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Insulation and Copper Piping

Mike T., Swampeast MO
Mike T., Swampeast MO Member Posts: 6,928
in THE MAIN WALL
Not a fire hazard, but it's nearly impossible to insulate properly with fiberglass and duct tape. To be effective, fiberglass can't be compressed. When you go to wrap with a very sticky tape, you just wind up compressing the insulation and greatly reducing the R-value. Besides that the adhesive will probably dry out and the tape start coming loose after too long.

The steam pros here say that copper in the returns is OK, but should be avoided in the steam pipes as the rapid and large temperature changes can break the joints loose.

Have you bought Dan's books like "We've Got Steam Heat" and "The Lost Art of Steam Heating"? If not, do yourself and your system a favor by buying and studying!

Comments

  • hippyhoppym
    hippyhoppym Member Posts: 3
    Insulation and Copper Piping

    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

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