Insulation serves many important purposes, from protecting pipes from freezing to saving energy costs. When selecting and installing pipe insulation materials it’s essential that they meet the appropriate application.
Insulation designed to withstand high temperatures helps you prevent energy losses and maintain optimal temperatures throughout your system, aiding compliance with emission directives and exhaust gas standards. Options for insulation such as fiberglass, rubber and spray foam insulation exist.
Fiberglass
Insulated fiberglass strands trap air, slowing heat transfer. This keeps water pipes warm until they reach their destination, saving energy and cutting down heating bills.
Insulating pipe with special vapor barrier-wrapped insulation also prevents condensation, which if left uncontrolled can gradually corrode pipes and fittings over time. By trapping condensation within an insulator instead, any potential corrosion issues won’t reach the pipes themselves.
Fiberglass insulation is often the superior choice when dealing with hot water pipes in residential properties, due to its heat resistance and non-hazardous chemical content (no formaldehyde or similar chemicals).
Most professionals utilize 12″ fiberglass batting, either faced or unfaced, and cut it into two long sections that match the size of their project. A utility knife is usually used to split along seams before applying pipe insulation tape over them. For applications requiring temperatures up to 550F, plain fiberglass cloth or PTFE/fiberglass composite materials work effectively as insulation jackets.
Rubber
Rubber insulation material stands up better in high temperature environments than fiberglass can, offering flexible yet mold-resistant protection for copper or PVC pipes located near areas prone to condensation. Furthermore, its cost can make rubber more economical than alternative insulation options.
Foam rubber pipe insulation is ideal for helping prevent frozen pipes and heating systems from functioning effectively in plumbing systems. With its class ‘O’ rating, this insulation helps lower energy expenses while offering extra safety against fire hazards.
Preslit foam insulation is easy to install with its self-sealing lap that does not require additional adhesives or sealants for installation. Made of CFC-, asbestos- and chlorine-free TechLite melamine foam for long term performance at temperatures -40deg to 350deg F, suitable for many commercial and residential applications such as hot/cold water systems, refrigeration and air conditioning systems as well as being GREENGUARD certified for children in schools as well as being UV and ozone resistant as well as resisting tear tearoff during handling or extreme site conditions.
Mineral Wool
Mineral wool insulation is an eco-friendly product with an exceptional R-value, made from recycled industrial waste such as iron ore slag and steel production slag, volcanic rocks and other inorganic materials.
Rock or slag is heated until it liquefies, then spun into long, thin fibers densely packed together for insulation use. This results in an effective, high-performing insulation product.
Rock wool insulation differs from fiberglass batts by not needing chemical binders that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it suitable for use both commercial and residential buildings.
GLT Products provides field pre-formed mineral wool fabricated insulation to fit NPS and pipe sizes, and resisting temperatures up to 1200degF while offering thermal control, acoustic dampening, mold resistance and vermin control. Furthermore, this material offers flexibility of installation via exposed-keel suspended installation, composite pasting or hidden insert suspended installation for ease on job sites.
Spray Foam
Insulating indoor or outdoor pipes with insulation is one of the best ways to prevent them from freezing, and also increase energy efficiency. Without pipe insulation, hot water loses heat as it travels from its supply to faucets; insulation helps minimize this inefficiency, saving money and making sure hot water remains at its intended temperature for as long as possible.
Rigid polyurethane foams are widely recognized for their use in high temperature applications, and a recent patent details the use of rigid polyurethane sprays reacted with cyclopentane for such uses. This technology can be applied using existing foam spraying equipment, with reported better performance compared to conventional insulation foam insulation products.
Foam and fiberglass insulation products are noncombustible, meaning they won’t ignite if wet or damaged, making installation simple – often done yourself by simply following simple instructions included with each purchase.