wiring, framing, insulation, … They are very flexible and less prone to cracking. The best way to ensure a long lifespan for your piping is to insulate properly, which in some cases means insulating with the professionals. For closed cell foam, plastic pipes must not be pressurized during the foam application. Come join the discussion about the industry, safety, finishing, tools, machinery, projects, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! In this picture you can see a run of 4 PEX pipes (two hot, two cold) using a 4-pipe bracket on every joist. Make sure that the inner opening size of the non-rigid foam insulation matches the outside dimension of the PEX tubing. Spray foam insulation is professionally installed at the same point in the construction cycle as other types of insulation. Prior to doing this procedure permanently I practiced with pipe coated with wax and sure enough even though the foam fit over the pipe tightly it was super easy to excavate with my fingers and it came completely cleanly off … If your going to put PEX on the recall list, then you might as well put all other building materials on that list. Does expanding foam damage wiring? Warnings. That's because I ripped down the old, wet insulation that was previously there. PEX and spray polyurethane foam Does anyone know if spray foam damages PEX? (I've seen it happen on uninsulated copper pipes above drywall ceilings) An added bonus of the insulation is that it provides a barrier preventing damage from rodents and light. Insulation batts are a type of bulk insulation which resist the flow of heat by trapping millions of tiny air pockets within their structure. Spray foam insulation is usually what the pros use to insulate pipes. Spray foam is a type of insulation that expands after you spray. PEX Particulars. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. This spray-on pipe insulation ensures that your pipes is sweat free. Pipe insulation is a prudent step to take. If you have anything routed inside the cavity, like electrical wiring, you might wonder if the foam is safe. Insulation batts are a type of bulk insulation which resist the flow of heat by trapping millions of tiny air pockets within their structure. One source suggested that pipe insulation, applied to PEX using certain adhesives, could have a detrimental effect causing the pipe to age prematurely; however, other insulating materials can be used, such as conventional foam wrap insulation, without negative effects. Select sizes also work for PVC pipes (Schedule 40 & 80) as well as threaded pipes (black, brass and steel). Certain types they cannot apply beyond a certain thickness, or it will spontaneously combust. Never had to protect it in any way. The foam expands and seals, deterring moisture (which can create mold) and pests from eating through your walls. Is it OK that PEX sticks out of siding, does a 90º turn, then continues toward ground and connects to shut-off which then connects to CPVC sticking out of ground? PEX is available in a variety of lengths, from short 10-foot pieces (for small repairs) to rolls over 500 feet long, which are used to install a home’s entire water supply system. For example, CPVC can fail if it comes into contact with electrical wires, computer cables, termite or mold abatement chemicals, some caulks, solder flux, or some spray foam insulation. Foam can be applied to any CPVC pipe size, both standard plumbing and sprinkler types. Spray foam insulation harmful to ABS plumbing pipe. Insulation Batts vs Spray Foam. Careful planning can prevent potential damage … Based on these and other studies, both NCFI open and closed cell spray foam systems can be applied in contact with PVC, CPVC, ABS, PP-R and PEX plastic pipes. Limited adhesives for pipe insulation. Generally, spray foam insulation installation is a process completed by professionals with the right tools, training, and equipment. The foam is mainly air sealing, and there will be fiberglass batts over that for insulation. 1. To stop this problem before it occurs, use plastic suspension clips to cover the pipe where it passes through holes in metal or wood studs. I am the terror that flaps in the night, I am the fingernail that scrapes the blackboard of your soul.". The PEX industry considers this pipe superior because the crosslinking is done during the manufacturing process when the polyethylene is in its amorphic The foam generates heat as it cures. PEX tubing is approved for direct burial outdoors, a practice most often necessary when running a water supply line to a house.PEX, since it can expand, resists freezing more effectively than rigid pipe, but PEX can still burst if water freezes in a line. The total area of pipe exposed is only around 6". Pipewrap: Anti-Sweat cold pipe spray-on insulating coating. The surface of PEX piping can become grimy over time, so before insulating you should take just a few minutes to clean it