How do you insulate pipe fittings?

Tom_22

How do you insulate pipe fittings for pipe 1" to 2.5"? The straight runs are done in 1" thick fiberglass with the white self stick flap covering.

Brad White_28

Two Methods

The most common is what I call the "diaper" method. Fittings are covered with "Zeston" or other brand PVC jackets but only after a diaper or diamond-shaped fiberglass instert is wrapped around the fitting (elbow or tee). Secure with soft temper light gauge wire. (Note: Be thorough. I have seen half-**sed installations on steam that allowed the cover to melt.... Use two inserts if you can fit them, to assure coverage especially as the fitting extends towards the straight runs.)

Covers are secured with reverse staples but most folks use a white PVC tape, not unlike electrical tape.

The other method is to use moulded fiberglass inserts, These are much better and look much neater, IMHO. But they are hard to find and much more expensive when you do find them, in my experience. They are secured with soft temper light gauge wire, twisted tight. Fewer gaps with this type.

Jacketing cover is either the same PVC or a brush on white acrylic cement, also used to cover joints. I have seen ASJ (All Service Jacket) covers; same white skrim over foil jacketing that covers the straight runs, but have not seen them in years. Not sure if still available.

gerry gill

and the third method is

what i use..high temperature insulating cement, so i can ''sculp'' any odd shape by hand..the same way the old timers used asbestos cement to do theirs..very time consuming tho..course you still have to wrap the pipe when done..i was taught this method by an old timer so thats why i do it that way..

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thfurnitureguy_4

Fittings

Gerry, Do you cement the ends of the glass insulation where it meets the fitting? or just let the glass and cement, butt together? Picture would be great. Thanks

Tom_22

>high temperature insulating cement,

> so i can ''sculp'' any odd shape by hand..the

> same way the old timers used asbestos cement to

> do theirs..very time consuming tho
==================

Hi Gerry,
Do you need to wrap the fitting with alternating layers of some kind of cheesecloth or something similar along with the cement so the cement holds on?

Tony_24

Gerry's cement handiwork

This is a picture of what Gerry's talking about -- before and after insulation.

gerry gill

the cement holds on by itself..

apply it to a cold pipe tho..and its even easier if you do it in two layers..the cheescloth goes on as the cover, imbedded in insulation mastic..or if you really want to copy the old timers, wall paper paste.. i stick with the modern mastic.

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gerry gill

no, furnitureguy, i don't..

i just butt up against the fitting, cement the fitting, let dry, coat everything in mastic, wrap with cheescloth, (you could use fiberglass mesh too) then coat again with mastic..

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Tom_22

Nice looking job.

Dan_15

That is a fine looking job, just like the old asbestos days and probably works just as well. As a HO I have contemplated spending the $$ to insulate my mains, but I dont have the expertise like you have to do anything fancy on the fittings. I wonder what kind of heat loss occurs from the fittings? Is it pretty significant?