I'm in the final steps of a fermentation box build. I found a sheet of MDF in our storage room when I moved in to a new apartment. I used most of it to build a 17.5" Tall, 17.5" Deep and 38.5" Tall wheeled box. Unfortunately it will only fit one bucket/carboy at a time. I purchased a Johnson Controls A-419 and wired it with flat air conditioning extension cable. I counter sunk all the screws used to hold it together and have primed it all for paint (outer). I've got a ceramic tile as the "floor" and am about to line the inside with ..... that's where I need help!! I live in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada and keep my place at about 13C/55F all winter to save on power. I want to use a ceramic reptile heater bulb (infared heat) to heat the box but am a safety nut. I’ve been looking to get some sort of foil lined heat insulation, but I don’t want the possibility of particles from the centre layer of insulation getting in my beer/wine. My wish is to have something rated for high heat but can be wiped down and easy to clean. Any suggestions? I'm also looking for something that I can get at a regular hardware/home improvement store and not online from across the planet. Thanks in advance!! Keep Calm and Brew On!
the box shouldn't get very hot at all. not unless your temperature controller goes off. there is very little risk of fire if you are using a heating element designed for this usage. you really only need a small layer of insulation. 1/2" poly. 1/4" will work. keep it tight and the heater will cycle very little. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Super-TU...Foam-Insulation-268413/100322369#.Up8u7xOA3IU will work very well. foil faced adds some durability, but the foam itself is very rigid. one big advantage of foil faced sheathing is that almost any adhesive is compatible. many glues will melt foam board but stick well to foil. we use foil faced poly-iso panels to line the walls and ceilings of keg rooms. it will flake at the edges, so just be sure to cover the exposed ends. if you have the budget, one panel of FRP can be cut and glued up to the foam. it is US-class C fire rated and extremely durable. it is also designed to be wiped down easily. this is the stuff that lines the walls of institutional kitchens and bathrooms. something like US $32 for a 4x8 sheet at Home Depot or Lowes. if you caulk all interior joints with quality silicon and let it cure properly it will be virtually watertight. lastly, MDF does not hold screws without using a hurricane nut. glue up all butt joints. Loctite white construction adhesive. Cheers.