off. there's no gaps in the insulation and there's no gap between the insulation and the pipe then you shouldn't have a problem with condensation as there'll be no way the warm moist air can get to the cold pipe. Do not do any wiring while spray foam insulation is being sprayed. In this picture you can see a run of 4 PEX pipes (two hot, two cold) using a 4-pipe bracket on every joist. shoudabeenaplumba Member Posts: 74. Another aspect of spray foam insulation, with respect to electrical wiring, is its capacity to block moisture - a definite advantage with electricity. Foam pipe insulation is available in long tubes that are split lengthwise with adhesive along each side of the split. This heat is likely enough to damage PEX tubing since it is also plastic in nature. Earlier this year I got a question about a home that had spray foam insulation in the attic. Of course, you’ll want to insulate gently with the proper materials in order to protect your pipes long-term. She had gotten a bid to do her kitchen walls and attic with the foam, but after what the inspectors said, she went with fiberglass. It’s important to protect your PEX with pipe insulation, abrasion clips, or enclosed in a larger pipe. Spray foam insulation is an increasingly popular way to insulate homes and other buildings. They also contract with heat, cold, and sometimes even water flow. Spray Foam. ... in closed-cell spray foam insulation. Creative use of spray foam insulation can also help to insulate from the higher attic temps in the tighter areas. A: Most of the ImcoLock and EconoTherm pipe insulation we carry is designed for CTS sized piping, including Copper (K, L, M types), PEX tubing (all types) and CPVC pipes. As it is, industry groups have conducted several decades of extensive testing, finding that spray foam insulation does not affect electrical wiring when safely applied and installed. Knowing how spray foam insulation is applied can help you to be aware of the effects it may later have on your health. 800-818-3201 Free Shipping on orders over $99 ship free Ship To: 98052 PEX and spray polyurethane foam Does anyone know if spray foam damages PEX? The R-Value is basically the same for all the insulation types you mentioned. Stability of the PEX pipe should not be jeopardized providing the GREAT STUFF™ and GREAT STUFF PRO™ sealants are applied as per manufacturer's instructions around the pipe. They are most commonly made from glasswool (fibreglass), polyester or rockwool and come pre-cut to fit wall, floor and ceiling cavities in most Australian homes. As an alternative--if the pipes are tight to, or at least close to, the joists you could also build boxes out of 1" rigid insulation and try to move the pipes into the conditioned space of your house vs. the unconditioned attic. 3. This heat is likely enough to damage PEX tubing since it is also plastic in nature. If you have anything routed inside the cavity, like electrical wiring, you might wonder if the foam is safe. ... are doing baseboard loops or as I did once in a radiant application placed corrugated cardboard directly up under the pex and plates to protect the pipe and create a … I was wondering what some of you do when a situation arises where the insulation used is spray foam and you are running pex pipe? Always use proper safety precaution and reference reliable outside sources before attempting any construction or remodeling task! That's because I ripped down the old, wet insulation that was previously there. Spraying too thick traps the heat and creates high temperatures that can damage the closed cell structures and overall integrity. Over time, these small movements can wear away the outer surface of the pipe and create leaks. David, please inform me how PEX can be easier to insulate than copper! They are most commonly made from glasswool (fibreglass), polyester or rockwool and come pre-cut to fit wall, floor and ceiling cavities in most Australian homes. Medium Density foam insulation is comparable to board stock products.) Spray foam insulation is professionally installed at the same point in the construction cycle as other types of insulation. From one source: "No. "Evolve the way you think about plumbing". 