I did some insulating over the weekend.After being torn on whether or not to spray foam insulate it,I decided not too.I just do not trust the water jacket or enclosure 100% not to leak,and cause major problems down the road....
I never removed the rear panel,as it would involve a lot of work,and replumbing everything.I think the gains to be had there are next to none,as ive laid r19 batts over the entire area anyway.
I think the areas that are insulated are not in bad shape,its just that it was thrown on,and no attention was paid at the corners,and top to ensure 100% coverage.I ended up insulating the entire tope edges,as there insulation left a section of bare metal exposed,about 2-3" high the entire length of thr OWB,and on both sides.This had to be some of the reason the inside was do hot this winter,as the heat rose right into the roof area.I also insulated the section behind the OWB that houses the circulator,tstat, and door.I did this because on cold nights it would sweat inside there,due to the cold panels,I dont think it will now.Inside the roof,I fixed the sloppy mess shaver just threw it up there like a blanket,it wasnt even covering the whole top,I fied that and added almost a foot of insulation, 2 rows of unfaced r19 along the entire top.Im going to pull the unit up next week,pour a pad,and reinsulate under it better as i missed the corners a little.I also used 3 cans odf expanding foam to seal the rear area,and solarguard to stop air infiltration between the rear of the unit and the r19 i already installed.This should help hold the heat that area.Overall I spent under $100.00 and i hope it helps,it has too,as i covered over 2 sq ft of totally bare metal with 3-6" of insulation.I have a few pics ill load here.
The first pic is the factory setup after removing the side.
second pic you can clearly see the bare tank end that was not insualted at all.The op insulation didint come down the sides,and the sides was high enough.
3rd pic the entire top section is bare,once you pull down the barrier its clear to see how easy it air can get in there,and pull the heat right out of the storage tank.