Dropcloth for insulation?

[Rgray107918]

Just got myself a PL to make a PLUQ. Found this stuff in Home Depot, wondered if anyone had ever used/heard of using it for insulation?

It's really light and thin; not very lofty, but does seem to retain heat (I wrapped it around myself on the couch and got very warm very quick).

It says its made of paper and polyethylene. It doesn't feel like paper but what do I know. I guess because it's an absorbent dropcloth, it could pose condensation issues.

I was hoping it could be a poor-man's IX alternative. What do you guys think?

2-layer drop cloth

[bruinfan]

Great idea. Hope some one will chime in and let everyone know if this works

[Rgray107918]

OK, someone check my specs and math here...

According to this post insult is 1/32 in. thick polyethylene.

1/32 in. converted to decimal form is 0.03125

according to Home Depot, the drop cloth is a 1/2 mil layer of polyethylene.

1/2 mil converted to inches is 0.0005

So, 0.03125 ÷ 0.0005 = 62.5

if I did all that correctly, and I have my specs right, I'd need 62.5 dropcloths to equal one sheet of insult???

guess it's NOT a poor man's alternative after all...

[JDShearer]

Yes, the PE layer is listed at 1/2 mil, but the specs actually have the total thickness at about 1/2". The real question is what the fabric layer is made of if it's going to contribute insulation value. I don't think you can really compare to IX, since the PE is a sheet and not foam. It's more like using a vapor barrier plastic sheet with a piece of fabric. I suppose it's still possible by layering it you could get some pretty good insulation, but if the total weight of each sheet is .6lb, that would add up fast. It's 4x10, so you could get two layers out of each sheet.

[JohnSawyer]

What JD Said...

Insultex is a PE foam sheet that's been quilted (Stitched) to a polyester scrim (to add strength) It's not a vapor barrier, per se, but it's breathability is very limited.

This stuff will likely leave you sweaty in anything but the driest conditions. . .

That said, it would make a great windblock if used below a UQ or something, just make sure it's loose enough to breathe. . .

John

[Rgray107918]

I may have posted too quickly. I think this is a dead end. Sorry. This stuff is nowhere near 1/2 in. in thickness. I dont have a scale so no actual weight data. I did get warm when wrapped in it, but I was fully clothed, in my house, on my couch, with my daughter laughing at me. I really really wanted it to work.

Like any good inquisitor, in order to better understand something I destroyed it. Upon closer inspection, this stuff is more like Saran wrap with lint glued to it. I tore 1/2 in. square piece off the edge and it stretched, and stretched, and stretched. Very very thin. Once tore apart, I'm willing to believe ths stuff is some kind of paper dust stuck to a micro film of pe.

Oh well. I really wanted it to be a great find. I'll try to post a pic or video of my observation and destruction.