Replies

1. 
   Riversong | Jan 16, 2009 11:14pm | #1

   At the elbows I cut it in the shape of a V so it will turn.

   Or simply miter the ends of two pieces.

   What do you use to wrap them? I'm thinking a black 3/16"-1/4" insulting tape that has some stretch.

   Never use "insulting" tape. And the foam doesn't require wrapping.

   Tape doesn't tend to stick forever, so I prefer plastic zip-ties.

    

   Riversong HouseWright

   Design *  * Build *  * Renovate *  * Consult
   Solar & Super-Insulated Healthy Homes

   
   

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   Edited 1/16/2009 3:15 pm ET by Riversong

2. 
   plumbbill | Jan 17, 2009 01:58am | #2

   What kind of insulation?

    

1. 
   popawheelie | Jan 17, 2009 06:40am | #3

   There were two types at the big box store. I got the one that is softer. I think it said it was closed cell but I'm not sure.

   It has strips you peel off and then it sticks together at the seam.

   Of the two types I thought this one was higher quality.

   I picked up some Frost King rubber pipe insulation tape today.

   It worked great. I'm trying to insulate the pipes so there is no gaps.

    

    

    

    

1. 
   plumbbill | Jan 17, 2009 03:46pm | #4

   When my insulators use Rubitex (soft) they use black vinyl tape, when they use Armaflex (hard) they use a hot glue gun that has a black glue in it.

    

1. 
   popawheelie | Jan 18, 2009 05:10am | #5

   I guess I got the rubitex. The guy at the big orange box store sold me on the black vinyl tape. It didn't really stretch enough for me.

   The insulating tape worked better for me. It might cost to much for big jobs.

   I don't care if i have to buy some more rolls of this tape. The Frost King rubber pipe insulation tape is almost self sealing and it bulks up the area with insulation.

   I plan on building a circulating hot water loop. This is the first part of it. I want to insulate it real well.

   I found a 12V circulation pump that is very efficient. I want to use PV to power it.

   So I will get hot water right away all through the house and it should be efficient

   IF I insulte it real well with NO gaps.

   I found some hangers for the pipe that I can hang the insulated pipe down off the joists.

   Is there any way to assign numbers to this insulation as far as value is concerned?

   We talk about R-15, R-20, etc for walls and cielings.  If I use this insulation around the pipes what is happening? Is it well insulated or?????

   If I compare the insulation of the water heater to insulation of the pipe I am buying a Bradford white with 2" of insulation. How does that compare to the pipe insulation?

   % wise the pipe has alot more insulation around it. But it may not matter because there is so much pipe and it is spead out. But from an insulaion point of veiw it might not matter.

   There is much more mass in the water heater. So it stays hot longer. But there is only 2" of insulation around it. Yes there is much less surface area compared to to the pipe. 

   But, percentage wise the insulation around the pipe is much higher. The pipe is 3/4" and so is the insulation just about. Do you see what I mean? If the water heater had the same % of insulation to dia of the tank I would have 18" of insulation on both sides. I just don't know?

   I'd like to know.

    

   Edited 1/18/2009 12:04 am ET by popawheelie

1. 
   plumbbill | Jan 18, 2009 07:49am | #6

   The best way for me to describe "R value" & foam rubber pipe insulation is have you look at this 2 page PDF.

   http://www.just-insulation.com/pdfs/armacel/Armacel_R-Values.pdf

    

2. 
   popawheelie | Jan 18, 2009 08:06am | #7

   Thanks Bill.