trimming it is important to remember most vans are mirrored so when you’ve got your shape simply turn it over and draw round it. You then have a mirrored sheet to apply to the mirrored side saving time on taking measurements twice.
Step three- Application
The 2mm sound deadening is a peel and stick product. Before peeling the backing off make sure to offer the sound deadening up to the space to check the fit as it is a lot easier to cut and change when it’s not trying to stick its self to the cutting board.
The heat of the application will assist you. Unless you are sound deadening in the height of summer then we recommend the use of a heat gun to warm the sound deadening and panel up. It will stick in temperatures above 10 degrees but we find it more applicable when waved over with a heat gun as a general rule. Heat on a low-level heat to avoid any damage.
When applying the sound deadening to avoid it creasing and not fitting well, press down the sound deadening from one side to the other so you can work across the piece and iron out any creases as you apply it. Place the sound deadening on the area you want to cover and firmly press it into place. Be careful how much pressure you put on large single layer areas of metal as you don’t want to dent the panels from the inside out!
Wheel arches and the floor of the van will be stronger so you can be tougher with these areas. Use the back end of your screwdriver on these stronger areas to get into the contours of the van.
Step Four- Thermo Van Liner
Just like the sound deadening you need to start by measuring the area. Cut to size and offer it up. Once happy peel back half of the backing and apply. Then peel the rest of the backing off and fix. There is no need to heat the Thermo van liner before applying.
It is also a little less forgiving than the sound deadening so once fixed it will not be removed and reapplied easily. This is why we recommend offering the liner up to space with the paper backing still on.
Step Five- Dodo Thermo Fleece
The last layer you are going to install is the dodo thermo fleece. This will fit into the recessed areas of the van and is simply applied with some spray adhesive. Apply the glue to both the insulation and the area you want to apply the insulation too. Cover the area in a light, but thorough spray of glue and leave it 10 seconds for the adhesive to dissipate before applying.
For a visual on how we fit the product then check out our youtube video. We also have a video on our new flooring sound deadening and insulation installation on the channel.