Community Forums

FrenchySB · 11-16-2020, 01:04 AM

I am looking for bubble wrap insulation with one side silver/aluminum, and the other side black for my windows.
I saw some YouTube videos featuring those but my Google-Fu is not working tonight, and the Reflectix website is terrible to find anything (they don't really care about RV use and focus on construction).
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks!

1982 · 11-16-2020, 08:50 AM

Years ago I painted one side with a flat black water based paint. I used the black side for solar heating in the winter.

MSHappyCampers · 11-16-2020, 11:29 AM

I've never heard of that and I don't see it on the Reflectix website, but as 1982 said, it would be very easy to just paint one side!

153stars · 11-18-2020, 03:03 PM

The stuff I seen that appeared to be black was single ply. Silver front with black backing or primer layer, then clear bubble , you see black through bubble wrap.

astrnmrtom · 11-18-2020, 03:59 PM

Do you want to us it as a blackout shade as well as insulation? If so, get a roll of Reflectix, grab some blackout material at your local fabric store and sew them together around the edge. That's what I did except in white. I heard come campgrounds frown on silver shades in the windows so that's in part why I went with white. I tried something different for the bedroom windows. Found multi layered insulated fabric with aluminized mylar in the middle. It was designed to be for making insulated roman shades. I added a backing of blackout material. Works great in keeping the heat out in summer or the heat in in winter and keeps the bedroom completely dark except for a few pinholes around the edge where it's sewn.

George Schweikle · 11-19-2020, 08:09 AM

Never heard of this. Is it true, or just an urban legend?

Quote:

Originally Posted by astrnmrtom

..... I heard some campgrounds frown on silver shades in the windows.....

MSHappyCampers · 11-19-2020, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by astrnmrtom

Do you want to us it as a blackout shade as well as insulation? If so, get a roll of Reflectix, grab some blackout material at your local fabric store and sew them together around the edge. That's what I did except in white. I heard come campgrounds frown on silver shades in the windows so that's in part why I went with white. I tried something different for the bedroom windows. Found multi layered insulated fabric with aluminized mylar in the middle. It was designed to be for making insulated roman shades. I added a backing of blackout material. Works great in keeping the heat out in summer or the heat in in winter and keeps the bedroom completely dark except for a few pinholes around the edge where it's sewn.

What would be their objection?

oatmeal · 11-20-2020, 12:19 PM

Maybe aesthetics? It reminds me of when people put foil in their apartment windows, which always looks tacky.

Chrome · 11-20-2020, 04:23 PM

I have used it before when we winter camped as it's a great insulator. I also used it in all the windows in our 5th wheel we left it in California for the summer months, but never seen it in black.
Purchase black spray that is used on plastic and try a test piece.
What is the purpose of having a black side?

richard5933 · 11-20-2020, 04:47 PM

I have no evidence to back up what I'm about to say, but...

If the black side is to face outwards, then it seems that it will soak up lots of heat on the glass side of the material. But, the insulating qualities will prevent much of that from actually making it through to the other side, resulting in trapping the heat between the glass and the Reflectix. Seems like a recipe for damage to plastic trim and rubber window gaskets.

George Schweikle · 11-20-2020, 05:08 PM

Here's my evidence: I wanted to use Reflectix to reduce summer heat transmitted through the large front windshield. After cutting the material for a close fit, I created a surrounding "seal" around the edges with adhesive Velcro strips. This seemed to be a good idea until the Velcro adhesive melted and left a mess. Every fall I still use the cold temperatures to scrape remaining hardened adhesive off of the rubber windshield surround.

I still use Reflectix on the windshield, but gave up on the Velcro. I put the sheets in place with some air circulation room around the edges.

Quote:

Originally Posted by richard5933

I have no evidence to back up what I'm about to say, but...

If the black side is to face outwards, then it seems that it will soak up lots of heat on the glass side of the material. But, the insulating qualities will prevent much of that from actually making it through to the other side, resulting in trapping the heat between the glass and the Reflectix. Seems like a recipe for damage to plastic trim and rubber window gaskets.

akeagle · 11-20-2020, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oatmeal

Maybe aesthetics? It reminds me of when people put foil in their apartment windows, which always looks tacky.

Let's face it, there are RV snobs out there who are "offended" by things like this.

I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if they are complaining because the "silver Reflectix covered windows are reflecting too much sunlight and its hurting their eyes".

BYoshida · 11-20-2020, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

What would be their objection?

Because in the squishy campgrounds, you reflect right into your neighbors space. It is seriously annoying.

BYoshida · 11-20-2020, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by akeagle

Let's face it, there are RV snobs out there who are "offended" by things like this.

I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if they are complaining because the "silver Reflectix covered windows are reflecting too much sunlight and its hurting their eyes".

The complaints aren't snobish. If I can't sit on my patio because of your reflection for a few hours, do you think that's ok? I've never complained to a campground about it, but I really don't like it.