Preparing pipes for winter: which insulation to choose

When the question is raised, which insulation for pipes is better to use, it is necessary to study all the features of existing types. In today's publication, the homemaster.techinfus.com/en/ editorial staff will analyze in detail all possible options, and also acquaint the reader with the technical requirements that an insulator must meet.

This material is easy to install, does not require a side cut
PHOTO: krasnodar.tiu.ru

Thermal insulation function for pipes: is it needed

The effectiveness of insulating water pipes and other types of highways has been proven for a long time. In regions with harsh climatic conditions, it is imperative to use insulation. It prevents pipes from bursting during severe frosts.

If the insulation is performed for the heating main, then this will help to eliminate heat loss as much as possible when pipes are introduced into houses and other heated rooms.

The insulation connection can be made as a cut. A special adhesive tape is used to secure it.
PHOTO: kti.by

As for the sewer systems, they also require mandatory insulation. This is done in case the sewer is equipped without a slope. Even when properly organized, waste lines need isolation. Biological deposits can build up in any of the compartments. They can subsequently freeze in freezing weather, which will lead to inevitable cracks in the pipes.

With the correct organization of thermal insulation, pipes will be brought into the room with minimal loss of thermal energy.

Typically, for a metal structure, insulation is used with a sufficient thickness
PHOTO: russian.alibaba.com

Operational features of materials for thermal insulation of pipes, which are distinguished by types

Each of the insulation options has its own characteristics, properties, as well as pros and cons. Some are not suitable for all types of metal structures. Therefore, it is important to know which type is better to choose, taking into account the main features.

It is used more often for overall heating mains
PHOTO: 999.md

Mineral wool

This is one option that has little cost. At the same time, cotton wool consists of natural materials and has a high degree of thermal insulation efficiency. The composition of mineral wool includes fiberglass or any other natural stone. Also basalt material should be attributed to mineral insulators. All canvases of natural origin are distinguished by the following features:

However, it is better not to operate this material in high humidity conditions. Gradually mineral wool absorbs condensate, after which it freezes and creates a risk for the integrity of the pipe.

Raw materials are single-layer and multi-layer
PHOTO: dekoriko.ru

Penoizol

Penoizol is one of the expensive products that are used for industrial-scale highways. To use this type of insulation, it is necessary to purchase special equipment that will spray the material.

The features of such raw materials include:

Alternatively, you can use polyurethane foam. It has similar characteristics and can be used for insulating a small section of the pipeline.

The moisture absorption coefficient of this raw material is no more than 2%
PHOTO: pputrubu.ru

Foamed polyurethane

This type of material is applied by spraying using a special machine. Suitable for any surface, including pipes. It adheres perfectly to it, as it has increased adhesion.

Positive characteristics include:

In addition, the material does not require special preparation before use. Excellent resistance to many types of mechanical stress. Has a high degree of fire safety.

Suitable even for corner pipe joints
PHOTO: glavorgstroy.ru

Foamed polyethylene

If we compare the material with other heaters, then this type is considered one of the most advanced. He is distinguished by the following abilities:

During installation, the material is cut lengthwise, and after being put on the pipe, it is glued with a special bandage. It is sold in rolls or tubes 6 m long.

Expanded polystyrene is suitable for pipes of any diameter
PHOTO: nn.pulscen.ru

Expanded polystyrene

This material is also considered highly effective. It contains more than half of the air. It is inferior in strength to other insulators. Available in semi-cylinders. Positive properties include:

For maximum retention of thermal energy, additional installation of cork insulation on pipes is practiced.

Energoflex for pipes is used as follows: the thinner the pipe, the thicker the material
PHOTO: climatik.su

Energoflex

The basis for the production of Energoflex is polypropylene. The development technology provides for high pressure. In appearance, the structure resembles pores with air pores.This raw material has the following features:

However, this material is not suitable for use in constant sunlight.

Penofol must be used wisely, too narrow materials should not be used for pipes with a large circular cross-section
PHOTO: vashslesar.ru

Foil penofol

Foiled penofol has been used for many years. It has good qualities and an attractive price. Sold in rolls with a self-adhesive base. In order to fix it on the pipe, you must first clean it of dust, debris and dry it well. This is the only way to guarantee the tightness of the pasting.

When pasting, make sure that there are no overlaps. Such material is fastened only joint to joint, smoothing well and making the joint as tight as possible.

