Pipe Insulation Crawl Space Safety Procedures

Insulation R-Value

• R-value describes how well an insulation material preserves heat. According to a publication from the Bonneville Power Administration, you should always use sleeve insulation with a “performed” R-value of R-3 or higher for pipes. Ideally, you should use the highest R-value possible. However, the higher the R-value, the thicker the pipe, and you must leave clearance between pipe insulation and walls, ceilings, floors and hazards such as electrical and fire hazards. Check local building codes for clearance specifications in your area and measure insulation before buying it to ensure that it conforms to code. Installing inadequate insulation won't work and you risk numerous safety hazards, such as flooding and ruptured pipes.

Insulation Materials

• Always buy insulation materials designed specifically for pipes. Several manufacturers produce sleeve insulation designed for use with pipes. This insulation wraps around the pipes and is usually made from foam. Using insulation you already own might be a tempting idea to saving money and time, but some types of insulation are flammable. Never use any type of insulation designed for use in floors or walls, which commonly contain flammable elements, with crawl space pipes, or any other conduit for heat. When buying insulation for your pipe, check its heat rating -- the temperatures it can withstand -- and compare that to the temperature of your pipes.

Protecting Yourself

• Always wear appropriate protective gear when working with hot pipes and in crawl spaces. This includes heavy work gloves suited to protecting you from the heat of pipes and clothing that covers your arms completely. Optional gear such as a facemask and goggles can help protect your respiratory system and eyes from dust, pollen, dirt and other detritus floating around in your crawl space. Kneepads, though unnecessary, help lessen the strain of kneeling for long periods on your crawl space floor while installing insulation.

Alternatives to Pipe Insulation

• Rather than insulating your pipes to protect them against freezing, you can insulate your entire crawl space. You can either insulate the floors above and below the crawl space or insulate the walls of the crawl space. If enough clearance exists between your pipes and walls or floors -- check local building codes for specifications -- these methods of insulation keep insulating materials away from your pipes, diminishing the risk of fire. Massachusetts Home Inspects, a certified home inspection agency, recommends wall or floor insulation over pipe insulation. Keeping your entire crawls space warm protects against problems such as freezing condensation, which can damage the frame of your home.