Insulation Question

Dave_62

I'm in the process of installing fiberglass insulation on my steam pipes and in some spots the outside of the insulation (the white paper cover) comes in direct contact with exposed copper hot water pipes from a different boiler in my basement that serves the new part of the house. I plan to insulate those pipes as well but in the meantime is it ok to have the white paper touching these exposed copper hot water pipes? Thanks in advance for any advice.

Mike T., Swampeast MO

If scorching or fire are your concern, DON'T BE. The temps involved are WAY too low.

Constantin

Yup...

I doubt that a hot water pipe will ever come close to 415°F, or whatever the ignition temperature for paper is. Plus, if your hot water pipes reach those temperatures, you have other things to worry about... Cheers!

michael_15

flash point of paper

451 degrees Fahrenheit, I believe. Like the book.

Of course, that could just be myth.

-Michael

Dave_64

What about the copper?

Thanks, that's what I thought but needed to confirm. When I do insulate the copper pipes what material should I use? Does it also need to be fiberglass or will the stuff they sell at Home Depot be ok for copper?

Mike T., Swampeast MO

The self-adhesive split foam insulation seems work and last well.

Dave_64

Thanks for the quick response. Back to the steam pipe insulation for one more question. What is the purpose of the white paper/foil cover anyway, other than appearance? Any harm in removing it?

Constantin

It holds the FG in place.

The better brands will have a foil strip across the length of the straight sections to enable you to hang the stuff quickly and efficiently. That in turn ensures that the FG always stays in place and doesn't "leak". Also, look for transition strips that cover the joints between straight sections of pipe. That'll give you a nice uniform appearance.

michael_15

also

I was under the impression that the foil provided a mild radiant heat barrier, as well.

-Michael

Wethead7

white/foil

We use that stuff on cold piping also. The covering is the vapor control layer.

Mike