Steam Main Insulation Product Help Request

Antone Balbo

Recently had a new steam boiler installed and had approximately 120 linear feet of asbestos insulation removed from the mains as part of the prep work (by appropriately licensed contractor with all precautions, of course).

What I wasn't told at that point was the need to re-insulate once the asbestos was gone. Waking to some dramatic water hammer the last week brought me to this website, and after reading the available material it looks to me like re-insulating those mains might be a really good idea.

My question is around product.... The mains are about 2.75" OD, with the fittings about 4" maximum OD. The foam-type insulation tubes available at the local home center aren't anywhere close to large enough. The pipes are almost exclusively located in finished areas of the basement, so I'd like to have as clean a look as possible.

Does anyone have any product suggestions they'd be willing to share? I'm the homeowner and a DIY type and would like to complete myself, but I don't rule out engaging a professional if a better product is available only to the trade. FYI, I'm in Northern NJ that matters.
Thanks, Antone

ScottMP

Antone

You can not use the foam type insulation on a steam boiler. It is'nt rated high enough for the temperature that steam puts out. If oyu want to try and do it yourselve got to a local heating supply house and talk to them about fiberglass insulation.

Your system will work much better when insulated.

Good Luck

Scott

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Steamhead

Fiberglass

is the best, as Scott says. Your mains are 2-1/2" pipe, and you want the fiberglass to be 1" thick. It usually comes in 3-foot lengths with a flap holding adhesive and a zip-strip. They go on quite easily.

Insulation for the fittings might be a bit tougher. The usual plastic covering over fiberglass wrap can melt. So far I haven't been able to find anything better. But the fittings are only a small percentage of exposed surface, so you can probably get away with just insulating the straight pipes.

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Dave_23

Check this source

I recommend the Knauf 1000 degree pipe wrap. It's available in a variety of diameters.

This is what we use in commercial jobs. Works great at home too.

http://www.knauffiberglass.com/

jim shea

also am DIY had 21/2 mains

If it doesn't matter what it looks like in some areas I took insulation batting with paper back cut to length with piping to be covered just fits around enough to staple together, its very quick and much cheaper.

Dave_23

Knauf Products

Knauf 1000 degree pipe wrap is probably the "gold standard" for high-temp pipe insulation. If done properly, the finished job looks just like the pictures on the Knauf web site. They also have covers for the fittings, elbows, etc.

However, I agree that there are less expensive ways to accomplish pipe insulation, especially if aesthetics are not critical.

Dave_23

Knauf pipe wrap

Knauf 1000 degree pipe wrap is probably the "gold standard" for high-temp pipe insulation. If done properly, the finished job looks just like the pictures on the Knauf web site. They also have covers for the fittings, elbows, etc.

However, I agree that there are less expensive ways to accomplish pipe insulation, especially if aesthetics are not critical.

Antone Balbo

Thanks for the help.... Is the Knauf insulation available to DIY

and can anyone recommend a supplier in Northern NJ?

I'm in Essex County, not far from (and in fact work in) Newark.

Again, many thanks for the responses!

Dave_23

Knauf customer service

Go to the Knauf web site, email their customer service and ask for a list of vendors in your area.

Check with the individual vendors on their respective sales policies.