Heating Help

Insulating pipes

I have steam heat and I am planning on insulating the pipes in the basement.  How thick should the insulation be.

Thank you for your help.

Stuart

Insulation

Hi- Generally 1 inch or 1 1/2 seems to be the most popular. ther was a very good discussion on insulation about a month back
http://www.heatinghelp.com/forum-thread/131152/Insulation-thickness-recommendation-needed
Here also is an article of Dan's on insulation which you may find interesting
http://www.heatinghelp.com/article/11/Hot-Tech-Tips/300/Why-you-should-insulate-steam-pipes

Beware

If you look through the links that Rod kindly included above, you'll see that the effectiveness of steam pipe insulation isn't very good under one inch. 

So stay clear of that 1/2" that Home Depot sells.  Go for the 1" which you can purchase on line if you can't find a good wholesaler.  You'll get probably a four year payback on your investment.

Both the suppliers below sell the Fiberglas 3-foot pipe wrap as well as the PVC fitting covers. 

We use these guys who mail it out rather quickly:
http://store03.prostores.com/servlet/buyinsulationproducts/the-457/Fiberglass-Pipe-Insulation-Pipe/Detail

Another mail order place that looks good is Express Insulation, but I can't get there link to post properly here.  They'll come up in a Google search though.

FB

1" thick fiberglass is adequate