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Pipe insulation - which side the foil should go on

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Terran
Terran Member Posts: 8
in Strictly Steam
When they make preformed pipe insulation (for example http://www.homedepot.com/p/1-1-4-in-x-3-ft-Fiberglass-Pipe-Insulation-F13XAD/100118939), there is a layer of foil, but it is inside the paper. That doesn't make sense to me. Shouldn't the foil be on the outside to reduce radiated heat, same reason that people painted their rads silver? With that matte paper on the outside, I don't understand what the foil is even accomplishing... at most it would serve as a vapor barrier if you used it on a chilled system.

but it seems like all the manufacturers do it this way. I think somebody on the forums recommended these guys, and they also have the foil on the INside: http://www.buyinsulationproductstore.com/Fiberglass-Pipe-Insulation-SSL-ASJ/

Am I missing some reason that this is the right thing to do?

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  • JUGHNE
    JUGHNE Member Posts: 11,062
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    It is all like that. The location of the foil might be because it stays clean under the white outer sleeve. Dust will diminish the effectiveness of radiant barrier. This is just what popped into my head.....WAG.

    I would recommend a brand name as listed in the second web site you show. In any event you want a minimum of 1" of thickness of fiberglass.....some go with 1 1/2".

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