What Insulation was used in 1978 Voyager 2

[laurat]

Hi, I wondered if anyone could help.
We have recently bought a 1978 Viking Voyager 2, it's a great caravan but we have a lot of restoration work to do on it. When we were having a looking behind the wardrobe yesterday, peeled away the back panel and got a quick look at the insulation inside the wall. I wanted to double check before doing too much work..would this be asbestos? Excuse my ignorance but I would rather ask than take the risk. Thanks to anyone who can help.
Laura T

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Laura,

You are wise to be cautious, but even in 1978, the risks of asbestos were known and it is less than likely it was used as a wall insulator. It is more likely to be glass fibre, but even that needs to be handled with care as the fine dust from broken fibre is highly abrasive and is a recognised health hazard. If you are unsure have a word with your local environmental health department who should be able to help you identify the material and offer practical safety advice.

When renovating, I suggest you look at one of the modern alternatives, not only will they be safer in many cases they offer better heat insulation.

 

[laurat]

Thanks for the advise John, very helpful!
We will make sure we double check it before doing any major work.
All the best
Laura

 

[Jaydug]

In 1978 the insulation is likely to be blown glass fibre. Probably pink and resembling cotton wool. Since the outer skin isn't bonded to it, you will have more wood in the van's structure than is in modern vans. As has been said, replace it with polystyrene which you could glue to the outer skin and the wallboard. Use a face mask when removing it and also wear gloves and arm covering since it may give rise to skin rashes and dermatitis.

 

[dave8858]

Laura t

If memory serves Voyager was an Intrepid class starship full details of which can be found here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Voyager_%28Star_Trek%29 - Disignation NCC-74656

Hope that helps

D