Hatch Insulation

Because we use our WC early and late in the season (for the upper midwest) I've added 1 inch rigid blue foam (used in new home construction) to all the hatches. It is held in place with a liberal amount of interior/exterior construction adhesive. Photos!









I plan to paint these white when warmer weather arrives.

That's something I need to do. Maybe later this spring when the weather straightens out.

Probably helps stiffen the thin door skin too. I have to get this project done myself.

Another great idea! Nice job on the installation, looks very clean!

Thanks for the compliments! Jetskier is right about stiffening the doors.

Scruffy put that stuff on the inside of our garage door, and it makes a big difference. He's been meaning to put Reflectix on the inside of the 'Cat's basement doors, but just hasn't found the time.

I bought the reflectix, but I haven't found the time either.

Results Update: The DW and I were very happy with the results of this mod during our camping trip (see Lake Wissota trip report) this past weekend. It was easier to be comfortable and the furnace ran much less.

Glen,

Thanks for the field report. Glad it worked well for you. A good improvement that is inexpensive.

Thanks for sharing!

Glen,
I have some extra 1" rigid foam around and was looking at this mod. I test sprayed the foam for painting and found that the foam soaked up the paint and didn't seal/cover it? Did you ever paint yours, and how did it turn out?

Nice job and great idea! I'll be adding this to my WC.

NorCalCat wrote:Glen,
I have some extra 1" rigid foam around and was looking at this mod. I test sprayed the foam for painting and found that the foam soaked up the paint and didn't seal/cover it? Did you ever paint yours, and how did it turn out?

As sometimes often happens, I had another of those "best laid plans" events. I have not done the planned painting. What type of paint did you use?

Mmiller wrote:Nice job and great idea! I'll be adding this to my WC.

Thanks!

I tried three different paints, an enamel, an acrylic, and an unknown (Krylon?) All three had solvents in them that ate away at the rigid foam. I guess the trick is to find a paint that does not contain a solvent? Is there such a thing?

A latex paint has no solvents. It is water based. You might try Kilz latex primer first., or clear shellac Jack

jackattack wrote:A latex paint has no solvents. It is water based. You might try Kilz latex primer first., or clear shellac Jack

These sound like good ideas. I would have suggested Krylon since it has a line for plastics; if you already tired that and it failed maybe that is not a good idea.