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pipe insulation material

steve_173
steve_173 Member Posts: 140
in THE MAIN WALL
What are the options when replacing asbestos insulation? Fiberglass? Anything else? Should the new material be at least as thick as the old asbestos?

Comments

  • Brad White
    Brad White Member Posts: 2,399
    Moulded Fiberglass

    If the system is steam, moulded fiberglass is the standard for probably 95 percent of steam systems and at least half or more of hot water systems. If the system is hot water, Armaflex or other rubber-based insulations are an option. On a per-inch basis, the two are practically identical in insulation (R) value.

    Typically for hot water, one-inch thick is ideal for most pipe sizes up to 2-inch. For steam use at least an inch but model energy codes proscribe thicker, 1.5" thick for piping up to 1.5-inch IPS and 2-inch thick up to 4-inch pipe size.

    In reality, the first inch does over 80% of the work.
    "If you do not know the answer, say, "I do not know the answer", and you will be correct!"



    -Ernie White, my Dad
  • steve_173
    steve_173 Member Posts: 140


    I think there was about 2" of asbestos on there so I guess that means 2" of molded fiberglass is what I need. Are there any higher R value products? Can that be bad if these steam mains are heating my basement?
  • Brad White
    Brad White Member Posts: 2,399
    More to it than that

    I do not have tables handy for what the R-value of asbestos would be so can only guess and call it equal as you assume. If you use 2 inch thickness you will be well-served. It does get costly but then, you are doing it once.

    As for the "passive heating" aspects, it is all about control. Do you live in your basement? If not, why heat it, I say. The other part is that under-insulated mains (really talking bare mains here) can be a cause of water hammer, panting air vents, slow steam delivery and wet steam when it gets there. Even an inch will do wonders versus bare pipe. I would insulate with 2-inch if cost was not an issue.
    "If you do not know the answer, say, "I do not know the answer", and you will be correct!"



    -Ernie White, my Dad
  • LAG
    LAG Member Posts: 8
    Foil Product

    I don't know if this is an acceptable option but one product I have used is that foil-faced bubble wrap product which comes rolls in various widths like 18 or 24 inches. I wrap the pipe and tape with foil tape made for securing this stuff. It is only about 3/8 thick so I have all my pipes at least double wrapped and some triple wrapped. I can't attest to how it compares to asbestos or fiberglass for that matter but it is relativley cheap and looks pretty good too. I posted some pictures in a thread called My 2-pipe steam mystery where you could see this". Since I am not a professional.. just a DYI'er I am open to comments on my use of this material for insulating steam mains.
  • GLENN_14
    GLENN_14 Member Posts: 58


    DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY ON "SNAKE OIL" FOIL PRODUCTS... THERE ARE NUMEROUS CONSUMER COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS MIS ADVERTISED AND POORLY DESIGNED PRODUCT.
  • scottie_3
    scottie_3 Member Posts: 5
    Details on Consumer Issues

    Glenn posted that the foil-faced bubble wrap I use has had numerous consumer complaints. Can he or someone elaborate on what the nature of those compaints is? Maybe we are talking about different products.. but this stuff seems to do the job and I was able to cut and shape it to encase elbows and joints. I'm not saying it's better than fiberglass.. just an idea or an option I wanted to share. As a matter of fact, the plumber who installed the boiler came back on a call and commented on how he liked the way that stuff looked on the pipes. But still would like to know about the consumer complaints.
  • GLENN_14
    GLENN_14 Member Posts: 58
    foil

    I will be glad to get you the website for the numeroous articles regarding this product. There is a growing body of evidence along with testing agencies lining up to dispute the manufaacturers claims as to how this product performs. This is going to be proven to be a mis advertised product.. I wioll post this on monday once i get to my office computer. I have the site listed there.
  • Dan_29
    Dan_29 Member Posts: 111
    foil faced bubble wrap

    My foil face bubble wrap pack has a disclaimor saying it is ok for temperatures up to 180 degrees. Steam is 212 degrees. Nevertheless, I have used it to coat pipes, in tight spots, where molded fiberglass will not fit. It has not melted and seems to hold some heat. It is not a perfect substitute for molded fiberglass.

    Dan R.
  • GLENN_14
    GLENN_14 Member Posts: 58
    foil site information

    The web site that contains a large quantity of research info on the foil products is healthyheating.com..look for the articles about underslab insulation... the foil information goes off from there and you canread about multiple studies regarding the lack of performance of the bubble foil under a host of circumstances...
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