Insulation, Radiant and Vapor Barriers - Question about insulating steam pipes.
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whyme
10-15-09, 10:24 AM
I'm in the process of insulating my basement.
It's an older two story home with oil/steam radiators for heat.
One of the problems is that the steam pipes from the boiler to the radiators are uninsulated.
I know I have to insulate the main feeder pipes (50' + of 2 1/2" and about 20' of 1 1/4").
Do I need to insulate the return pipes as well?
It's an older two story home with oil/steam radiators for heat.
One of the problems is that the steam pipes from the boiler to the radiators are uninsulated.
I know I have to insulate the main feeder pipes (50' + of 2 1/2" and about 20' of 1 1/4").
Do I need to insulate the return pipes as well?
Bud9051
10-15-09, 10:59 AM
Hi Whyme, and welcome to the forum,
Any pipes, supply or return that are in an un-heated space need to be insulated. I prefer to see all supply lines insulated, unless you need some heat from them in an area that does not have a radiator, but not too much. Return lines in a similar space where you want a bit of heat can remain uninsulated, but again, not in a cold space.
Use a good insulation, like the rigid fiberglass as the temp will melt the plastic stuff.
Bud
Any pipes, supply or return that are in an un-heated space need to be insulated. I prefer to see all supply lines insulated, unless you need some heat from them in an area that does not have a radiator, but not too much. Return lines in a similar space where you want a bit of heat can remain uninsulated, but again, not in a cold space.
Use a good insulation, like the rigid fiberglass as the temp will melt the plastic stuff.
Bud