Good substitute for fiberglass pipe insulation jacket?


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Old 11-07-16, 06:23 AM
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Good substitute for fiberglass pipe insulation jacket?

I'm redoing the insulation on my hot water pipes (actually for my heating system but figured this forum may be more relative than the boiler one). The 2" Zeston fiberglass 90 and Tees are pretty expensive and I need like 20 of them. I'd rather just cut insulation myself and wrap it wound the fitting.

Do I need to put a cover/jacket on it? Would loosely wrapped duct tape work or is there something better? Can I buy just the fitting jacket cover without the insulation for cheaper somewhere?

Thanks
 
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Old 11-07-16, 11:20 AM
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What about using just a standard fiberglass pipe wrap? You'd probably want to wrap it more than typical to match the insulation you're getting from the pipe insulation you're already using.

Frost King 3 in. x 25 ft. Foil Backed Fiberglass Pipe Wrap Insulation-SP42X/16 - The Home Depot
 
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Old 11-08-16, 05:21 PM
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Thanks for the response, and after I saw it I remembered I actually picked up that exact stuff last month with what you suggested in mind. I had completely forgotten about that... Still not entirely sure if I'll use it or just return it though. I've been storing left over r-15 wall insulation for a while, that I'd like to use up if possible. Looking at zeston fitting insulation vidoes, it looks like it's just a piece of insulation cut into a diamond shape with a jacket installed over it.

Still, thank you for the suggestion.
 
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Old 11-09-16, 10:30 AM
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I haven't done much with the pre-fab fiberglass pipe wrap like Zeston, but I have seen it just cut/mitred at an angle and the seam taped with the white tape. No need for the special fittings - though they probably do make installation faster.
 
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Old 11-09-16, 11:11 AM
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Yes, the plastic covers are expensive and unless perfect appearance is important I suggest that you do as Zorfdt suggests and simply miter the corners and use the plastic tape.

The tees are easier than the elbows, merely cut a notch in the insulation where the side branch will be and then carefully cut the second piece of insulation to fit as a saddle.
 
 

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