Steam Pipe Insulation

Scott Brink

We just moved into our house, the previous owners had the asbestos removed professionally, but now the pipes are bare. I picked up some fiberglass pipe insulation from Home Depot. It is the kind that comes in a 25 ft roll and you wrap it around the pipes. I was wondering if this is the most appropriate way to insulate those pipes, or if someone has a better idea?

The packaging says the insulation is for hot water pipes (copper), but I assume it's fine for the steel steem pipes as well?

luke

you're better off with the fiberglass insulation which is manufactured to fit around specific pipe sizes. It comes in sections and it's really easy to put on. one side is pre-glued and you remove the paper strip. they also make this tape to tie the sections together. You need to measure the width (outside diameter of each pipe--you can measure the perimeter and divide by pi to get the outside diameter). I'm not sure if the insulation is sized by the inside or outside diameter. you can get this stuff at a plumbing supply house, and they should help you with the sizes.