Alternative to PVC Insulation Covers

Toolsnob

Finally going to insulate all the bare steam pipes in my basement with fiberglass insulation.

Straight runs are easy, the elbows and fittings... not so much.

Is there any reason not to wrap the elbows with rolls of fiberglass (Frost King Pipe Wrap) and then cover that with strips of rewettable canvas lag cloth (typically used for encapsulating asbestos)?

I've got 50 or so fittings, many grouped tight together with short nipples, so the PVC covers may be a pain to work with for full coverage.

Wrapping the joints would be easy and it seems like the lag cloth would work better than tape or twine.

And I can overlap the wrap/lag cloth onto the straight section for a nice sealed fit.

I couldn't find any information on this idea... what am I missing?

mattmia2

There are other types of paper tape you can wrap it in as well.
The impregnated canvas tape, with or without asbestos is common for mudding fittings in commercial work.

What about mitering the insulation so it fits together at the joint then taping it?

Hap_Hazzard

I leave the fittings exposed to I can see if any leaks happen. I also use them to check the progress of steam through the system.

ethicalpaul

These guys have covers for all the major fitting types: http://www.buyinsulationproductstore.com/pvc-90-deg-elbow-cover/

I bought them and will be installing them real soonish

gfrbrookline

I agree with @ethicalpaul about buyinsulationproductstore.com. They have great installation videos. Definitely buy the tacks, makes the PVC super easy to install.

gerry gill

How about high temp cement and coat with chessecloth and childers mastic?

https://www.gwgillplumbingandheating.com/webapp/p/604/compton-steam-boiler-with-insulation-on-pipes

adasilva

I've done mechanical insulation as a job and using anything that is like a cloth and or semi permanent can be a pain to remove if you have any leaks. The PVC covers are easy to install with tacks and can be reused if opened carefully. Mitering the elbows is a project as well but the end result is nice on the eyes. Just my two cents.