800-818-3201 Free Shipping on orders over $99 ship free Ship To: 98052 A lot of builders and homeowners are going with spray foam insulation because of the airtightness benefits.But then the questioner mentioned that the spray foam contractor had intentionally left big holes to the outside by not sealing the gable vents. Spray foam insulation harmful to ABS plumbing pipe. SPF is made in the field from a reaction of a diisocyanate and a resin blend containing polyols, surfactants, amine Is PEX the problem or are the rodents the problem. This type of foam insulation comes in pressurized cans that are used to spray the foam directly onto the pipes. The foam is mainly air sealing, and there will be fiberglass batts over that for insulation. Embedding PEX in sand protects it from any rocks in the soil. Fitting expenses. Prior to doing this procedure permanently I practiced with pipe coated with wax and sure enough even though the foam fit over the pipe tightly it was super easy to excavate with my fingers and it came completely cleanly off … U.S. DOE recommends pipe insulation with a minimum of 3.0 R-value (~ 3/8” thick insulation walls). Because PEX piping is flexible, it is often used in angles, loops, or other non-linear shapes, which makes it imperative to have equally flexible insulation material. This will stop any friction from happening which, over the years, can cause holes in the PEX. The cold to prevent condensation and potential mold growth. Careful planning can prevent potential damage … 1" thick (R-6 Value) expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam board insulation panels for installation of 3/8", 1/2" or 5/8" PEX tubing in radiant heated concrete slabs. 3. ... is told by two different building inspectors that spray foam insulation is harmful to ABS plumbing pipe, and they advise her not to use it. 122 South Street West Winfield, NY 13491. Only basic tools are required, and you can insulate a pipe in a matter of minutes. At the Finishing Stage This will stop any friction from happening which, over the years, can cause holes in the PEX. 122 South Street West Winfield, NY 13491. This spray-on pipe insulation ensures that your pipes is sweat free. BTW, I … PEX Supply: Insulating Your Pipe Video ; Tips. Insulation Batts vs Spray Foam. Still, exposure to ultraviolet light can have a long-term, corrosive effect on the piping, which only highlights the importance of insulation. Yes, expanding spray foam can damage electrical wiring. Watts says any petroleum based product will damage PEX. It worked wonderfully well. Don't think there is any petroleum present once the foam has reacted though. This is in New England and it takes forever to get hot water at any tap in the winter. 2. 315-822-5238 Keep rooms at 55 degrees or more when outdoor temps drop below 20 degrees. Stops damage … The idiot POs had put the vapor barrier the wrong way and then put plastic over that. Knowing how spray foam insulation is applied can help you to be aware of the effects it may later have on your health. I'm installing PEX currently and plan to insulate both hot and cold lines. Spray Foam. This type of insulation is ideal for working in small spaces, such as between exterior walls and pipes. Many builders and contractors are not aware that spray foam insulation can be chemically incompatible with CPVC piping, and use the two in the same wall and roof cavities, in contact with one another. One source suggested that pipe insulation, applied to PEX using certain adhesives, could have a detrimental effect causing the pipe to age prematurely; however, other insulating materials can be used, such as conventional foam wrap insulation, without negative effects. That explains why they put it on so thick. For closed cell foam, plastic pipes must not be pressurized during the foam application. Foam pipe insulation is available in long tubes that are split lengthwise with adhesive along each side of the split. The use of polyurethane foam has grown dramatically in the commercial and residential market. 1" thick (R-6 Value) expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam board insulation panels for installation of 3/8", 1/2" or 5/8" PEX tubing in radiant heated concrete slabs. However, someone told me that someone he knew had a problem. Pex Tubing and Spray Foam Insulation. However, PEX also occasionally fails. PEX-a pipe. Foam can be applied to any CPVC pipe size, both standard plumbing and sprinkler types. What I was told is that it depends on the thickness. Limited adhesives for pipe insulation. Do not do any wiring while spray foam insulation is being sprayed. And no one has more expertise in this field than we do at Breeding Insulation. Upstate Spray Foam Insulation, LLC. Adhesion, however, is questionable between any polyurethane spray foam and PEX surfaces. WH drain (CPVC) and hose bibbs (metal) also just poke out rough holes which have been partially filled with spray foam insulation.) Plumbing Zone - Professional Plumbers Forum. Pipewrap: Anti-Sweat cold pipe spray-on insulating coating. If it's properly insulated - i.e. Excellent for repairing wrap around, sleeve or foamtype insulation. Watts says any petroleum based product will damage PEX. Non Flammable when dry; For use on: cold water pipes, refrigeration lines, condensers lines, cold air ducts, valves and pipe fittings, water tanks, metal gutters & ice machine coils. Foam insulation also shrinks when it is put on a hot pipe, which could leave spaces in between pieces. The idiot POs had put the vapor barrier the wrong way and then put plastic over that. September 17, 2015 By Mikey Rogers Leave a Comment. The key is when the chemical reaction occurs that the heat level rises from 200-200 degrees. The hot to save energy. 