A layer of insulating paint must be laid evenly on the surface
PHOTO: gizbar.com

Heat insulating paint

Coloring agent is a good option for insulating pipes that carry heating. This composition allows you to replace a five-centimeter layer of mineral wool. This will make it possible to free up the area around the highway. Thermal insulating paint is capable of functioning in the temperature range from -60 ° C to + 250 ° C.

Also resists the development of fungus, mold, does not accumulate dampness. As a result, the pipeline is hermetically sealed, so the formation of corrosion and rust can be excluded.

Liquid sealants are often made with a rubberized substance
PHOTO: kanalizacijapro.ru

Other materials

Among other options that are successfully used for thermal insulation of various highways, the most durable and high-quality are considered:

Regardless of how the pipeline is laid: aboveground or underground, thermal insulation must be installed.

Thermal paint color can be easily changed by adding color scheme
PHOTO: teplo18.rf

What are the requirements for insulating materials for pipes

In order for a thermal insulating agent to perform its direct function, it is necessary that it meets certain requirements.

1. Low value of thermal conductivity. This is the main factor responsible for effective thermal insulation.
2. Resistance of the material to chemical reagents. For example, when fertilizing the soil during planting, a large amount of substances penetrate into the lower layers of the soil, where the decomposition process takes place. This can damage the insulation.
3. Hydrophobicity. The material should not absorb moisture. With the onset of frost, it will begin to harden and deform, which will cause the pipe to rupture.
4. Good breathability. This requirement applies equally to both hard and soft insulating materials. If the indicator is low, then the thermal conductivity will increase, which, naturally, will cause a deterioration in the thermal insulation properties.

Otherwise, each material must have a clear description on the packaging. Depending on the type of line, the purpose of the raw material and its thickness are taken into account.

There are options for pipes that are produced at the factory immediately with a layer of thermal insulation
PHOTO: offthevylc.ru

Insulation material selection rules

To protect the pipelines from cold penetration, it is important to understand the conditions under which the pipelines are laid, what functionality they perform.Depending on this, they stop the choice on one or another tool.

Matched by pipe thickness
PHOTO: russian.alibaba.com

For water mains

If the water supply runs outside or is in an unheated room, it needs the same insulation layer. It is desirable that this composition is sufficiently breathable and light. It should not collect moisture from condensation. The following insulators correspond to these properties:

These materials are also suitable for thermal insulation of pipelines in deep soil layers.

An expert's point of view

Kirill Mikhailov

Head of the group "Water supply and sewerage" LLC "GRAST"

"Insulating means that will be located on pipes in the ground must be additionally treated with rodent protection."

Corner elements are characterized by increased tightness
PHOTO: ulan-ude.build2last.ru

For heating systems

To improve the operational properties of heating, different types of insulation are used for pipelines with a heat carrier. Often among them there are:

Most often, for such lines, a winding is additionally made of foil-clad compositions.

Insulation elements are fastened using special grooves. Like a 3D puzzle
PHOTO: tsmos.ru

For sewerage

Fiber materials are best for drainage systems. Also suitable are polyurethane foam and polystyrene foam shells. In the case of an industrial scale insulation, they try to give preference to basalt wool or expanded clay.

Faucets, fittings and corner joints need two layers of insulation
PHOTO: tepluha.ru

Self-installation of insulation on stationary heating pipes

Many of us use public heating rather than autonomous heating. But without proper pipe insulation, it will be impossible to achieve the desired temperature. Therefore, everything should be done in stages. Let's analyze the instructions using the example of a street pipe with leaky insulation.

Illustration	Action Description
	We cut off the old, deteriorated insulation from the pipe transporting the coolant. Next, we proceed to cleaning the surface of the pipeline. It is best to use a sander or metal brush
	We paint the cleaned surface. For this we use paint with a resin composition or any other substance with insulation properties. Create two layers. Next, we lubricate a small section of the pipe with glue and wrap it with fiberglass in four layers
	We measure the circumference of the pipe and cut out exactly the waterproofing material with the same dimensions. Apply glue to the joints and press two parts of the isolon

In the same way, we carry out the insulation of the entire main pipe.

Dear readers, if you still have questions about the choice of insulating material or are interested in the advice of professionals, be sure to write in the comments under the article. Also, don't forget to rate the post.

Video: pipe insulation

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