Pipe lagging - rockwool foil backed

mistermarantz

Folks

I'm currently upgrading the pipe lagging in my attic.

I'm thinking of using Industrial grade pipe lagging called rockwool foil back. It costs about €2 per foot for 3/4 inch pipes.

However I'm not sure if it's suitable for domestic use. I think it's mainly used on insulating high temperature pipes in Industrial applications.

Does it also work well at keeping the cold out to prevent copper pipes freezing?

MaxFlower

I know the stuff you are talking about and tbh I think it would be over kill. I have never seen it in a domestic setup although I don't have much experience outside of my own home/work and am not in the trade.

Why would you not start with the standard grey stuff but make sure you buy it in a builder/plumbers supply as it is expensive in places like Woddies/B&Q.

mistermarantz

MaxFlower wrote: »

I know the stuff you are talking about and tbh I think it would be over kill. I have never seen it in a domestic setup although I don't have much experience outside of my own home/work and am not in the trade.

Why would you not start with the standard grey stuff but make sure you buy it in a builder/plumbers supply as it is expensive in places like Woddies/B&Q.

After hearing shock stories from people at work about pipes that were lagged with the grey domestic stuff and the pipes still froze is why I'm looking at industrial lagging.

I could do my attic for €150 max with the rockwool foil back lagging which is small money if it works.

Can any one tell me if rockwool foil back is good at preventing pipes freezing?

slavetothegrind

yes it is good, get some foil tape with it.

important you fit it properly like all insulation, it's miles ahead of the grey stuff.

expensive option though

http://www.pipelagging.com/?gclid=CIXp-queraYCFQJO4QodyUqrZw

the 19mm thick armaflex would be cheaper for you ( above site first picture that came up) though you would have to retrofit to existing meaning slitting and taping it.

Pete67

No insulation no matter how good it is will prevent freezing completely, what it does is slow down the rate of heat loss from the pipes and water inside them, so that they can tolerate a temperatures below freezing for a longer period of time without the water inside freezing. I have seen a new heating system installed in a school almost distroyed completely by freezing when a power cut prevented the frost protection stats from operating. The outside temperature was well below -8C for 10 days. That system has the best of insulation - 25mm rockwool with aluminium cladding and all joints taped.

Moral of the story, even with good insulation on attic pipes, you still need to have some kind of heat, even if it's just leaving the trapdoor ajar to try and keep the temperature just above 0C.

mistermarantz

slavetothegrind wrote: »

yes it is good, get some foil tape with it.

important you fit it properly like all insulation, it's miles ahead of the grey stuff.

expensive option though

http://www.pipelagging.com/?gclid=CIXp-queraYCFQJO4QodyUqrZw

the 19mm thick armaflex would be cheaper for you ( above site first picture that came up) though you would have to retrofit to existing meaning slitting and taping it.

The 19mm wall thickness aramaflex was working out at about €1.50 per foot. The rockwool foil back was working out at about €2 per foot so for the length of pipe I have there isnt much difference in price.

The rockwool already comes with a slit. I was thinking of using the armaflex if there are any curves or bende in the pipe as the rockwool is rigid.

I wonder have the plumbing shops raised their lagging prices recently due to the increased demand?

mistermarantz

Pete67 wrote: »

No insulation no matter how good it is will prevent freezing completely, what it does is slow down the rate of heat loss from the pipes and water inside them, so that they can tolerate a temperatures below freezing for a longer period of time without the water inside freezing. I have seen a new heating system installed in a school almost distroyed completely by freezing when a power cut prevented the frost protection stats from operating. The outside temperature was well below -8C for 10 days. That system has the best of insulation - 25mm rockwool with aluminium cladding and all joints taped.

Moral of the story, even with good insulation on attic pipes, you still need to have some kind of heat, even if it's just leaving the trapdoor ajar to try and keep the temperature just above 0C.

Good point.

I think a combination of the best insulation and an infrared heat lamp beside the tank is the best option. When you consider the cost and hassle of a burst pipe, these improvements are worth every penny.

JohnnieK

Inferred Heat Lamps!!! If you live in the house and the pipes are insulated well and the heating is on to some degree the pipes will not freeze.

lovelace77

mistermarantz wrote: »

Good point.

I think a combination of the best insulation and an infrared heat lamp beside the tank is the best option. When you consider the cost and hassle of a burst pipe, these improvements are worth every penny.

I just got this pipe heating cable, will see how it goes when the weather get cold again. http://www.thermatek.ie/index-3.html
I think running infrared heating lamp is too expensive. Plus it will only heat one section of the pipe.

Ging Ging

lovelace77 wrote: »

I just got this pipe heating cable, will see how it goes when the weather get cold again. http://www.thermatek.ie/index-3.html
I think running infrared heating lamp is too expensive. Plus it will only heat one section of the pipe.

How did you get/how much was it? I was looking for something similar.

lovelace77

Ging Ging wrote: »

How did you get/how much was it? I was looking for something similar.

I rang them and they sent me a box with 3meter cable. It was 121 euro. Also I got some 25mm Armoflex insulation. Well prepared now.
Hope this helps.

macroman

I've only ever used Isover glass-fibre insulation in a house when the architect spec'd it, otherwise completely overkill.

Armaflex would suit you perfectly, it's a closed cell lagging so it won't retain water, if the joints in the foilbacked fibre-glass lagging aren't sealed perfectly with foil tape it will soak up and retain water.

Isover glass-fibre is rigid, so requires cutting at angles to get it around bends, whereas the Armaflex is flexible, but will require cutting to fit it.

Ging Ging

lovelace77 wrote: »

I rang them and they sent me a box with 3meter cable. It was 121 euro. Also I got some 25mm Armoflex insulation. Well prepared now.
Hope this helps.

Thanks, still havn't got around to fixing that though, need to invest in armaflex though. I wonder would any refrigeration suppliers entertain an order from the public. I know you can get it from plumbers merchants but its an arm and a leg if your bulk buying. I think unfortunatly its not possible to get good pipe insulation cheaply.