cost of fitted pipe insulation

Tim_27

I have a bid and am trying to determine if it is reasonable. The bid is for materials only (not labor)--fitted fiberglass insulation for basement steam heating pipes. Includes insulation for elbows and joints, includes plastic and clips. We have a 2-pipe system with leads to 4 radiators. Some of the pipes are currently minimally insulated with DIY fiberglass wrap.

Have found only 1 contractor/supply in town so no good way to compare...the bid is around $550, higher than I expected for insulation!
Thanks, Tim

michael_15

Depends on the insulation

I paid roughly $1-$2 per linear foot for 1" thick insulation at a local supply house. This was for interior foil-faced, rigid pipe insulation, but no elbows or tees. Thicker, of course, is recommended, but costs more. Thinner is too thin. Since I'm a cheapskate, my plan was to just carve out some of the insulation on the tubes so that it fits snugly over the insulation (which means <1" of insulation, but oh well). In some cases, you can get PVC protective coverings to prevent the insulation from getting damaged, as well. I don't know how much that would cost; I don't have any.

Of course, the insulation would all be more effective if it weren't sitting around in a big plastic bag on my basement floor.

-Michael

wsdave

Insulation

I just purchased insulation online for my one pipe system - $450 - so your price doesn't seem out of line.
Just another HO!

Tony Conner

A Pretty Good...

... rule of thumb for industrial installations is - look at whatever it cost to mechanically install (labour & material) the piping, and it will cost almost that much again by the time it gets insulated & jacketed (labour & material).

jeff_51

since I have done both

I can tell you that it costs as much to properly insulate as it does to pipe it. Pipe insulation is as much if not more than copper. Pricey stuff,(can't spell}

dennis_kings

pipe insulation

I ran 2 1 1/4" cu headers under the house suspended on strut and I found the most effective pipe insulation is polyisocynurate. Has the lowest "K" factor of all insulations and I paid $1.60/ft. It comes in a rigid split tube covered by ASJ(all service jacket) which is fine if not exposed to weather or water spray. I didn't buy "ts" and "els". I made a miter box about 3 ft long and used a fine tooth miter saw to make my own angles. It takes awhile but if you make your own you can cut a 45 degree notch on the run of a "t" and a corresponding angle on the tap and make a very tight joint. I bought my insulation from MIS in North Highlands,Ca. (916) 978-9071. You tell them what thickness you want, what size pipe you are using and they bore it out for you. This insulation is also called urethane by some folks. Best stuff out there.