Moisture is the number one enemy of any insulating material. With a k-factor 10 to 20 times greater than most insulations, water can raise an insulation's k-factor and lower its long-term insulating effectiveness. That's why it's vital to choose a moisture-resistant insulation material.
Absorbent insulation materials can become saturated and add weight to the line, making the system work harder and less efficiently. Penetrating moisture can also increase the potential for mold and mildew growth and contribute to corrosion and physical destruction of the system.
While a quality vapor retarder is the first line of defense against moisture intrusion in a pipe insulation system, an insulation with low water absorption and low water vapor permeability provides a temporary second line of defense and can buy valuable time to repair the system if the primary vapor retarder fails.
Due to their closed-cell structure, Trymer® Insulation and Extruded Polystyrene Pipe Insulation Billet (XPS PIB) from ITW Insulation Systems are resistant to water and water vapor, making them superior insulation material choices, even in high-humidity environments.
Trymer pipe insulation features low water absorption of 0.2 percent to 0.6 percent by volume, per ASTM C272, and low permeabilities from 1.1 perms-inch to 4 perms-inch (1.6 ng/Pa.s.m to 5.8 ng/Pa.s.m), per ASTM E96. (Permeability varies by product.)
XPS PIB features low water absorption of 0.5 percent by volume, per ASTM 272, and low permeability of 1.5 perms-inch (2.2 ng/Pa.s.m), per ASTM E96.
Browse Products to find a Trymer Insulation or extruded polystyrene pipe insulation product to meet your project specifications.
