Foam or fibreglass are two of the most recommended pipe insulators. You can get them designed specifically for pipe insulation, so they fit over easily and are widely available.
For instance, Armaflex Nitrile Rubber Black Pipe Lagging is renowned for its excellent thermal conductivity and moisture resistance, making it ideal for outdoor use. Elastomeric Foam Insulation : Elastomeric foam, such as the K-Flex Self-Seal Elastomeric Nitrile Rubber Pipe Insulation, is another popular choice.
Foam pipe sleeves, commonly made from flexible, lightweight foam like polyethylene or rubber, are a user-friendly insulation option for outdoor water pipes. Designed to fit snugly, they provide an effective thermal barrier, helping to maintain water temperature and reduce the risk of freezing.
Use foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves to help decrease the chances of freezing. Insulation can help keep the pipes closer to the temperature of the water inside the pipe, but it does not add extra heat to the pipe and unfortunately will not prevent freezing if the pipe is exposed to prolonged freezing temperatures.
Cut the pipe to the required length, then split it open on one side lengthways where the lagging should be pre-cut for you. Open the lagging and clip it around the pipe and make it nice and snug.
The small bore copper pipes commonly used may only need relatively thin insulation, such as 13mm, to provide adequate protection. However, if you have an industrial oil or maritime application with large bore outside steam pipes, a thicker insulation wall will be required - perhaps up to 50mm thick.
Plumbing in unheated areas can also be protected with foam pipe insulation, which is easy to install and inexpensive. For severely cold weather, you may want to consider using thermostatically controlled heat tape, which is more expensive but conveniently turns on when a minimum temperature is reached.
Lagging or insulating your pipes with cheap foam tubing is simple and can help prevent your pipes from freezing.
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.
Your pipes are at risk of freezing any time temperatures drop below 32°F. However, it's much more common for pipes to freeze when temperatures dip below 20°F. The longer the weather remains below freezing, the more likely it is your pipes can freeze if not properly protected and winterized.
Insulated Enclosure- If your spigot comes directly up from the ground then we recommend building an enclosure around it. This can be done by making a box with Styrofoam or using a drum barrel. Once you have that enclosure, stuff insulation inside it as well around the water pipe.
How long does foam pipe insulation last? Properly installed foam insulation lasts 10-20 years. Closed cell foams have better longevity than open cell.
If you have pipes that run outside your home, you may be wondering how to protect them from the elements. Outdoor pipe insulation is a simple and effective way to prevent heat loss, freezing, condensation, corrosion, and noise in your pipes.
Armacell Tuffcoat is the ideal outdoor pipe insulation solution. It will stand the test of time for those who need to insulate external pipework. This industry-leading outdoor pipe insulation based on Armaflex Class O Nitrile Foam insulation.
Lagging your pipes can help to: prevent freezing and bursting. prevent heat loss and save energy. save money on your energy bills.
Armaflex HT Pipe Insulation
Armaflex HT Insulation is designed for high-temperature, solar, and outdoor use.
If you have longer runs of pipes that need insulation, it's advisable to cover them using foam pipe sleeves. Typical sleeves are made of rubber or foam and can be as long as six feet. That's more than enough to cover a long pipe. When buying, make sure that your contractor gets the right size for your pipes.
Insulating long, straight outdoor pipes is a straightforward process that can significantly reduce the risk of freezing and bursting during colder months. Foam pipe sleeves are an ideal solution, as they provide a durable layer of insulation.
Closed-cell spray foam is usually the most expensive of all options at approximately $1.50 -$3 per square foot. Open-cell spray foam offers mid-range pricing around $0.50 -$1.50 per sq ft. Fiberglass insulation tends to be cheaper in comparison, averaging $. 0.10 - $0.50 per sq ft.
The most important lagging in unheated areas of your home is for the cold-water pipes which can normally be found in your garage or in your attic or loft. These are the areas where they are mora than likely to freeze up and potentially burst.
You can use materials like polystyrene and bubble wrap around the pipe and the tap itself to help insulate and protect it.
PEX, or cross-linked polyethylene, has a chemical structure that gives it flexibility to withstand pressure increases and perform better in the winter. If water freezes in the pipe, for example, PEX will expand to accommodate the change. Then it will contract back to original dimensions once thawed.
One of the easiest of all the insulation methods is using foam pipe sleeves. We recommend this option for longer, straight pipes that need to be covered. Most sleeves are available in increments of six feet and range in diameter, depending on the pipe size.
Pipes run the risk of freezing at temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, especially if they're not insulated, but most insulated pipes start to freeze at 20 degrees Fahrenheit or below.