SECTION 2

INSULATION MATERIALS AND PROPERTIES

SECTION 2:

INSULATION MATERIALS AND PROPERTIES

2.1

DEFINITION OF INSULATION

2.2

GENERIC TYPES AND FORMS OF INSULATION

2.3

PROPERTIES OF INSULATION

2.4

MAJOR INSULATION MATERIALS

2.5

PROTECTIVE COVERINGS AND FINISHES

2.6

PROPERTIES OF PROTECTIVE COVERINGS

2.7

ACCESSORIES

2.8

SUMMARY - INSULATION MATERIALS AND APPLICATION

WITHIN THE GENERAL TEMPERATURE RANGES

2.9

INSULATION AND JACKET MATERIAL TABLES

11

MP-0

SECTION 2
INSULATION MATERIALS AND PROPERTIES

SECTION 2
INSULATION MATERIALS AND PROPERTIES
2.1 DEFINITION OF INSULATION
Insulations are defined as those materials or combinations of materials which retard the flow of heat
energy by performing one or more of the following functions:
1.

Conserve energy by reducing heat loss or gain.

2.

Control surface temperatures for personnel protection and comfort.

3.

Facilitate temperature control of process.

4.

Prevent vapour flow and water condensation on cold surfaces.

5.

Increase operating efficiency of heating/ventilating/cooling, plumbing, steam, process and power

systems found in commercial and industrial installations.

6.

Prevent or reduce damage to equipment from exposure to fire or corrosive atmospheres.

7.

Assist mechanical systems in meeting criteria in food and cosmetic plants.

8.

Reduce emissions of pollutants to the atmosphere.

The temperature range within which the term "thermal insulation" will apply, is from -75C to 815C. All
applications below -75C are termed "cryogenic", and those above 815C are termed "refractory".
Thermal insulation is further divided into three general application temperature ranges as follows:

A.

LOW TEMPERATURE THERMAL INSULATION

1. From15C through 1C - i.e. Cold or chilled water.

2. 0C through -40C - i.e. Refrigeration or glycol.
3. -41C through -75C - i.e. Refrigeration or brine.
4. -76C through -273C (absolute zero) - i.e. Cryogenic. (Not addressed in this manual).

B.

INTERMEDIATE TEMPERATURE THERMAL INSULATION

1. 16C through 100C - i.e. Hot water and steam condensate.

2. 101C through 315C - i.e. Steam, high temperature hot water.

C. HIGH TEMPERATURE THERMAL INSULATION

1. 316C through 815C - i.e. Turbines, breechings, stacks, exhausts, incinerators, boilers.

2.2 GENERIC TYPES AND FORMS OF INSULATION

MP-1

SECTION 2
INSULATION MATERIALS AND PROPERTIES

Insulations will be discussed in this manual according to their generic types and forms. The type indicates
composition (i.e. glass, plastic) and internal structure (i.e. cellular, fibrous). The form implies overall
shape or application (i.e. board, blanket, pipe covering).

2.2.1 TYPES
1. Fibrous Insulation - composed of small diameter fibers which finely divide the air space. The fibers
may be perpendicular or parallel to the surface being insulated, and they may or may not be
bonded together. Silica, rock wool, slag wool and alumina silica fibers are used. The most widely
used insulations of this type are glass fiber and mineral wool. Glass fiber and mineral wool products
usually have their fibers bonded together with organic binders that supply the limited structural
integrity of the products.
2. Cellular Insulation - composed of small individual cells separated from each other. The cellular
material may be glass or foamed plastic such as polystyrene (closed cell), polyisocyanurate and
elastomeric.
3. Granular Insulation - composed of small nodules which may contain voids or hollow spaces. It is
not considered a true cellular material since gas can be transferred between the individual spaces.
This type may be produced as a loose or pourable material, or combined with a binder and fibers or
undergo a chemical reaction to make a rigid insulation. Examples of these insulations are calcium
silicate, expanded vermiculite, perlite, cellulose, diatomaceous earth and expanded polystyrene.

