Insulating copper pipes

[Junkman]

The plumber finally finished installing the 3/4" copper pipes to the upstairs air handlers this past week. The pipes run up the inside garage wall, and along the ceiling, and they are not insulated. I was looking for a good insulation, and the only thing that I can find is "Frost King" rubber, with a R value of 2.6. I was wondering if there is any thing that is more efficient, Thanks for your suggestions.

 

[brewchief]

supplyhouse.com has some with up to 1" wall thickness, gets pricey though.

 

[Firebrick43]

Do you heat the garage? If you do then does it really hurt anything? Not that using some of the r2.6 could be benificial, just that going more really won't help you in the grand scheme of things except to lighten your wallet.

If you don't heat you garage then please pay no attention to the above.

 

[Professur]

If you wanted the pipes insulated, why didn't you tell the plumber? He's probably got access to better stuff at wholesale price. The biggest problem is where the pipes are anchored. I like to sleeve the insulation and clamp the sleeve. Crushed insulation is no insulation, and patched insulation around clamps is worse.

 

[nh_yota]

I insulated all of the steam piping in my house with fiberglass pipe wrap and foil tape a few years ago, but that's a story for another day. It actually came out pretty good for a budget job and made a huge dent in my gas bill.

When it came to insulating the hot water lines I used the cheap Frost King foam pipe wrap and a roll of black duct tape. The flexible rubber pipe wrap is probably better but was more expensive. The cheap stuff works fine for me.

 

[Jackfre]

Go to your local REMichel or FW Webb or one of many other P&H Supply houses in your area and buy 1/2 or 3/4" Armaflex insulation. The seams are self sealing. Glue up you miter cuts at fittings and you are done. Did the plumber leave you enough space to get the insulation on?