For many people, living on a canal boat sounds like a dream come true, but what if you notice your sleeping quarters getting fairly hot in the summer and unbearably cold in the winter? This might be a sign that you may need canal boat insulation!
Here are a few tips to insulate your canal boat so you don’t need to worry about freezing temperatures all year round.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation has plenty of advantages compared to alternatives. Here’s a breakdown of some of the benefits of the foam’s application on your barge:
Cost-effective: The upfront cost of the foam could seem costly, but the long-term savings of energy and reduced maintenance will be so beneficial for the wallet.
Saving space: As a lightweight foam, it can be applied in thin layers, allowing you to fit more storage and items within your narrowboat. With these boats having limited space, this is a benefit you’ll cherish.
Durability and longevity: The foam is popular for its lifespan and sturdiness. With plenty of responsibilities of owning a boat, knowing you have one less consideration will go a long way toward peace of mind.
Noise cancellation: A benefit often overlooked, this foam can be ideal for preventing noise pollution, making nighttime resting much easier. Also, the engines on these barges are the quietest things going, so it helps in the daytime! Now you know you can moor up in a city centre without worrying.
Rockwool Insulation
Rockwool insulation (as it sounds) is a more physical method of insulation compared to foam, as it utilises stone to trap in the heat. Its benefits include:
Fire resistant: Stone is a fire-resistant material, meaning your canal boat is less likely to catch or spread fire if a hazard occurs.
Repels water: Strong quality rock repels water effectively, preventing the risk of damage, or worse, sinking.
Vapour permeable: A vital advantage, you need to be able to breathe in your boat, so allowing moisture to escape is crucial for life on a narrowboat.
Mould and rot resistant: Mould can negatively impact the life on a canal boat due to its smell and the health risks that it brings. Keeping fit and healthy is important for navigating the waterways!
Fibreglass Insulation
Regarded as the most popular insulation for homes and bikes alike, here are a few reasons why fibreglass insulation is highly utilised:
Cheaper alternative: Unlike spray foam, fibreglass insulation poses a much more reduced upfront cost.
Easy to install: If you’re happy to do a bit of DIY, you won’t have much of an issue with implementing fibreglass to your canal boat as it doesn’t require expert training and complex fitting.
Lightweight: Imperative for narrowboats, fibreweight is a relatively lighter material, meaning it’s ideal for maintaining the canal boat’s buoyancy and efficiency.
Moisture resistance: Bespoke fibreglass insulation is resistant to moisture and rot, ensuring its effectiveness over time and reducing the risk of structural damage.
Canal Boat Insulation Advice From Collingwood Boat Builders
At Collingwood Boat Builders, we always provide expert advice for those curious about canal boating. We believe that, as the UK’s largest canal boat manufacturer, we must educate and recommend to our customers the best industry-leading advice to ensure their lives on canal boats are as expected.
For further advice, we urge reading the Boater’s Handbook to ensure you’re ready for your next voyage.Call our experts today at 0151 433 3614 for all things canal boats!
