DIY insulation

dunshee

I am having asbestos in crawl removed in 2 weeks (about 150' of pipe). I want to re-insulate immediately (since we are in hard winter in Michigan, and I doubt spring will be here in 2 weeks...)

I insulated the pipes near the boiler some time ago, just using foil backed fiberglass and that silver "FlexFix" tape. Is that reasonable? My internet searches this morning seemed to mostly show pre-formed fiberglass tubes with a tape seal. That seems easier to install, but I'd have to measure all the pipe diameters and lengths before getting the insulation, and they buy it, all of which seems to add a couple of days of time where mostly I'd be heating my crawl...

So, what is pro and con of just cutting sheets of foil back fiberglass and wrapping it around the pipe, and taping with FlexFix foil?

Thanks much,
-dd/
David Dunshee
Chilly Birmingham

KC_Jones

I am currently insulating my piping with the preformed pipe insulation. My previous boiler I had used some insulation that I had to wrap and tape like you are talking about. First I can tell you the preformed stuff is much easier and quicker to install. It also insulates the pipes much better than the other stuff. I am not sure why you think measuring would add days to the job? I measured my entire system with my 7 year old in about 30 minutes. The pre formed is more money, but it's pretty much superior in every way you look at it. Having done both at this point I can't think of a single advantage to using the wrap type product.

bmwpowere36m3

Maybe a better question is why are you doing this now... and not in the spring.

JUGHNE

I never have good memories of working in a crawl space. And if there was a way to lessen the time in one I would sure go for it. Plus the "real" insulation will do a much better job than any wrap and tape. A few 3' lengths installed and you will wonder why you considered anything else. Unless your freight charges are really high, you could short order yourself a little. This would get your crawl space less heated than bare pipe will. Then measure up for remaining lengths/sizes needed and fittings which you do last anyway. But it is 2 shipments and not over ordering with left over material.

SWEI

Is there some reason you couldn't just encapsulate the asbestos in the crawlspace?