Replacing pipe insulation

trivetman

Hi all -

I am in the process of having the old 1” asbestos pipe insulation (duct tape wrapped) removed from my steam mains and am looking for some feedback as to whether I should replace with 1” fiberglass or go up to 1.5 inch.

The basement is comfortably warm through the winter from the heat loss through the insulation and also from the boiler itself and I’d like to keep it that way. My thought is that if 1” fiberglass has comparable insulation properties to 1” asbestos I should keep it at 1”. If the fiberglass has less insulation value for the same thickness it might make sense to go up to 1.5 inch.

Any feedback appreciated.

EBEBRATT-Ed

I would use 1 1/2"

ChrisJ

As far as I know 1" fiberglass pipe insulation will have a slightly higher r value than the asbestos.

So even if you stay at 1" you're going to be slightly cooler down there.

1" is considered the best bang for the buck.

trivetman

Thanks. Do you recommend the pvc jacket over the straight runs? I cant tell if thats just to make it look pretty or some functional value as well?

ChrisJ

Not unless it's in areas were it may be damaged or you want it for looks.