Trying to make a home more energy efficient can take a lot of time and money to set up. This can therefore become a barrier to many property owners. However, the long-term benefits and cost savings of insulating your property are undeniable. Pipe insulation is one product which provides a cheap, simple fix for what is one of the most basic levels of insulation. This makes it a good starting point or top-up for anyone wanting a more efficient home. Pipe insulation is sometimes referred to as ‘Armaflex’ however, Armaflex is a brand name for pipe insulation that is made by Armacell. Armaflex is considered by many as the ‘hoover’ of pipe insulation. This guide sets out how to use pipe insulation.
What are the benefits of pipe insulation?
The primary benefits of pipe insulation include reducing convective heat loss, increasing the delivered water temperature by around 4 degrees, and allowing the property’s water heater to be turned down to save energy. In the first place, making sure that pipes are insulated in exposed areas of the home or garage will save money on energy bills. This is especially true if you live in an area with extremely low winter temperatures.
Water pipe insulation will also significantly reduce the risk of pipes becoming frozen or breaking. A good example of this (and something which not everyone considers) is when you insulate a loft space. If you insulate a roof, the home becomes warmer but you will normally find that this makes a loft space colder. Pipes and water tanks are therefore susceptible to freezing or breaking. Pipe insulation, therefore, helps to prevent what could become a very expensive emergency. Water pipe insulation also stops pipes from sweating, which can cause damage where the moisture accumulates in the building’s structure.
Armaflex pipe insulation
Class O Armaflex is the expert flexible insulation for secure condensation control. With its inbuilt water vapour barrier, Armaflex is particularly effective at preventing moisture buildup and ensuring sustainable thermal efficiency.
The water vapour membrane built into Armaflex comes from its closed cell structure. Armaflex contains thousands of interlocking closed cells, each with an essential resistance to water access. As such, the vapour barrier of Armaflex cannot be compromised by surface punctures or tears.
How to use Armaflex
Here is a short guide on how to install Armaflex pipe insulation:
- Measure the pipe that needs insulating
- Cut the pipe sleeve to the required length and make a vertical cut
- Place the pipe sleeve with the newly cut seam face down on the pipe
- Make sure that the pipe sleeve is secure with tape or a cable tie
Was this guide useful?
Mentioned in this project guide:
