Which is the right pipe lagging for you?
When it comes to home insulation, the focus is usually on insulating lofts, walls, floors or other parts of our home. We generally forget that insulating pipework is just as important.
Pipe insulation helps save energy and money. Not just that insulating pipework can protect pipes from freezing and bursting, which can, in turn, cause property damage and a whole lot of other issues.
However, if you are not a lagger or have no knowledge of the pros and cons of different pipe insulation materials out there, the decision can be quite overwhelming. Pipe insulation is made of different materials, including Fiberglass, Closed-cell phenolic, and Polyurethane or polyethene foam.
Each pipe lagging material has a specific application and a few different types are listed below. Know more about the pros and cons of each type. You may be surprised to learn how effective each one can be! In addition to providing excellent thermal insulation, pipe insulation can also be very effective in reducing acoustic noise.
Foam pipe insulation
There are several advantages of polyurethane and polyethene foam pipe insulation. These foam materials are light, robust and resistant to fuel oils and most solvents. However, if you are using foam pipe lagging on outdoor pipes, then appropriate pipe jacketing must be applied. You can choose from KlasseClad pipe insulation cladding or PIB Insulation. 
Rigid PU or PE foam is best in preventing heat transfer, and it has an excellent K value. In addition, it can withstand the harsh conditions of Arctic environments and can be installed above ground.
The use of these foam insulation materials is increasing in many industries, and its benefits are more than obvious. Unlike ordinary insulation materials, PE and PU foam reduces heat loss and increases the lifespan of pipes. It is more efficient than fibreglass pipe insulation and is known to retain heat. This feature makes it an excellent choice for reducing energy costs. But what makes foam pipe insulation better than others? Here are some of its advantages.
Polyurethane foam pipe insulation is effective at insulating pipes, but it is also the most expensive. The typical R-value of polyurethane foam pipe insulation is R-7 to R-14, although higher values are possible upon request. Further, polyurethane foam pipe insulation is also very effective at reducing noise levels and preventing pipe leaks. And its versatility makes it a smart choice for any plumbing or heating application.
Polyurethane foam pipe insulation is engineered for HVAC applications and industrial settings. It has a closed-cell structure that retards heat flow and prevents condensation. It is free of HFCS and CFCs. It is also free of dust and fibre and is resistant to mould. If you’re looking for high-quality insulation, this is the best solution. It will protect your pipes and prevent your equipment from overheating.
Much like Polyurethane foam pipe lagging, PE foam pipe insulation is also water-resistant and gives superior pipe insulation. Closed cell foam pipe insulation made of polyethene foam is known as Tubolit and is frequently used for frost protection. It is adaptable, simple to install, grease, ozone, and oil resistant. Tubolit can be used for residential purposes as well.
What makes PE foam pipe insulation better compared to PU foam pipe lagging is its extremely low water absorption rate and the fact that it can be recycled which is not the case with PU foams. At Buy Insulation Online we supply PE foam pipe insulation from the renowned Armcell brand.
pipe insulation
Fibreglass Pipe Insulation
Before you begin purchasing Fiberglass pipe insulation for your home, you will need to know how large your pipes are. If you have copper piping, you can use the Copper Pipe chart to determine the proper size for your pipes. If you do not have copper piping, you can use the Iron Pipe chart. These charts will tell you what size to order based on the outside diameter and circumference of your pipes. Then, you can go ahead and purchase the pipe insulation accordingly.
In addition to its energy-saving benefits, fibreglass pipe insulation is also available in a wide range of thicknesses. It is important to choose a proper fit to ensure the insulation’s effectiveness.
For example, a pipe that is only 1/2″ thick is unlikely to have enough thickness to prevent the cold water from escaping. As a result, it may cause condensation, which can lead to mould growth and health issues. Fortunately, most Fibreglass pipe insulation is a half-inch or less thick, and the thickness should depend on the thickness of the pipe.
If you are looking for high-quality insulation, consider using fibreglass pipe insulation. Fibreglass pipe insulation is a great choice for thermal protection for piping. It can be used in temperatures ranging from -20degF to 1000degF.
You can even use it to insulate condensate pipes and steam. The self-sealing design allows you to install it easily and quickly. For extra protection, fibreglass pipe insulation is available in self-sealing lap closures.
There are two main reasons to insulate pipes. One is to maintain a constant temperature. Pipes that are insulated will run more efficiently and keep hot water hot longer than exposed ones. Lastly, insulated pipes will also prevent condensation and sweating. The benefits of fibreglass pipe insulation far outweigh any drawbacks you may have with exposed pipes.
So, you need to choose a type that will work with the pipes in your home. At Buy Insulation Online, we store fibreglass pipe insulation by Isover at very competitive rates.
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Closed-cell Phenolic Pipe Insulation
Closed-cell phenolic pipe insulation is an excellent choice for pipes with high heat and moisture resistance. Its high closed-cell content helps to provide a high level of fire resistance.
Closed-cell phenolic foam pipe insulation is also completely free of CFCs and HCFCs, which means it is free of any possible health risks. It can be used for both high-temperature and cryogenic applications.
The advantages of using closed-cell phenolic pipe insulation over traditional cellular plastics are many. The material offers a high degree of thermal insulation, a low K value, excellent stability and corrosion resistance. It has excellent dimensional stability, low thermal conductivity and outstanding moisture resistance. 
Closed-cell phenolic pipe insulation can be installed on copper, stainless steel, or plastic pipework. Its low K value makes it a highly effective choice for piping systems. The material is also highly resistant to chemical attack and moisture penetration, making it ideal for cold pipework.
Closed-cell phenolic insulation provides a higher level of water resistance than open-cell elastomeric insulation. Closed-cell phenolic pipe insulation is compatible with heat trace lines and has a lower vapour penetrability rating than open-cell foam.
Phenolic foam pipe insulation is best for controlling condensation in cold mechanical systems. Its closed-cell structure means it doesn’t lose thermal efficiency when it comes in contact with water vapour.
At Buy Insulation Online, we supply Kingspan Pipe insulation sections at a low cost and offer free delivery in major cities in the UK. It is the thinnest pipe lagging with high thermal conductivity, perfect to use if you have space constraints.
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Aerogel Pipe Insulation
The basic principle of aerogel pipe insulation is to compress the insulating material. When the insulating material is compressed, its K value increases and other types decrease.
The resulting compressed portion of the pipe is less than the length of the service pipe. The compressed portion of the pipe is then wrapped in a metallic sleeve. The elongated service pipe is then disposed of non-concentrically relative to the first conduit.
Traditional pipe insulation is a relatively stiff clamshell-like material that is vulnerable to waterlogging and embrittlement. Aerogel-based pipe insulation is also flexible, reducing the amount of material required to achieve the same thermal performance.
However, the current production process is complex, and aerogel insulation is not readily available in sheet form. Recent advances in manufacturing have made this material available in sheet form. As a result, it can be installed with less effort than traditional pipe insulation.
Aerogel pipe insulation is a great option for heat-sensitive applications. Because its high thermal resistance is achieved at a lower thickness, it is an ideal choice for pipes.
Its blanket form is flexible and can be installed quickly in the field, reducing physical inventory and lowering installation costs. This is especially beneficial for large piping or tank installations. The same material is used to insulate hot water and chilled water pipes. Depending on the pipe and insulation thickness, an aerogel blanket may be applied on a wide range of surfaces.
The process of preparing an aerogel blanket for use in piping applications can be lengthy, but the process is now accelerated by technological advances. These developments in the production of the material have drastically reduced the time required for drying.
Furthermore, these improvements have reduced the cost of aerogel to a level where it is commercially viable. Aerogel blankets are used for a variety of applications, including thermal insulation, acoustic insulation, and PFP pipe insulation.
The first layer 18 of an aerogel product consists of 3% silica solids and 97% air in extremely small nanopores. The smallest known density solid requires up to 80% less material than other high-temperature insulation materials.
As a result, aerogel pipe insulation reduces heat transfer by as much as eighty per cent compared to the average of other high-temperature materials. It also has low thermal conductivity compared to other types of pipe insulation.
In Conclusion:
Do not wait for the pipes in your home to burst due to freezing or cause health problems before you think about insulating them. Pipe insulation is the best way to save energy, and money and avoid problems relating to pipes. It also improves the service life of pipework and keeps legionnaires disease away. Choose from the many options above and insulate pipes today!
For trade-quality pipe insulation, trace heating and valve covers, visit Buy Insulation Online. We deliver for free in major cities in the UK, plant a tree per order and also protect five trees on amazon!
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