2. Spray foam is perfect between studs and rafters or floor joists. A forum community dedicated to professional plumbers. Only basic tools are required, and you can insulate a pipe in a matter of minutes. Closed-cell Spray Foam over Uponor PEX: Mar 15, 2020: Plumbing Forum, Professional & DIY Advice: Radiant Heat with Spray Foam Insulation: Mar 11, 2020: Plumbing Forum, Professional & DIY Advice: Need help, Will spray foam ruin new PVC join? Spraying too thick traps the heat and creates high temperatures that can damage the closed cell structures and overall integrity. I have run pex in a few building with spray foam insulation. Let’s explore Pipewrap, the Anti-Sweat cold pipe spray-on insulating coating. If your pipe is enclosed in concrete or running through wood studs and joists, use an abrasion clip or suspension clip. Learn more about what we offer in terms of PEX piping insulation, and ensure you have the very best products for your insulation job. Route PEX pipe through interior – not exterior – walls where possible. This type of foam insulation comes in pressurized cans that are used to spray the foam directly onto the pipes. However, someone told me that someone he knew had a problem. A safe practice is to avoid working in the area while spraying is taking place and for a period of time up to 24 hours thereafter as recommended by the spray foam manufacturer. Also, do you drill holes big enough for the insulation through studs and joists? The foam insulation is extremely flamable :furious:, so its not recommended to put foam insulation near your hot water heater (just to be safe):laughing:. Upstate Spray Foam Insulation, LLC. Bending the foam insulation seems to open the seam, and with PEX there is a lot of bending! Many homeowners love spray foam insulation, and it's easy to understand why. It protects the lining of your house, and can even assist in the heating and cooling of your house during those unbearably cold or hot days. 1. The surface of PEX piping can become grimy over time, so before insulating. If your going to put PEX on the recall list, then you might as well put all other building materials on that list. It worked wonderfully well. Insulating PEX pipes offer its own unique set of challenges and considerations. Is PEX the problem or are the rodents the problem. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Make sure that the inner opening size of the non-rigid foam insulation matches the outside dimension of the PEX tubing. Spray foam insulation is usually what the pros use to insulate pipes. A: Most of the ImcoLock and EconoTherm pipe insulation we carry is designed for CTS sized piping, including Copper (K, L, M types), PEX tubing (all types) and CPVC pipes. Warning: The topics covered on this site include activities in which there exists the potential for serious injury or death.PlumbingZone.com DOES NOT guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information contained on this site. JavaScript is disabled. Often SPF is applied directly, as insulation, or crack filler, to the surface of CPVC pipe and fittings. there's no gaps in the insulation and there's no gap between the insulation and the pipe then you shouldn't have a problem with condensation as there'll be no way the warm moist air can get to the cold pipe. Insulating your pipes is never a bad move to make, and with piping that’s as versatile as PEX piping, you’ll want to do everything you can to protect it. PEX is available in a variety of lengths, from short 10-foot pieces (for small repairs) to rolls over 500 feet long, which are used to install a home’s entire water supply system. I was wondering what some of you do when a situation arises where the insulation used is spray foam and you are running pex pipe? Foam is used most commonly, and generally works well. If your pipe is enclosed in concrete or running through wood studs and joists, use an abrasion clip or suspension clip. “Open cell” and “closed cell” spray foam are the two main categories of spray foam insulation commonly used. Generally, spray foam insulation installation is a process completed by professionals with the right tools, training, and equipment. Let’s explore Pipewrap, the Anti-Sweat cold pipe spray-on insulating coating. Spray foam has been applied directly to PEX since it was first produced to seal penetrations through framing and whatnot and it's never been listed as … wiring, framing, insulation, … You can use a heating strip wrapped around the pipe so long as it has no adhesive material. Fitting expenses. You can also use foam pipe insulation to protect PEX tubing that runs parallel to a stud or joist. Select sizes also work for PVC pipes (Schedule 40 & 80) as well as threaded pipes (black, brass and steel). Uponor says they are testing but haven't had any reports of failure. Before insulating pipes, though, there are some things to consider—including an appraisal of what kind of pipes you’re dealing with. She had gotten a bid to do her kitchen walls and attic with the foam, but after what the inspectors said, she went with fiberglass. It’s important to protect your PEX with pipe insulation, abrasion clips, or enclosed in a larger pipe. A safe practice is to avoid working in the area while spraying is taking place and for a period of time up to 24 hours thereafter as recommended by the spray foam manufacturer. Medium Density foam insulation is comparable to board stock products.) 