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Serious question, why does everyone push spray foam for vans?

I was sure spray foam was the best way to insulate my van build. It seemed easy and promised great heat control. But after a few months, I found black spots growing behind my wall panels. The foam trapped moisture and caused mold, which now smells bad and is hard to fix. I spent days tearing things out to clean it up. Now I think rigid foam boards or natural wool are much safer bets. How did so many people miss this big downside?

3 comments

3 Comments

coleman.laura6d ago

Yeah that sounds like a nightmare to fix. What gets me is how many YouTube build videos act like spray foam is this perfect, no-brainer choice. Do you think it's because the installation looks really satisfying in those quick time-lapse clips, so people don't stop to think about the long-term moisture risk?

hernandez.oliver3d ago

Honestly I get why those videos push it, the before-and-after looks magic. But man, so much depends on the install being perfect, and that part never gets the same airtime.

riley_jones6d ago

Moisture problems get talked up a lot, but how often do they really happen? In my experience, spray foam in attics has lasted for years without trouble. Those videos show the quick fix, but that doesn't mean the stuff doesn't work. I know houses from the 80s with spray foam that's still fine. Maybe the risk is overblown because bad jobs get more attention. Being careful is smart, but calling it a nightmare might be too much.