Insulating Steam Pipes

Brad White_191

depending on your locale, is regulated for removal (abatement) and/or encapsulation. Some locales are more laid back about it, some are vigorous in enforcing specialized containment and decontamination procedures.

The bare piping should be insulated and molded fiberglass is the insulation most commonly used. At least an inch thick but model energy codes specify 1.5" thickness up to 1.5" pipe size and 2" thickness on pipes 2" to 4". But to insulate before the abatement or encapsulation approach is made, is folly. The abatement process may contaminate new insulation and out it goes too.

Check your local codes, department of labor and industries and other resources to find out your local requirements.

Jeff_126

Insulating Steam Pipes

Hi guys, I just found this forum while searching for some info on an old house I bought as a rental property. We have gotten into the heating system now that it winter and have run across some issues. Most of the steam pipes are wrapped in asbestos insulation, some are bare (either replaced or patched). First question is what kind of insulation should I wrap around the exposed pipes, and second, does anyone recomend wrapping the exposed asbestos pipes to prevent exposure to would be tenants. Thanks in advance. I'm sure I'll have more questions as time goes on.