So. Our bus has spray foam insulation. 1"
Removing it is proving to be a BEAST. 😂
Any tips or tricks?
We have also considered keeping it except for the parts that are really black.
Original intention was to use wool for eco-friendliness but the beast of work of scraping this stuff off has us reconsidering.
The only downside to this particular stuff is that it's not completely flush with the insides of the ribs, so it's OK but not providing quite as much insulating value as you could get between the roof panels and the headliner (whatever you use for that). If this were my bus, I would add furring strips (either side-to-side on each rib or front-to-back across the ribs) and use spray foam to bring the insulation out flush with the insides of the furring strips (keeping what's there already in place).
Is the black is it mildew? Test this out in a small area, try a little wash down with a towel soaking with water and 10% bleach maybe a little Dawn. If it's mildew it may disappear quick and easy.
Looks like soot from exaust. Particles travel through the wiremold from the RE where the harness passes into the engine bay.
Is it more prevelant where the harness trunk-line branches out? We had soot. Leaky buses.
I'd keep the insulation. Maybe add more foam, if you're able. Closed cell will encapsulate what's there. If it were mold (unlikely), just being present, while it's being pulverized, seems less healthy than the alternative, imho.
Like Danjo said...this would make me happy to see! It may not be enough insulation for your needs, but it's a good substrate for any additional insulation you want to add. Definitely don't rip it out.