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Tape for pipe insulation

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siricosm

siricosm

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Does anyone have recommendations for tape to seal the seams in foam pipe insulation? Most tape seems to get brittle over time and lose its stickiness and lets go.

Also does anyone know of a foam pipe wrap? There are a lot of spots around pipe clamps, valves, pumps, etc. that cannot be covered. All I can find online is something that looks like bubblewrap with foil on both sides. It works great, but it is very flammable (found that out soldering one day). Some kind of wrap like that but made with a fire retardant foam would probably work great. Any other suggestions?
 
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Arma flex make sheet insulation and foam tape
 
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To seal seams in foam pipe insulation, try using foil tape or heavy-duty duct tape for better strength. You can also use special insulation tape or PVC electrical tape for moisture protection.

For foam pipe wraps, look for fire-resistant foam wrap or fiberglass insulation for high heat. Mineral wool is another safe choice, and self-adhesive fire-resistant tape can help cover gaps. Always check the product labels to ensure they meet your safety and insulation needs.
 
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Check the manufacturer's specification sheet for the insulation. This will specify the correct tape to use for sealing joints and also the applications it can be used for. For example, insulation for hot pipes is not the same as insulation for cold pipes. Different types are needed for indoor / outdoor / underground duty. And you've already discovered that they differ in fire retardancy.
 
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I was using generic closed cell foam insulation from Screwfix, the grey stuff with a slit in it 13mm thick. I don't have room in a lot of places for much thicker. All the duct tape I have seen dries out after a few years and falls off, I can't imagine that people can actually use it to seal ducts. I'll try the arma-flex foam. Reviews say it is super sticky, and good for insulating around valves and clamps, so maybe can do both.

FWIW, the foil I tried fall off very quickly anywhere there was any tension on it, but it seemed to stay on in areas where it did stick. But that was only after a couple of years.
 
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