Insulating steam pipes in the basement

georgearoush · November 10

I have pipes in the basement that need insulation. Can I use insulation such as this one:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Master-Flow-60-sq-ft-R-8-Insulated-Duct-Wrap-INSWRP60R8/302000644

Of course, I will be wrapping this around the pipe and taping it.

coby · November 10

that's duct wrap. I would get pipe insulation rated. at least 1" (preferred)

mattmia2 · November 10

that could work but it would be difficult to install such that it is effective. proper fiberglass pipe insulation is fairly rigid so it won't compress just from wrapping around the pipe and maintains its thickness and therefore effectiveness. there are numerous places online where you can buy fiberglass pipe insulation.

georgearoush · November 10

@coby, @mattmia2, thanks for your feedback. I was considering using duct wrap (the one I linked) instead of fiberglass pipe insulation because it is much cheaper. After looking into it further, it looks like duct wrap is not suitable for steam pipes, as the high temperatures (over 200 F) would likely exceed what the material can handle.

EdTheHeaterMan · November 10

It will look like S#** when you are done. This is the fiberglass pipe insulation you want to use. This will look much better. You need to know how to measure the outer diameter of the pipe and select the insulation thickness. If you measure correctly and order the proper insulated fittings the finished product can look like this.

Screenshot 2025-11-10 at 11.41.39 AM.png

you can call this company for all the needed sizes and fittings.

RTW · November 10

Im sure cost can be an issue, I used the standard one inch designed for steam pipe decades ago, and it was very expensive. Fast forward to today, here is where the same steam pipe insulation is made that - as a heavily tariffed country - may determine price. I suppose you could wait until the current tariffs on China produce the anticipated home production that presumably will create jobs here and bring down the price

ChinaSteam pipe insulation is primarily manufactured in China. The production of steam pipe insulation involves various materials and processes, but the majority of products are sourced from Chinese manufacturers.

Regards,

RTW

georgearoush · November 10

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1871699#Comment_1871699

That’s a really nice-looking job, well done. In my case, the pipes are in the basement of a rental property that only I have access to, so appearance isn't really a concern. I have over 40 feet of piping to cover, and at over $10 per 3-foot section, the cost adds up quickly. Sadly, the previous owner, for whatever reason, didn't maintain the old insulation, and most of it is now falling apart.

pecmsg · November 10

what are you these pipes.

$10 for 3 feet seems rather extreme
What size pipe are we talking?

georgearoush · November 10

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1871710#Comment_1871710

About 50% of the pipes are 3 inches, with the remainder being 2 and 4-inch pipes. Looking at what Home Depot carries, the price for 3-foot sections of insulation ranges from $10 to $20. Yes, this is very expansive, thus why I was looking for alternatives.

pecmsg · November 10

How much fuel is burned without insulation?

ethicalpaul · November 10

First question: is your basement warmer than you want/need it? If not, forget the insulation. If you do decide you want your basement cooler, get it from this place. 1" is fine

https://www.buyinsulationproductstore.com/Fiberglass-Pipe-Insulation-SSL-ASJ/?srsltid=AfmBOoprNX7wW9un24Ms79QOSKBL8PC6i5PeHSc6K5bxZT7UoG0HIPHc

EdTheHeaterMan · November 10

Agree with @ethicalpaul. I thought I included that link on my previous post. https://www.buyinsulationproductstore.com/Fiberglass-Pipe-Insulation-SSL-ASJ/ from this company is less than Home Depot. A lot less but you need to measure the pipe properly and select the proper size based on the outside diameter of the pipe.

And "Good Enough" that looks like $#** will send a signal to all the service personel that visit yur building. The cable guy, the electrician, the boiler repair folks and the reat of the trades. "You dont need to make it look nice, just make it work" workers will get you the lower quality work that will make your building look like you don't care.

If you insist on perfection, you will get perfection. or they won't get paid.

georgearoush · November 10

@ethicalpaul, @EdTheHeaterMan thank you for the link! This is about half the price of what I would have paid at Home Depot.

mattmia2 · November 10

Insulating the pipes may help it fill the mains with steam more quickly during times of year when the off time between cycles is relatively short which will put less heat up the flue. Because there tend to be a lot of bypasses from the basement to the attic and leaks out around the sill, the heat that is lost to the basement doesn't do a great job of making it in to the living spaces.

Waher · November 10

https://www.buyinsulationproductstore.com/Fiberglass-Pipe-Insulation-SSL-ASJ/

Sells made in the US John’s Mansville fiberglass insulation which is substantially better quality than the Home Depot stuff (JM is white and less friable than the HD yellow itch factory). HD only sells 1/2” thick with paper jackets. The JM jackets are vinyl coated with a much stronger adhesive on the lap.

Grainger is another place to get it.

Insulating steam pipes in the basement

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