108 replies to this topic

[brewman]

Have a work buddy who wants to help pay for some of the wood I still need. (SWEET) Should be picking up the rest of the 2 X 4's tonight.Dan

[SchwanzBrewer]

I asked for Lowe's GC's for Christmas. They covered all the wood and foam insulation for my build. Good thing too, it was about $200.

[brewman]

Once I get the box built Ill figure out the $$$ for the insulation.Dan

[SchwanzBrewer]

Once I get the box built Ill figure out the $$$ for the insulation.Dan

The R5 3/4" insulation is about $15/sheet for 4'x8'. The 2" thick stuff was only R7 and was around $30/sheet (4'x8') IIRC. In the kegerator that we built in the keys we doubled up the R5 and it will only lose about 60% of the ice in 5 days, so its good stuff. The fermentation chamber I am building now is only for ale temps, so I think one layer of insulation should suffice. If I want to try and lager I might double it.Cheers,Rich

[brewman]

Thanks for the input.Dan

[brewman]

Was just handed $$$ for building supplies. Heading to Home Depot at lunch.Dan

[SchwanzBrewer]

Nice.

[ChefLamont]

When I built mine, I used rolled insulation. It was easier than cutting and fitting all the board. Of course, you have to cover it on the inside too though.

[SchwanzBrewer]

When I built mine, I used rolled insulation. It was easier than cutting and fitting all the board. Of course, you have to cover it on the inside too though.

yeah, i figured a little aggravation in cutting would be easier and cheaper than covering all of the insulation with more plywood or with plastic sheet. the only insulation that will be covered in mine will be on the bottom.Cheers,Rich

[brewman]

I plan on covering mine with plastic Sheathing, its only $12 for a 4 X 8 foot sheet. I think it will look better with less chance of messing up the insulation. Plus it will be a moisture barrier and much easier to clean once its all sealed up.Dan

[brewman]

Just got back from the DIY store. Got the 2 X 4's I needed and priced the plastic sheathing and insulation. Will go with two layers of R 5 to get a total value of R 10. Plus whatever the wood gives me.Dan

[SchwanzBrewer]

I plan on covering mine with plastic Sheathing, its only $12 for a 4 X 8 foot sheet. I think it will look better with less chance of messing up the insulation. Plus it will be a moisture barrier and much easier to clean once its all sealed up.Dan

How thick is the plastic?

[brewman]

Its thin, Im thinking its about 1/8 inch or less.Dan

[beach]

Since you're already using 2 layers of insul. you may want to consider leaving an air gap between the layers to get better R value.Beach

[SchwanzBrewer]

Since you're already using 2 layers of insul. you may want to consider leaving an air gap between the layers to get better R value.Beach

Maybe. Depends on how much space he can waste and how he can fixture it to stay put.

[gnef]

I tend to think if he has that space, it would be better to fill it with insulation. I think that the insulation would provide for a better R value than just air alone, so fill the space as best you can with the insulation without compressing it.

[brewman]

Well I started building last night. After work I went to my buddy's house and took a good look at what I had. For about an hour I finished my design and started the cutting. I forgot my camera but will bring it today and get pics.I have the bottom all put together and the uprights cut. Today Ill built the top and put it all together.Dan

[beach]

I tend to think if he has that space, it would be better to fill it with insulation. I think that the insulation would provide for a better R value than just air alone, so fill the space as best you can with the insulation without compressing it.

Sure, if he has the space it would be better to fill it loosly with something like fiberglass of cellulose fiber, but, he stated that he was going to use a double layer of R5 insul board. Leaving a 1/2" (or more) gap between the layers will give a better insulation value than simply putting the 2 layers tight together. It's not so much the material that's used as the way it's applied. Like you mentioned you don't want to compress it because it's the air that's trapped in the insulation that's really providing the insulative value. Even the best insulation will perform poorly if it's not installed correctly.Beach

[gnef]

I see what you are saying, but if he wants to put a gap between the two layers of rigid foam insulation, I would think that filling that space with Great Stuff would be better than just an air gap. Not only that, but Great Stuff could actually help with the rigidity of the structure.

[Buzz Buzzard]

Old newspapers