2.2.2 FORMS
Insulations are produced in a variety of forms suitable for specific functions and applications. The
combined form and type of insulation determine its proper method of installation. The forms most widely
used are:
1. Rigid boards, blocks, sheets, and pre-formed shapes such as pipe insulation, curved segments,
lagging etc. Cellular, granular, and fibrous insulations are produced in these forms.
2. Flexible sheets and pre-formed shapes. Cellular and fibrous insulations are produced in these
forms.
3. Flexible blankets. Fibrous insulations are produced in flexible blankets.
4. Cements (insulating and finishing). Produced from fibrous and granular insulations and cement,
they may be of the hydraulic setting or air drying type.
5. Foams. Poured or froth foam used to fill irregular areas and voids. Spray used for flat surfaces.

2.3 PROPERTIES OF INSULATION

Not all properties are significant for all materials or applications. Therefore, many are not included in
manufacturers' published literature or in the Table of Properties which follows this section. In some
applications, however, omitted properties may assume extreme importance (i.e. when insulations must
be compatible with chemically corrosive atmospheres.)
If the property is significant for an application and the measure of that property cannot be found in
manufacturers' literature, effort should be made to obtain the information directly from the manufacturer,
testing laboratory or insulation contractors association.
The following properties are referenced only according to their significance in meeting design criteria of
specific applications. More detailed definitions of the properties themselves can be found in the
Glossary.
MP-2

SECTION 2
INSULATION MATERIALS AND PROPERTIES

2.3.1

THERMAL PROPERTIES OF INSULATION

Thermal properties are the primary consideration in choosing insulations. Refer to the following
Glossary for definitions.
a. Temperature limits: Upper and lower temperatures within which the material must retain all its
properties.
b. Thermal conductance "C": The time rate of steady state heat flow through a unit area of a
material or construction induced by a unit temperature difference between the body surfaces.
c.

Thermal conductivity "K": The time rate of steady state heat flow through a unit area of a
homogeneous material induced by a unit temperature gradient in a direction perpendicular to that
unit area.

d. Emissivity "E": The emissivity of a material (usually written or e) is the relative ability of its
surface to emit energy by radiation. It is the ratio of energy radiated by a particular material to
energy radiated by a black body at the same temperature.
e. Thermal resistance "R": Resistance of a material to the flow of heat.
f.

Thermal transmittance "U": The overall conductance of heat flow through an "assembly".

2.3.2

MECHANICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF INSULATION

Properties other than thermal must be considered when choosing materials for specific applications.
Among them are:
a. Alkalinity (pH) or acidity: Significant when moisture is present. Also insulation must not
contribute to corrosion of the system. See Section 3.
b. Appearance: Important in exposed areas and for coding purposes.
c. Breaking load: In some installations the insulation material must "bridge" over a discontinuity in
its support. This factor is however most significant as a measure of resistance to abuse during
handling.
d. Capillarity: Must be considered when material may be in contact with liquids.
e. Chemical reaction: Potential fire hazards exist in areas where flammable chemicals are present.
Corrosion resistance must also be considered.
f. Chemical resistance: Significant when the atmosphere is salt or chemical laden and when pipe
content leaks.
g. Coefficient of expansion and contraction: Enters into the design and spacing of
expansion/contraction joints and/or use of multiple layer insulation applications.
h. Combustibility: One of the measures of a material's contribution to a fire hazard.
i. Compressive strength: Important if the insulation must support a load or withstand mechanical
abuse without crushing. If, however, cushioning or filling in space is needed as in
expansion/contraction joints, low compressive strength materials are specified.
j. Density: A material's density may affect other properties of that material, such as compressive
strength. The weight of the insulated system must be known in order to design the proper support.
MP-3

SECTION 2
INSULATION MATERIALS AND PROPERTIES

k. Dimensional stability: Significant when the material is exposed to temperature; expansion or

shrinkage of the insulation may occur resulting in stress cracking , voids, sagging or slump.
l. Fire retardancy: Flame spread and smoke developed ratings are of vital importance; referred to
as "surface burning characteristics".
m. Resistance to ultraviolet light: Significant if application is outdoors and high intensity indoors.
n. Resistance to fungal or bacterial growth: Is important in all insulation applications.
o. Shrinkage: Significant on applications involving cements and mastics.
p. Sound absorption coefficient: Must be considered when sound attenuation is required, as it is in
radio stations, some hospital areas where decibel reduction is required.
q. Sound transmission loss value: Significant when constructing a sound barrier.
r. Toxicity: Must be considered in the selection of all insulating materials.

