Van Insulation

Van Conversion Insulation Guide: Choosing the Right Materials

If you're planning a van conversion, getting your insulation right is essential for year-round comfort, sound reduction, and energy efficiency. The right insulation helps maintain a stable temperature inside the van, blocks unwanted noise, and prevents condensation. In this guide from Car Insulation UK, we’ll walk you through the best materials to use—focusing on high-performance products like PeaceMAT XR, Absoft, GlassMAT, SOShield, and PeaceMAT XXX—and explain how and where to use them.


1. PeaceMAT XR – Butyl Sound Deadening Sheets

PeaceMAT XR is a professional-grade butyl rubber sound deadening mat, ideal as the first layer in your van insulation setup. It dramatically reduces vibration, panel resonance, and road noise, creating a quieter interior space.

Key Benefits:

  • Exceptional vibration damping and low-frequency noise control

  • Improves overall sound quality and speaker performance

  • Flexible and easy to apply—even on curves and corners

  • Strong self-adhesive backing—no glue required

  • Water-resistant and heat-resistant

  • Perfect for floors, wheel arches, doors, and bulkheads

How to Use:
Clean the metal surface thoroughly, then apply PeaceMAT XR directly. Use a roller to ensure good adhesion and remove air bubbles. Follow up with thermal layers such as GlassMAT or SOShield for enhanced insulation.

Van Insulation

2. Absoft 25mm or 50mm Acoustic & Thermal Liner

Absoft is a lightweight, flexible foam insulation available in 25mm or 50mm thickness. It provides both sound absorption and excellent thermal insulation. A safe, non-itchy alternative to traditional wool or fibreglass, Absoft is moisture-resistant and ideal for lining van walls, ceilings, and doors.

Key Benefits:

  • High thermal and acoustic insulation

  • Safe and easy to handle and install

  • Mould and moisture-resistant

  • Fills cavities and contours easily

How to Use:
Cut to fit, press into place in wall and ceiling cavities. Can be used with or without foil-faced layers depending on the application.

Van Conversion

3. GlassMAT or SOShield – Foil-Faced Thermal Liners

GlassMAT and SOShield are high-spec multi-layer thermal barriers with foil facings to reflect radiant heat. They add a key second layer after sound deadening, providing both temperature control and added acoustic benefit.

Key Benefits:

  • Reflects heat away from van interior

  • Durable, fire-retardant outer foil

  • Lightweight and easy to install

  • Moisture-resistant and long-lasting

  • Pairs perfectly with PeaceMAT XR

How to Use:
Apply to walls, ceilings, and doors after sound deadening. Use adhesive backing or spray glue to fix in place. Cut around window frames or ventilation outlets.

Van Soundproofing

4. PeaceMAT XXX – Floor Soundproofing & Thermal Insulation

PeaceMAT XXX is a tough, heavy-duty floor insulation mat made from layered butyl and closed cell foam. It’s built for load-bearing areas like the floor, providing both acoustic and thermal performance.

Key Benefits:

  • Reduces road and vibration noise

  • Retains cabin heat and blocks external heat

  • Designed for under-ply or laminate floors

  • Water-resistant and flame-retardant

How to Use:
Lay on the metal floor, cutting to size. Use adhesive to fix in place before applying flooring layers on top (ply, vinyl, etc.).

Car or Van Floor Soundproofing, Insulation Cabin Noise Reduction


Where to Use Insulation in Your Van

  • Floors: Start with PeaceMAT XR or PeaceMAT XXX

  • Walls & Ceiling: Fill cavities with Absoft, then layer with GlassMAT or SOShield

  • Doors & Bulkheads: Apply PeaceMAT XR followed by thermal layers

  • Wheel Arches & Cab Area: Combine PeaceMAT XR for vibration and Absoft for absorption

Van Conversion

Final Thoughts

When it comes to van conversion insulation, layering high-quality materials is key to achieving comfort and efficiency. Start with PeaceMAT XR to eliminate vibrations, then build up with Absoft, GlassMAT, or SOShield for heat retention and noise control. For the floors, PeaceMAT XXX offers unbeatable performance. With the right combination from Car Insulation UK, your van will be warmer, quieter, and ready for any adventure.

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