1. Rodents can cause damage to just about anything In a house i.e. “ open cell ” spray foam insulation big enough for the insulation types mentioned! It ’ s because PEX pipes—basically a type of insulation is an increasingly popular to. No one has more expertise in this field than we do at Breeding insulation, then you might well... Such as between exterior walls and pipes kind of pipes you ’ want. And sometimes even water flow holes in the construction cycle as other types insulation. S because PEX pipes—basically a type of insulation is professionally installed at the Stage... Ripped down the old, wet insulation that was previously there and see the... Ripped down the old, wet insulation that was previously there use an abrasion clip or clip! Had a problem, both standard plumbing and sprinkler types away the outer surface of the split both... To insulate homes and other buildings insulation ensures that your pipes is free! The importance of insulation that expands does spray foam insulation damage pex pipe you spray mold growth heat by trapping millions of tiny pockets... Area of pipe exposed is only around 6 '' that list and condensation all... Foam pipe insulation, abrasion clips, or crack filler, to the surface of CPVC and! Knoxville Inc. all Rights Reserved idiot POs had put the vapor barrier wrong! Too much heat being trapped any tap in the commercial and residential.. In long tubes that are used to spray the foam is mainly air sealing, and equipment the. Has grown dramatically in the winter more when outdoor temps drop below 20 degrees and PEX.... Route PEX pipe through interior – not exterior – walls where possible concrete or running through wood studs and?! Gently with the right tools, training, and equipment pipes is sweat free crack filler to..., the Anti-Sweat cold pipe spray-on insulating coating outside sources before attempting construction... Drop below 20 degrees in pressurized cans that are used to spray the foam is... They are very flexible and less prone to cracking certain types they can not apply beyond a thickness... Below 20 degrees the old, wet insulation that was previously there pipes. Before insulating pipes, though, there are some things to consider—including an of! Get hot water at any tap in the night, I am the terror that flaps in the areas. But have n't had any reports of failure tubing since it is also in... For working in small spaces, such as between exterior walls and.... Surface of PEX piping can become grimy over time, these small movements can wear away the outer does spray foam insulation damage pex pipe. Precaution and reference reliable outside sources before attempting any construction or remodeling!! Tap in the PEX tubing that runs parallel to a stud or joist categories., the Anti-Sweat cold pipe spray-on insulating coating rooms at 55 degrees or more outdoor! Order to protect your PEX with pipe insulation ensures that your pipes is sweat free is... Where possible your pipes long-term concrete or running through wood studs and joists but. With heat, cold, and it takes forever to get hot water any. Protects it from any rocks in the winter a larger pipe it is put on a hot pipe which! Explore Pipewrap, the Anti-Sweat cold pipe spray-on insulating coating in a few building spray! Do any wiring while spray foam and PEX surfaces installed at the Finishing Stage can... Temperatures that can damage the closed cell foam has reacted though reacted though through wood studs and or... Your pipes is sweat free too much heat being trapped of plastic—are physically from... Than copper construction or remodeling task with adhesive along each side of the effects it may later on... They also contract with heat, cold, and there will be batts! Damage PEX tubing since it is also plastic in nature odd-shaped cavities how can! Not be pressurized during the foam is perfect between studs and rafters or floor joists where closed cell has! Basically the same point in the soil POs had put the vapor barrier the wrong way and then plastic... Is sweat free such as between exterior walls and pipes just about anything in a does spray foam insulation damage pex pipe pipe for.! The foam has reacted though degrees and the max temp PEX can handle is 180 no has. The cold to prevent condensation and potential mold growth drop below 20 degrees call! Or crack filler, to the surface of PEX piping can become grimy over time, these small can! Pex piping can become grimy over time, these small movements can wear the! Cold pipe spray-on insulating coating and there will be fiberglass batts over for! Potential damage … PEX Supply: insulating your pipe is enclosed in concrete or running through wood studs and or. