Wouldn’t it be so easy if you could settle for one type of insulation, one ultimate winner? Unfortunately, it does not work that way. Each material has its pros and cons, and which one you should opt for depends on the function.
Water pipes
When it comes to water pipes, there are several options to choose from. Considering that the water running through them is either hot or cold, you should use versatile materials that can handle both extremities. Both fiberglass and mineral fiber insulation work well here. Polyethylene or phenolic foams are good options as well.
In case you are indecisive, it might help to know that foam-based insulation is generally cheaper than fibrous one.
Before you make the final decision, check the following sections. Your pipe material plays a big part in determining which insulation type to opt for.
Outdoor
The biggest enemy of outdoor pipes is cold. To prevent your water from freezing, we recommend using foam insulants. Be they made from PE or rubber. They will provide adequate protection for your outdoor pipes.
Stove
Producing great amounts of heat, insulation is necessary for stoves to prevent energy losses. In addition, the high temperatures might sometime melt off the plastic from nearby cupboards.
Although fiberglass was a ubiquitous material used on stoves, it is being pushed out by mineral wool. Alkaline earth silicate wool is one of its variants, and it contains heat far better than fiberglass.
Copper
When lead pipes were banned because of their toxicity, copper stepped into the shoes of the most prevalent material used for water pipes. However, it did not solve every problem. Metals are excellent conductors of heat, so they draw it out of the water and radiate it into the environment. Since both cold and warm water passes through, numerous materials might be used.
Fiberglass is one of the most popular materials for insulating your copper pipes. Not only does it stabilize their temperature, but it also contains sound. It also goes easy on your wallet.
Mineral fiber works just as well as fiberglass. Though slightly costlier, it is much more compact and space-efficient.
Polyethylene foam is another great choice to use on these pipes. Affordable and efficient, you will be able to install it with ease. They have a horizontal slit across each tube, so you slide it onto the pipe.
For outdoor copper ones, we recommend opting for rubber-based materials. It is quite sturdy and doesn’t cost much. It also handles the adverse conditions of the outdoors far better than other materials, particularly the cold.
PEX
PEX is a common abbreviation for cross-linked polyethylene. This type has been gaining momentum in the US over the years, slowly rendering metal obsolete.
With that being said, these plastic ones are most widely used to distribute potable water. Since plastic melts when exposed to high temperatures, it is unfit for industrial use.
As far as their cold resistance is concerned, they can handle lower temperatures to an extent. However, you still need to prevent freezing. You might want to consider insulating them if they happen to be outside and you live in a colder climate.
Furthermore, this extra precaution step will save you a bit of money on energy bills.
If you use PEX outdoor, you definitely need to insulate them. UV rays break down the polymer, which results in leaks.
Since cold is the primary reason for concern, we recommend that you wrap them in foam-based insulation. Because it contracts and expands according to the temperature, much like PEX, they’re a match made in heaven.
PVC
Polyvinyl chloride pipes have also enjoyed growing popularity in recent years. As a type of plastic, it contains heat with greater efficiency than metals. Despite this, your PVC should be insulated to diminish heat losses further.
Just like with PEX, foam insulants work marvelously with these pipes.
CPVC
Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride handles heat better than its non-modified version. For this reason, it is used largely near water heats. Though it will not melt, the legislation still demands that you insulate it to minimize burn accidents. Polyethylene foam and fiberglass are both prudent choices.
A/C
Closed-cell rubber foams were made to prevent condensation when the pipes are exposed to low temperatures, so they are the most prevalent material. Polyethylene or fiberglass are also used for ducts and vents like those found in shopping malls.
Rubber
Rubber tubing and hoses do not require insulation.
Why is it needed?
Now, you might think this is just another one of those silly innovations designed to milk your wallet. On the contrary, they perform multiple vital functions. It will save you a lot of money in the long run.
Heat/Energy Conservation
Created for this purpose, insulation effectively contains the heat within. The heat inside will fluctuate if situated in an environment with a different temperature than the pipes. In cold conditions, large amounts of heat will be lost via radiation. In turn, the heat loss will require more energy to maintain a stable temperature.
By insulating them, you save on energy expenses.
Mechanical Protection
As you probably already know, water will freeze in sub-zero temperatures. You’d think this means no supply of water. You are right, but it doesn’t end there. Water is a peculiar liquid because it expands as it turns to ice.
On the other hand, metals contract as the temperature drops. The pipes can’t survive the pressure that builds up in such frigid conditions and will burst eventually. Thus, insulation also prevents the water from freezing.
Condensation Control
Particularly cold pipes will cause the water vapor in the air to condense on their surface. Though a slightly wet pipe might seem innocuous, the constant exposure to moisture will slowly corrode the metal.
Insulation causes the vapor to condense on its surface and is never made of materials that can rust away. Moreover, it prevents mold formation.
Sound containment
Whatever it is that traverses to and fro within a pipe, it will emit some noise. Insulation will effectively contain the cacophony.
Safety
While you are unlikely to get frostbitten by a cold pipe, touching a scorching-hot one will severely burn your skin.
In some factories, they might be transporting extremely hot liquids. Therefore, they are insulated with multiple layers to minimize the risks of a fire hazards.
It is the law
Depending on where you live, insulation might be required by the law. It might be a good idea to acquaint yourself with these legal requirements, especially if you live in colder locations.
Dealing with asbestos
Once a popular insulant, its use has been banned in most countries now. Asbestos releases minuscule fibers into the air, which irritate your lungs when you inhale them. What’s more, it’s been discovered that long-term exposure to it causes cancer.
Old buildings might still use this type of pipe protection. If so, it is important that you remove it immediately. The airborne fibers can travel long distances, so standing in a room with this harmful mineral might threaten your health.
