Insulation Type for mains

kevin coppinger_4

a better insulator in almost every case....get some one to encapsulte it...you will be fine...kpc

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Jeff_74

Insulation Type for mains

Is modern fiberglass insulation more effective than the old asbestos? My mains are covered in asbestos...it's all very tidy and no problem with dust or particles coming loose. I am thinking of having the asbestos taken off and replacing with fiber....it seems I'm loosing a lot of heat through the asbestos.

Patrick Mullaney

Any Other Comments

My two Mains are both uninsulated - what is the best solution for them??

Patrick Mullaney

Suggestions for Best Insulation

Curious what the "best" insulation would be for the Mains? Thanks.

Brad White_9

Moulded fiberglass

is the standard for most commercial projects and a must on steam (i.e.: Do not use foam/Armaflex for it will melt.)

Follow your local energy code; here in MA that stipulates 1-1/2" thickness for any size up to 1-1/2" pipe and 2" thick for sizes above that. (Up to 4" pipe size but how big is your house, he asked rhetorically...)

Patrick Mullaney

For the Age and Location

the house is pretty big - about 3500 sq ft, give or take. The house is 110 years old, brick and plaster construction, exquisite woodwork and finish. It was converted a long, long time ago into a 3 unit apartment building by the original owners (passed down in the family) whom I bought it from 16 months ago. The 40 foot cherry tree was grafted and planted 65 years ago and the azaleas along the front are 35 years old. It is a beautiful place.

But I digress, the mains are not insulated and am having various issues with the gas-fired steam boiler. Thanks for the reply on the molded fiberglass!! I read Dan's book, We Got Steam and he says to insulate, but does not really give the "best" recommendation. Just to get it done.

Brad White_9

Manufacturers

Patrick-

We specify products of Knauf, Manville, Owens Corning and Certain-Teed for moulded fiberglass for the straight pipe.

The "right" way (old fashioned way) to do elbows with moulded fiberglass fitting covers. Really neat, hard to find and pricey when you do find them. Rarely do we get these in the field. They are finished with canvas and brush-on cement.

Absent these there are "Zeston" (generic term but a trade name) PVC covers which go over a "diaper" (my term) of fiberglass. The PVC is sealed with PVC tape. Looks "ok" but not great unless a pro does it.

I would spend my time insulating the straight pipe and if you have time, fittings near the boiler (for safety's sake more than anything). As time and money free up, finish the rest of the fittings later.

The straight pipe takes probably 25% of the time required to insulate an entire system but give about 90% of the benefit and quickly too. You will see results overnight with shorter "fire to steam at the radiator" times.

Best,

Brad

Patrick Mullaney

Many Thanks!!

Brad-

Thanks a ton for the reply!! Great information.

bert

new product

I found a product from Nomaco K-Flex that is a closed cell elasometric insulation that is rated to 300 degrees in the 1" wall thickness. Much easier to install than molded fibreglas. Mostly using it for solar applications here in Wisconsin, but could just as well work for residential steam lines.
Check out http://www.nomacokflex.com

Brad White_9

Hey, Thanks, Bert!

Always learning something new on The Wall...

Patrick Mullaney

concerned about temperature rating

Bert-

I took a look at the site - always want to learn more - and it appears the top temp rating on my cursory look for the K-Flex is 220 and only 200 for the Self-Seal. That does not seem high enough for a steam main?? I then looked at all their pipe insulation material and it looks like the top rating on any product is 220.

Did I not dig deep enough?

Uni R_2

Roxul

I'm surprised rock wool isn't used more often than fiberglass. It has more R value, better sound absorbing qualities, and ability to retain R value when moist compared to f/g.

And it's less itchy! ;-)

http://tinyurl.com/ynfak3

Dave Belisle

less itchy !!!!

LESS ITCHY !!!

I use rock wool where fire stop is important , but less itchy !!

Not any rock wool I have ever used.

Unknown

use cold water paste

Use cold water paste for elboes and fittings etc. Sticks really well and cheese cloth holds its shape.

Uni R_2

Dave

I'm really surprised you find rock wool itchier than fiberglass. Maybe it's me then... ;-)

I'm still surprised it isn't used more for steam piping.

Patrick Mullaney

Lots of Choices

This is great info. I am relatively new to the Wall and have learned a ton. I love it so much I bought a brick when I ordered my book, "We Got Steam" and most likely will take Dan's class in KoP next month - need to register.

Brad White_9

You may

have missed out of K of P... I thing they are full up. Pray for cancellations maybe?

But your support of the Wall and our host helps a lot of folks in an exponential kind of way!

If I may say,

Thank you.

Patrick Mullaney

Ugly, but Great for Dan

Yup, it is sold out, but put my name on the waiting list. Great to see Dan has such a following and the demand is this high a month out from the seminar. And heck, I am just a homeowner....