Pipe insulation, like general wall insulation, is a protective coating either sprayed or applied over pipes that carry water or steam at home. You will need to take special care of pipes that are running through unheated areas like the basement. These might turn out to be more vulnerable with the time that can cause huge repair bills. Rockwool insulation is a good example of an all-around insulation material used these days.
It comes in useful, especially with boilers. Boilers can have two types of constituents being carried in their pipes. They can either carry hot water or steam through the pipes to heat all places in a home.
Physical Damage
During winter the water freezes and this can cause the pipe to burst open, if it is not protected from the cold. When the extreme cold sets in, other substances shrink when cold, but not water.
The water inside the pipe expands under very low temperatures, causing it to freeze. The pipe cannot stand the expanding water molecules and will fracture at places or burst entirely. Similarly, during summer, the pipes can have leaks because of the expanding of the pipes themselves because of extreme heat.
Poor Efficiency
The pipes will carry boiling water from which the heat will be transferred to the pipe. A part of the heat will be lost during transferring water or steam from place to place. Sweating pipes are not a pleasant thing to watch.
So if there is no proper insulation the loss of heat energy will be higher than usual. This will cause more energy to be used, which will lead to higher energy costs.
Soundproofing Pipes
This is something homeowners cannot give ample importance to during the construction. Everyone is busy with taking care of walls and ceilings and there are many ways to insulate them. There are multiple acoustic ceiling insulations to prevent sound from the roof of your home. Similarly, to reduce the thumping on the floors while walking you could choose excellent quality acoustic floor insulation.
Acoustic insulation panels are available which are easier to install and will give an aesthetic touch to the walls. The thing about acoustic boards for walls is that they can either be fiberglass, Rockwool, or even cellulose. Acoustic insulation boards come in a variety of sizes and can be easily installed.
But sound can travel through other parts and that is why solutions like Rockwool pipe insulation are necessary. The vibrations produced by appliances and even outside traffic can travel through walls and pipes.
A common problem that homeowners point out is hearing rattling sounds from their HVAC unit. When your air conditioner or boiler makes these noises, the sound waves will travel through the entire system through the pipes all over your home. Even the small plumbing noises can cause problems as the pipes get old.
Just like a normal room temperature, having a silent interior is a major priority. With pipes creaking and crying all over it affects both you and your house. Without a proper soundproofing solution, you cannot solve this. That is why Rockwool pipe insulation is your best choice for both thermal and acoustic insulation.
Fiberglass Pipe Wraps
These come in rolls of variable lengths like normal duct tape. Fiberglass pipe wraps consist of two surfaces, the interior which has fiberglass, and a foil exterior.
Just wrap the insulation around the pipe. For fixing them on the pipe you can use duct tape or vinyl tape. The advantage is that you can install them even in intersections, unlike other solutions.
Be sure to wear protective gear, especially safety glasses and a dust mask. Fiberglass is made of fine particles that could cause respiratory problems if inhaled. The particles touching your skin may cause itching or rashes and similar symptoms have been reported if they end up in your eyes.
Pre-Slit/Tubular Pipe Insulation
The fiberglass insulation also comes as pre-slit pipe sticks. There are also polyethylene foam pipes or sticks which are available in the market. Unlike the insulation wraps, you just need to measure the pipe both its diameter and length.
Foam pipes are available in varying diameters for differing needs. After measuring the needed length, just put a notch on the pipe stick or foam stick. Then insert the stick into the pipe and close its pre-slit end to get a tight fit. Having a tight fit is very important as it will ensure perfect insulation.
Kingspan Pipe Insulation is another alternative. It has a very low thermal conductivity, which makes it one of the most efficient insulation materials in the market. The material has a fiber-free core so you can easily install it without the fear of health hazards. It is also durable and eco-friendly, which is an added advantage.
Wrapping Up
If you are preparing for winter, be sure to examine all your HVAC systems. If you have non-insulated or under-insulated pipes be sure to take care of them as soon as possible. The above solutions are suitable for first-time users and those who want to replace old insulation. The materials can range from cheap to expensive, but they have different resistances and properties depending on the cost.
