In general, pipe insulation materials such as fiberglass or mineral wool are best for pipes exposed to hot temperatures, while foam and rubber are a better fit for cold water pipelines but work in hot pipes as well.
Polyethylene foam: A flexible and lightweight material, polyethylene foam offers good thermal insulation and vibration dampening properties.
Foam insulation is the most budget-friendly option for insulating pipes, with costs ranging from $0.20 to $1.35 per linear foot. It's a versatile material that can be used on both hot and cold pipes, though it performs best with low-temperature systems.
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.
The best pipe insulation for heating pipes is phenolic foam as it prevents the most heat loss of all the common pipe lagging options.
For instance, Armaflex Nitrile Rubber Black Pipe Lagging is renowned for its excellent thermal conductivity and moisture resistance, making it ideal for outdoor use.
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.
Lagging or insulating your pipes with cheap foam tubing is simple and can help prevent your pipes from freezing.
As a rule of thumb - thicker insulation = less heat loss from pipes and greater protection from freezing temperatures. For outdoor pipework, we recommend a minimum insulation thickness of 19mm.
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.
Mineral wool
Mineral wools are capable of operating at high temperatures and exhibit good fire performance ratings when tested. Mineral wools are used on all types of pipework, particularly industrial pipework operating at higher temperatures.
The updated guidelines stipulate that pipes conveying space heating and hot water through unheated areas must now be insulated.
Lagging your pipes can help to: prevent freezing and bursting. prevent heat loss and save energy. save money on your energy bills.
One such alternative is Kaiflex. Kaiflex is a product range from Kaimann, one of the leading global manufacturers of flexible elastomeric insulation materials and systems.
Foil and fiberglass insulation must be wrapped around the pipe with a ½” overlap to fully seal the pipe.
A safe conclusion when comparing rubber versus foam plastic pipe insulation is that rubber is the better choice for commercial and industrial applications due to its lower thermal conductivity, higher continuous operating temperature, and more predictable fire behavior.
Pipe lagging reduces the risk of pipe ruptures. Copper pipes, for example, can get extremely hot or cold, which can cause a pipe to burst especially in winter if freezing temperatures occur in unheated spaces. Acoustic Pipe Insulation is a soundproofing technique for pipes that helps to control and reduce noise.
Wipe the surface off to free it from any dust or impurities. Cut the pipe insulation to the required size with a knife. Open the foam insulation at the pre-cut slit and slide the insulation over the pipe. Seal the insulation using double-sided tape, adhesive or insulating tape.
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.
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.
At what temperature will PEX freeze and burst? PEX pipes are extremely burst- and freeze-resistant because of their insulation properties and natural flexibility. However, at certain temperatures, even PEX can no longer stand up to the elements. The temperature cutoff for PEX pipes is around -7°C.
If pipes are within 8 inches of the flue, your safest choice is to use fiberglass pipe-wrap (at least 1-inch thick) without a facing. You can use either wire or aluminum foil tape to secure it to the pipe.
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..