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insulation

Mel_2
Mel_2 Member Posts: 12
in THE MAIN WALL
Is fiberglass insulation an ok material to use as a steam pipe insulator, or will this risk a fire? In addition, can I use the spray foam insulation in the holes through which the pipes go? Thank you.

Mel

Comments

  • Mel_2
    Mel_2 Member Posts: 12
    copper pipe

    The previous owner of our home replaced the galvanized piping for one of the pipes from the boiler with copper, it also appears that the return piping has been replaced with copper, is this something that I should worry about or think of replacing in the future and could this be a further cause of noises in my system?
  • hippyhoppym
    hippyhoppym Member Posts: 3
    insulation woes

    I am wondering if fiberglass insulation taped with ducked tape is suitable for my steam pipes or if this will pose a fire hazard? In addition, one of my pipes had been replaced with copper by the previous owner and the return piping to the boiler was also replaced with copper should I think about having these replaced with iron pipes or just leave it alone - could these be a further cause of noises in my system.

    Thank you for your replies,
    Mel
  • bill_46
    bill_46 Member Posts: 6


    Think --- how hot can steam get? to start fires?? no way
  • zeke
    zeke Member Posts: 223


    Steam can only get to around 240 deg. Paper burns at around 400 degrees and fiberglass doesn't burn. As pointed out, no problem.
  • Constantin
    Constantin Member Posts: 3,796
    Do I have a story for you...

    ...most forms of domestic fiberglass WILL burn. Take out some pink panther, hold a torch to it, and watch it light off. The glass won't burn, but the starch binder they use will.

    One of my former colleagues found this out the hard way when he set his lab on fire... remember, non-appliance grade fiberglass starts to decompose at 450°F, will start burning at about 500°F, so it's a lot like paper.

    Appliance-grade fiberglass is usually yellow and good for 1000°F+ They use a different binder, one that is more temperature resistant. McMaster Carr sells nice sheets of the stuff, I used one once for my mums oven.

    On the other hand, will a properly-working steam or hydronic pipe ever even approach the decomposition temperature of even regular fiberglass? Not to my knowledge.
  • bill_46
    bill_46 Member Posts: 6


    Yes and burning steel is done all the time just add some Ox. and poof it's gone
  • Uni R
    Uni R Member Posts: 663
    Zeke! - Fahrenheit 451

    Did you ever see the movie Fahrenheit 451? BTW, it was titled after the ignition point of paper. =)
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