What's everyone using for pipe insulation on the roof - solar project.

  • Active since 1995, Hearth.com is THE place on the internet for free information and advice about wood stoves, pellet stoves and other energy saving equipment.

    We strive to provide opinions, articles, discussions and history related to Hearth Products and in a more general sense, energy issues.

    We promote the EFFICIENT, RESPONSIBLE, CLEAN and SAFE use of all fuels, whether renewable or fossil.
Status
Not open for further replies.

stupe

Member
Hearth Supporter
Jun 30, 2008
18
Lake George, NY
What are people using for pipe insulation on the roof that stays dry and won't be destroyed by the sun? I'm sure I can buy the PVC pipe jackets that are found on commercial jobs but I'm guessing that stuff is expensive. Any ideas?

Thanks.
 
I am not running solar here, but my friends who are using solar DHW with a glycol loop piped up through the roof and back are just using the regular black foam pipe insulation used for basement heating pipe. Its held on with zip ties.
 
Rubatex insulation covered with PVC pipe. I split it lengthwise and resecure it with tie wraps in areas where I cant slip the rubatex in through the pipe in advance. For elbows, I use a 3M electrical tape that is typically used to cover over splices in electric cables (looks like super 33 but a lot wider).
 
I had the same issues. You shouldn't use standard off the shelf harware store foam stuff. You can find the higher rated stuff like Armaflex HT good for like 320 deg. Its hard to find though. I used 3' long fiberglass high temp pipe insulation 1" thickness with the pvc jacketing all over. I also used the pvc tape for all the joints. I think I got it from www.buyinsulationproducts.com. or something like that. There are others. Shipped fast. I just know that there are plenty of solar insulations where the insulation melted off at higher temps. Do it right.

Mike
 
Thanks everyone.

Thanks Mike, that's exactly what I was looking for. Prices don't seem too bad either.

Mike
 
Status
Not open for further replies.