Can you put fiberglass insulation around pipes?

Author: Rebeca Schultz  |  Last update: Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Fiberglass insulation is a top choice for insulating pipes, particularly in high-temperature environments like hot water systems. Made from woven glass strands, it offers excellent thermal resistance, making it highly effective in preserving heat and minimizing energy loss in hot water pipes, especially copper ones.

Can you wrap fiberglass insulation around pipes?

Pipe Insulation Overview

Yes, The Fiberglass Self-Sealing Pipe Covering can be used for galvinized pipes. The Fiberglass pipe insulation is designed for high temperature situations.

Can you put insulation around pipes?

Insulating pipes with fiberglass attic insulation may seem unusual; however, it is still effective and a good way of using leftover insulation. To install fiberglass attic insulation on your pipes, you will need a large flat piece of wood to use as a cutting surface.

Will fiberglass insulation keep pipes from freezing?

Insulate Your Pipes and Your Water Tanks

Use foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves to help decrease the chances of freezing.

What is the biggest problem with fiberglass insulation?

Air Leakage

Fiberglass insulation is less dense than other types of insulation and does not create an airtight seal, which means air can travel freely through the insulation. This is called air leakage and it's one of the most common sources of energy loss in a house.

How to Insulate around Plumbing Pipes

Is there anything better than fiberglass insulation?

In many ways, mineral wool is a superior insulation product. It has a higher R-value per inch compared to fiberglass, about a 22-37% higher R-value. It contains 70% recycled material, making it a greener product than fiberglass at 20-30% recycled material..

What are the negative effects of fiberglass insulation?

Exposure to fiberglass can cause irritation in the eyes, nose, or throat. It may also cause itching and irritation when the fibers get stuck in the skin.

What is the best insulation for outside pipes?

EPDM rubber insulation is ideal for outdoor, high temperature and solar pipework use. The insulation has an in-built UV protective layer, meaning it can be installed outside without any further treatment or coverings.

What temperature can fiberglass pipe insulation withstand?

Insulation of hot, cold, concealed and exposed piping operating at temperatures from 0°F (-18°C) to 1,000°F (538°C) (with heat-up schedule) in commercial buildings, industrial facilities, and process or power plants. 1. Application temperatures are from 25°F (-4°C) to 110°F (43°C).

What is the best insulation to prevent pipes from freezing?

Types of Insulation for Outdoor Water Pipes
  • Foam Pipe Sleeves. ...
  • Fiberglass Pipe Insulation. ...
  • Spray Foam Insulation. ...
  • Foam-and-Foil Pipe Insulation. ...
  • Rubber Pipe Insulation. ...
  • Self-Sealing Foam Insulation. ...
  • Heat Tape or Heat Cables.

What is insulation around pipes called?

These are fibreglass pipe insulation, foam pipe insulation, mineral wool pipe insulation, rubber pipe insulation, polyisocyanurate pipe insulation and phenolic pipe insulation, which is another type of foam insulation that has some unique characteristics.

Is fiberglass pipe insulation safe?

Fiberglass and mineral wool pipe insulation meets corrosion test requirements specified in ASTM material specifications. Properly installed vapor retarder systems greatly reduce the likelihood of corrosion.

Can you put insulation around water pipes?

In winter, adding insulation to cold water pipes will prevent them from freezing and bursting. During the summer, these sections of pipe may also be exposed to outdoor heat, which may transfer to your cold water supply. Cold water pipe insulation can help you with that, as well.

How thick should fiberglass pipe insulation be?

For pipes that are about 3" or smaller, the insulation should be 1" thick. For those that are 8 inches and above, the insulation should be 1-1/2" - 2" thick. Coldwater pipe also needs to be insulated in order to prevent condensation from building up on the piping as they pass through hot and humid spaces.

Is foam or fiberglass insulation better for pipes?

Here you go: The best low-temperature insulation: Cellular plastic or foam rubber. The best moderate-temperature insulation: Glass fiber. The best high-temperature insulation: Preformed cement, refractory materials or ceramic fiber blankets.

Is mineral wool or fiberglass insulation better?

Mineral wool batts are a great choice when it comes to thermal performance. They beat the fiberglass batts with a 22–37% higher R-value per inch.

What is the best protection for outdoor pipes?

Ideally, pipe insulation or pool noodles are your best bet. They are easily cut with saws and sharp kitchen knives alike. Be sure the backsides of your pipes are covered and duct tape everything down. Even the faucet needs to be insulated.

How can I insulate my pipes for cheap?

Insulation Methods and Materials
  1. Duct tape.
  2. Expanding spray foam.
  3. Foam caulk rope.
  4. Insulation of choice (pipe sleeve, pipe-wrap, outdoor faucet cover)

Can I use bubble wrap to insulate pipes?

Protect faucets, outdoor pipes, and pipes in unheated areas with pipe insulation. If insulation is not an option, consider wrapping them with rags, newspapers, trash bags, plastic foam, or bubble wrap.

Why not to use fiberglass insulation?

Misused & Susceptible to Water

Often fiberglass insulation is misused when it's installed. An example of misuse is when it is installed in a basement ceiling. Fiberglass insulation is easy for air to move through and it loses a high percentage of its R-value when it gets water into it.

Is yellow or pink insulation better?

In general, the color of insulation doesn't equal better performance over another color. Whether it's pink, white, brown, or yellow—color doesn't influence dependability, reliability, or the products effectiveness.

Does fiberglass insulation sag over time?

Fiberglass batts can sag over time, creating gaps that compromise performance. Other problems, such as dust or mold growth, can occur if the installation area experiences a lot of moisture or air infiltration.

Previous article
How do I stop my room from smelling in the morning?
Next article
Why is my heating system making a loud sound?