Steam Pipe insulation

Al Letellier

As on all commercial jobs, to do it right, cover it all. If cost is an issue, do all the piping above the water line of the system. You'll lose some heat off the wet returns that way, but you keep the heat where it should be...in the mains and the radiators.

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Matt_28

Steam Pipe Insulation

I am trying to clarify what I have read on many websites about steam heat pipe insulation for a 1 pipe system. Should I be insulating all the pipes I can see or just the ones leading to the radiators? I keep reading that I should not cover the returns or the pipes coming directly off the boiler, why? Currently, their is a lot of heat coming off the direct boiler piping and the returns.
Thanks
Matt

Matt_28

Steam Pipe Insulation

Thanks, I will finishing the job soon before the cold weather comes.
Matt

Mike Hamel

What kind of insulation is best???

Friend's house (about 125 years old) has steam heat but there is no insulation on the piping. Assume that it was asbestos and was removed over the years. What material should I be using to replace it??

Thad English

1.5\" fiberglass with foil backing

fiberglass pipe insulation that is 1.5" thick works very well. You can find some of the .75" thick at Lowe's or the HD, but the thicker stuff can be bought from industrial insulation companies. It's pricey, but it pays for itself over a few heating seasons in reduced energy costs. It is sold in 3' lengths and varying diameters. If you're near Philly I know a good place near Aston.

john_27

thad...i'm near philly...can you post your insulation source?

Tom Giedraitis

If you're intrested, I have a quite a few pieces left over from when I insulated my mains and branches.
It's nice stuff - fiberglass, with jacket and peel/stick strip by johns manville.
I have some for 1 1/4" pipe and some for 2". I'd be glad to ups to a buyer at a great price.
let me know if you're intrested.

hvacfreak

wall thickness

Insulator foreman I spoke with many times says 1 inch wall is acceptable on low pressure steam . 1 1/2 is better but if you can get a deal on 1 inch dont turn it down ( I got a good deal on 1 inch for my house , lol ). Catch those guys on the job , 50 bucks goes a long way , lol. I've got alot left over too , I might advertise a give-away soon.
I got most of the glass on my pipes , damn it takes forever to do the tricky places you save for last , like intersections that break the plane of other insulation , or where there are back to back 90's too short for the pvc forms. Mine is looking good though , need to get pics up.

Thad English

I.M.C

John,

The place is Insulation Materials Corp.
511 w. Dutton Mill Rd.
Aston PA 19014.
610.497.4003. I dealt with Rick Shaw. Nice guy.

-Thad