icebox insulation

[Connemara]

Wondering what people would recommend to (at least partly) insulate my icebox?

It's a top-loader, with a drain in the bottom. Previous owner cut a hole in the side to add a cooling fin (which works of the shorepower) but this only seems to make the ice last a few hours longer.

I think this issue is that the box is basically a fiberglass cube.

Some insulation might improve matters, but what and how? Don't want to put anything on the inside of the box because that strikes me as a mildew trap.

Are there spray-on products that might go on the outside? Or something else?

Connemara

[Pura Vida]

There are two types of foam insulation that you may want to conisder. One is a two part foam. Other types of canned foam can be purchased at most home stores. Some of the C&C guys are doing this now and I intend to do this mod myself. The caution is that the foam expands and the pours need to be planned to allow for proper expansion.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Pura Vida

... The caution is that the foam expands* and the pours need to be planned to allow for proper expansion.

* Many polyurethane foam insulation products expand at a ratio of 8:1.
Check your particular product specifications, which should state the coverage and expansion ratio.
Use a “closed Cell” foam.

[mickmul]

Also very interested in this thread - i have a top loader with no insulation and a simple blow fan on the top - I've sourced the cooling unit but will need to insulate, and, I assume, fibreglass the box - are there any shhet materials available?

[mickmul]

sorry, sheet materials . .

[Connemara]

Just to add....I see no way of removing the unit, so whatever I do willl have to be done in situ.

But the sprays might work, if done carefully.


Connemara

[Pura Vida]

Originally Posted by Connemara

Just to add....I see no way of removing the unit, so whatever I do willl have to be done in situ.

But the sprays might work, if done carefully.

Consider that you may need to make room for wiring or plumbing that passes near the icebox and inside the cavity that you plan to fill. If these exist you may need to plan on how you will maintain those systems in the future. This might include leaving an area unfilled to install refrigeration in the future.

Also consider that you will need to gain access from all sides to make the addition of foam work out. You may have to drill several holes.

There may be some large voids that you choose to fill with something other than the expanding foam to reduce the amount of foam that you use.