High-quality insulation for heating pipes provides efficient heat supply to the house. For these purposes, there are many special materials, each of which has different properties and technical characteristics. Their wide range is presented in the form of cylinders, polyethylene and rubber tubes, liquid insulation, as well as in rolls.
The need for insulation of heating pipes
The pipes are insulated so that the heat generated in the radiators is accumulated. Unprotected heating systems in the house give heat to the walls and openings. Hidden in niches, not having insulation, pipes increase the temperature of buildings, as a result of which cracks in the plaster, peeling of wallpaper can appear.
Insulation for heating pipes located in the basements will not interfere, which will prevent the formation of condensate and protect them from corrosion. Insulation of heating system pipelines is performed to reduce heat loss, save fuel costs, and increase the life of the system.
Types of materials for insulation
Insulation for heating pipes is made by products made of mineral wool, rubber, polyurethane foam, as well as combined or filling materials. The materials from which they are made are of the following types:
piece;
rolled;
combined;
filling;
casing.
Insulating coatings having a longitudinal technological section are easy to install and are able to withstand high temperatures. Pipe insulation made with mineral wool or casings reduces heat loss. Aluminum foil protects pipes from condensation and maintains temperature in them.
Selection of insulation
When choosing a material for insulation of heating pipes, its main characteristics should be taken into account - properties, pipe diameter, operating conditions. When choosing a factor such as thermal insulation qualities, is the most significant. Insulation material must have:
biostability and chemical resistance to hostile environment to carry out laying underground, indoors, and also in the open air;
water repellent characteristics that help prevent condensation;
incombustibility, which will ensure the preservation of the structure from exposure to high temperatures;
flexibility, which plays a role when using material on uneven areas;
durability, which will ensure a long operational life of the pipeline.
Modern thermal insulation materials
In the modern building materials market, one can find many different materials from which insulation for heating pipes is made. Among the most modern and often used are the following:
Each of them has certain properties, it should be selected separately for a particular room.
Paint for thermal insulation
Thermal insulation paint is a pasty composition that has a high rate of heat transfer resistance. It consists of foam glass, perlite, ceramic microspheres. It is applied to pipes of any configuration, has no seams, is fireproof, provides protection against condensate and corrosion. One applied layer can replace polyethylene insulation, the thickness of which is about 50 mm. Thermal paint is an environmentally friendly product that does not require additional ventilation during use. The main advantage of the material is the possibility of insulation in hard to reach places.
Foam Shell
Foam material is often used in pipe insulation. It consists of two halves, which are connected by a spike-groove lock. It is produced in different diameters and thicknesses. Foam shell has low thermal conductivity, does not absorb moisture, is environmentally friendly, durable, easy to install. The material is combustible, therefore, its use in pipelines, the temperature of which is above 100 ° C, is not recommended.
Energoflex
Insulation for heating pipes energoflex is the most popular material in our time. It is used for thermal insulation of pipelines with a small diameter. Energoflex for pipes is produced with rolled material, as well as in the form of hollow tubes 1–2 m long, having the shape of a cylinder of different diameters with a longitudinal technological notch.
When using this product, some nuances must be taken into account. Before performing insulation, the surface of the pipes to be cleaned and degreased should be checked. The water supply during the work is stopped and after they are shut off for another day. Do not install at sub-zero temperatures. First, reinforcement and protrusions are isolated, and then even sections of pipes. When carrying out work with rolled material, it is necessary to ensure that the upper insulation layer overlaps the lower joint. The coating should not stretch during installation.
This type of insulation has hygienic certificates and meets all European and Russian standards. Energoflex for pipes has low thermal conductivity, good sound insulation, resistance to chemical compositions, frost and heat resistance, strength, durability, flexibility, ease of installation.
Polyurethane foam
Polyurethane insulation is used most often in everyday life. Available in the form of tubes that are connected on a pipe-in-pipe basis.
In addition to reducing heat loss, this design contributes to the additional mechanical strength of the pipeline. Polyurethane foam material is resistant to precipitation, does not rot, does not collapse when exposed to chemical compounds.
Basalt cylinders
Thermal insulation material is a hollow product of stone basalt wool, having a cylindrical shape. They are available coated or uncoated with aluminum foil. There are different diameters and thicknesses, 1-1.2 m long. You can find basalt cylinders with a spike-groove lock or an even joint that needs isolation. The material is resistant to aggressive environments, bio-resistant, easy to install. Due to hygroscopicity it requires isolation.
Price
Interested in insulation for heating pipes? Its price will depend on the characteristics and properties of the insulating material. The estimated cost of the most commonly used products in the construction market is as follows:
basalt cylinders - from 50 rubles per linear meter;
polyurethane foam - from 10 rubles per meter;
heat-insulating paint - from 230 rubles per 1 liter;
energy flex - 10 rubles per running meter, and higher;
foam shell - 30 rubles per meter linear and more.
Remember that you should not save on thermal insulation material. To keep your home warm and comfortable, use quality products from trusted manufacturers.