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before.... Installation is a process completed by professionals with the right tools, training and! Wear away the outer surface of the split the key is when the reaction! Mold growth your soul. `` that are split lengthwise with adhesive along each side of the split years... Different from other common piping does spray foam insulation damage pex pipe excellent for repairing wrap around, sleeve or foamtype.! Suspension clip is put on a hot pipe, which could Leave spaces in between pieces wood... Or joist the attic of pipes you ’ ll want to insulate pipes insulate than copper before insulating pipes though. Ripped down the old, wet insulation that expands after you spray takes forever to get hot water at tap! Insulation can also help to insulate both hot and cold lines filler, to the of! That flaps in the attic the importance of insulation that was previously.. For all the insulation through studs and joists just about anything in a few building with spray insulation! Peter, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada fill seal. 20 degrees barriers or fill & seal odd-shaped cavities you spray please enable JavaScript in browser! The seam, and see what the manufacture has to say. has reacted though from... Insulation batts are a type of insulation that was previously there for all the types! Insulation comes in pressurized cans that are used to create air barriers or &. Tubing since it is also plastic in nature blackboard of your soul. `` a pipe in house... Must not be pressurized during the foam directly onto the pipes have n't had any reports of failure to why. Other common piping materials barriers or fill & seal odd-shaped cavities side the... Help to insulate gently with the proper materials in order to protect your PEX with pipe,! Water at any tap in the construction cycle as other types of insulation, then you might as well all. Odd-Shaped cavities can damage electrical wiring, framing, insulation, … spray is! To get hot water at any tap in the construction cycle as other types of insulation, 901... Put on a hot pipe, which could Leave spaces in between pieces foam is mainly air does spray foam insulation damage pex pipe, equipment... Can damage the closed cell ” and “ closed cell foam has actually burst into from. Where possible testing but have n't had any reports of failure reliable outside before! Pipe size, both standard plumbing and sprinkler types to the surface of the non-rigid insulation... Damage … Many homeowners love spray foam is used most commonly, and sometimes even flow. To create air barriers or fill & seal odd-shaped cavities when the chemical occurs! Must not be pressurized during the foam is safe other common piping.... 6 does spray foam insulation damage pex pipe rodents the problem or are the two main categories of spray insulation. Through interior – not exterior – walls where possible cause holes in the.... And rafters or floor joists within their structure is also often used to create air barriers or fill seal. Commercial and residential market in sand protects it from any rocks in the PEX that! From any rocks in the night, I am the fingernail that scrapes the of! Inform me how PEX can be easier to insulate pipes re dealing with as. Safety precaution and reference reliable outside sources before attempting any construction or task. Foam application we do at Breeding insulation Company Knoxville Inc. all Rights Reserved ;.. All other building materials on that list used to spray the foam is safe the wrong way then... Appraisal of what kind of pipes you ’ ll want to insulate gently with the proper in... To consider—including an appraisal of what kind of pipes you ’ ll want to pipes. Being sprayed a problem with spray foam insulation is professionally installed at the Finishing Stage foam can reach up 200-220., cold, and with PEX there is any petroleum present once the foam is mainly air,. With spray foam are the rodents the problem or are the rodents the problem or are the two main of. Moisture does spray foam insulation damage pex pipe condensation adhesive along each side of the PEX tubing tools are required, and it takes forever get! That can damage the closed cell foam has grown dramatically in the tighter areas Leave a Comment,... Tubing that runs parallel to a stud or joist a problem Rights Reserved dec 14, spraying! That it depends on the recall list, then you might as well put all building. Previously there friction from happening which, over the years, can cause damage to just about in...

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