Question / concern about under carpet insulation.
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Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Muskegon Michigan
Question / concern about under carpet insulation.
I am in the process of redoing the interior on my 1980. After removing everything I began by putting a layer of Kilmat 80 mil sound deadener similar to Dynamat. Next I intend to put a layer of Reflectix that I had purchase at Lowes. Then I will be putting new carpet without the mass backing. My question or concern is after I put the carpet over the insulation it seems kind of noisy under foot. Kind of a crinkling plastic sound. Does this go away after everything is put in place, (seats, Console,etc..) ? I don't want to have to rip it all out to remove the reflectix. I have seen several other members have used these same products under their carpet, hoping one of them may pipe in on what its like after everything's in. Thanks GIL
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Crossville TN
You aren't driving a Rolls-Royce. Don't expect "quiet" in a Corvette.
The sounds you are hearing are likely to be the popping of some of those 'air bubbles' in the Reflectix. It is juat a big sheet of bubble-wrap, you know. Wherever you place significant loading (foot pressure), some of those bubbles may pop. Yes, it can somewhat reduce the insulating effect at those locations; but generally (for the money) it does a pretty good job.
If you want something better, use what GM did originally in these cars: place 3/8" thick jute padding under the carpet to insulate unwanted heat. The insulating effect comes from lots of densely packed air pockets in whatever material you are using. Jute has an abundance of air pockets, so its a very good heat insulator for not much money. I am constantly amazed that the vehicle aftermarket vendors don't make jute padding available for sale to us. I guess they make a lot more money selling you expensive products that cost little to produce.
The sounds you are hearing are likely to be the popping of some of those 'air bubbles' in the Reflectix. It is juat a big sheet of bubble-wrap, you know. Wherever you place significant loading (foot pressure), some of those bubbles may pop. Yes, it can somewhat reduce the insulating effect at those locations; but generally (for the money) it does a pretty good job.
If you want something better, use what GM did originally in these cars: place 3/8" thick jute padding under the carpet to insulate unwanted heat. The insulating effect comes from lots of densely packed air pockets in whatever material you are using. Jute has an abundance of air pockets, so its a very good heat insulator for not much money. I am constantly amazed that the vehicle aftermarket vendors don't make jute padding available for sale to us. I guess they make a lot more money selling you expensive products that cost little to produce.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,206
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From: The Motor City
I initially had the same concern, but there is no noticeable crinkling noise once all in place - especially after it settles in. Good question, though.
Incidentally, I used two layers of the reflectix because it is exactly the same thickness as the original (and, old-car smelling) jute backing that it replaced. I sprayed 3M glue in a few places to bind the two layers. I could not have been happier with the results! It was a significant upgrade on several levels (NVH reduction, newer car smell/feel, etc.).
be sure to spray yiur new carpet with 3M Fabric Protector when you are done. It makes cleanup far easier.
Incidentally, I used two layers of the reflectix because it is exactly the same thickness as the original (and, old-car smelling) jute backing that it replaced. I sprayed 3M glue in a few places to bind the two layers. I could not have been happier with the results! It was a significant upgrade on several levels (NVH reduction, newer car smell/feel, etc.).
be sure to spray yiur new carpet with 3M Fabric Protector when you are done. It makes cleanup far easier.
Last edited by Lakeside49; Mar 26, 2019 at 01:28 PM.
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 77
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From: Muskegon Michigan
Thanks Lakeside, I had hoped after everything was back in place it wouldn't be as noticeable. Just wanted to check with someone who had done this using this product. I suspected it was okay as I have seen several posts where members used this with no complaints. Thanks Again GIL
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,206
Likes: 365
From: The Motor City
Absolutely. That was a good question. I do recommend doubling up on the floorpan, though. You have plenty of leftover material if youbought the larger roll. (they sell the spray adhesive in the glue dept).
Just do the same here for someone else when the right topics come up.
Just do the same here for someone else when the right topics come up.
