How To Insulate Outdoor Pipes

• The benefits of insulating outdoor pipes
• Which pipes need to be insulated?
• What is the best insulation material for pipes?
• Why you should bring in professionals to install insulation
• Get in touch

Insulating outdoor pipes is crucial to protect them from the elements, prevent them from freezing, and ensure they operate efficiently. It is recommended you always bring in thermal insulation engineers to insulate your property and pipework instead of attempting it yourself. 

Our team of thermal insulation experts have over 10 years of experience installing insulation in domestic and commercial properties. Our thermal insulation installation services can boost your property's energy efficiency, make it a more comfortable space, and even keep out unwanted noise. 

Read on to learn more about insulating outdoor pipes. 

The benefits of insulating outdoor pipes

Insulating your outdoor pipes is key to shielding them from freezing temperatures and protecting them against bursting. It can also help them conserve heat which can lead to significant savings on energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint. 

Insulated outdoor pipes are protected against impact, abrasion, and UV light, too. This helps the pipes last longer so you do not have to replace them regularly and can avoid the disruption caused by breakages. You can learn more about the benefits of thermal insulation here. 

Which pipes need to be insulated?

All outdoor pipelines that carry water should ideally be insulated. However, pipes that are exposed to the elements or located in unheated spaces should be prioritised. These include:

• Pipes located on, through, or near exterior walls
• Pipework running through unheated spaces such as garages or basements
• Air conditioning lines outside of the building
• Hoses or irrigation systems directly exposed to open air

What is the best insulation material for pipes?

When selecting an appropriate insulation material, you must consider durability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. The most popular types include foam rubber, fibreglass, and polyethylene foam. Each has its advantages so you should consult with a professional to determine what suits your needs best.

Rubber pipe insulation

Rubber provides excellent thermal resistance, effectively retaining heat within pipes. It also offers superior protection against the elements due to its waterproof nature and resilience against UV rays and ozone degradation. 

It can even reduce noise from vibrating pipelines which is often caused by running water or HVAC systems operating under high pressure. Its vibration-dampening qualities contribute not only towards a quieter environment but reduce stress on connections, extending pipes' service life, too.

Fibreglass insulation

Fibreglass is a popular choice due to its thermal resistance and affordability. It hinders the movement of heat and is an ideal option for hot and cold water pipes. Fibreglass sleeves can be easily wrapped around pipes but require careful handling because of the dangers associated with the material. 

This material's effectiveness depends on its thickness, too. Thermal insulation engineers will be able to select an appropriate size for your pipe without compressing the material. Compression can decrease the air space within the material and hamper its thermal resistance.

Polyethylene foam insulation

Polyethylene foam is a flexible, moisture-resistant material that is ideal for outdoor conditions where exposure to dampness might degrade other types of insulation quickly. During the summer, this dense foam can also ward off condensation on cold water pipes while in the winter, it can protect them from freezing.

You can learn more about different thermal insulation materials in this blog. 

Why you should bring in professionals to install insulation

Although many of these insulation materials are simple to install, leaving it to professionals ensures that your outdoor pipe insulation meets industry standards. It also offers a number of other advantages:

• A thorough assessment by experts determines exactly what type of insulation material best suits specific sections of your piping system based on exposure levels and environmental conditions
• They will have access to high-quality insulation materials so you can be sure your solution will be effective and bespoke to your needs
• Professionals can guarantee an optimal balance between protection from external factors like temperature fluctuations without compromising pipe functionality
• An experienced team will ensure a proper fitting, leaving no gaps or loosely fitted segments where heat could escape or frost could penetrate
• They can install the insulation outside of your operating hours to minimise disruption to your business
• Engineers will follow all health and safety regulations, saving you from putting yourself at risk of injury during a DIY installation

Get in touch

We offer our thermal insulation installation services nationwide. Our fully trained operatives are available 365 days a year and can provide our services at a time convenient to you. 

To book your insulation installation, speak to our team by calling 020 3376 4802 or emailing [email protected].