2.4 MAJOR INSULATION MATERIALS

The following is a general inventory of the characteristics and properties of major insulation materials
used in commercial and industrial installations. See the Insulation Property Tables at the end of
Section 2 for a comparative review.

2.4.1

CALCIUM SILICATE
Calcium silicate insulation is composed principally of hydrous calcium silicate which usually
contains reinforcing fibers; it is available in molded and rigid forms. Service temperature range
covered is 35C to 815C. Flexural and compressive strength is good. Calcium silicate is water
absorbent. However, it can be dried out without deterioration. The material is non-combustible and
used primarily on hot piping and surfaces. Jacketing is field applied.

2.4.2

MINERAL FIBER

a. Glass: Available as flexible blanket, rigid board, pipe covering and other pre-molded shapes.
Service temperature range is -40C to 232C. Fibrous glass is neutral; however, the binder may
have a pH factor. The product is non-combustible and has good sound absorption qualities.
b. Rock and Slag: Rock and slag fibers are bonded together with a heat resistant binder to produce
mineral fiber or wool. Upper temperature limit can reach 1035C. The same organic binder used in
the production of glass fiber products is also used in the production of most mineral fiber products.
Mineral fiber products are non-combustible and have excellent fire properties.

2.4.3

CELLULAR GLASS
Available in board and block form capable of being fabricated into pipe covering and various
shapes. Service temperature range is -273C to 200C and to 650C in composite systems. Good
structural strength, poor impact resistance. Material is non-combustible, non-absorptive and
resistant to many chemicals.

2.4.4

EXPANDED SILICA, OR PERLITE

Insulation material composed of natural or expanded perlite ore to form a cellular structure; material
has a low shrinkage coefficient and is corrosion resistant; non-combustible, it is used in high and
intermediate temperature ranges. Available in pre-formed sections and blocks.

MP-4

SECTION 2
INSULATION MATERIALS AND PROPERTIES

2.4.5

ELASTOMERIC FOAM
Foamed resins combined with elastomers to produce a flexible cellular material. Available in preformed sections or sheets, Elastomeric insulation offer water and moisture resistance. Upper
temperature limit is 105 C . Product is resilient. Fire resistance should be taken in consideration.

2.4.6

FOAMED PLASTIC
Insulations produced from foaming plastic resins create predominately closed cellular rigid
materials. "K" values decline after initial use as the gas trapped within the cellular structure is
eventually replaced by air. Check manufacturers' data. Foamed plastics are light weight with
excellent cutting characteristics. The chemical content varies with each manufacturer. Available in
pre-formed shapes and boards, foamed plastics are generally used in the lower intermediate and
the entire low temperature ranges. Consideration should be made for fire retardancy of the
material.

2.4.7

REFRACTORY FIBER
Refractory Fiber insulations are mineral or ceramic fibers, including alumina and silica, bonded with
extremely high temperature inorganic binders, or a mechanical interlocking of fibers eliminates the
need for any binder. The material is manufactured in blanket or rigid form. Thermal shock
resistance is high. Temperature limits reach 1750C. The material is non-combustible.
The use and design of refractory range materials is an engineering art in its own right and is
not treated fully in this manual, although some refractory products can be installed using
application methods illustrated here.

2.4.8

INSULATING CEMENT

Insulating and finishing cements are a mixture of various insulating fibers and binders with water and
cement, to form a soft plastic mass for application on irregular surfaces. Insulation values are moderate.
Cements may be applied to high temperature surfaces. Finishing cements or one-coat cements are used
in the lower intermediate range and as a finish to other insulation applications. Check each manufacturer
for shrinkage and adhesion properties.

2.5 PROTECTIVE COVERINGS AND FINISHES

The efficiency and service of insulation is directly dependent upon its protection from moisture entry and
mechanical and chemical damage. Choices of jacketing and finish materials are based upon the
mechanical, chemical, thermal and moisture conditions of the installation, as well as cost and appearance
requirements.
Protective coverings are divided into six functional types.

2.5.1

WEATHER RETARDERS

The basic function of the weather-barrier is to prevent the entry of water, ice, snow or atmospheric
residue into the insulation. Sunlight and ozone can also damage certain insulations. Applications may be
either jacketing of metal or plastic, or a coating of weather-barrier mastic. Jacketing must be over-lapped
sufficiently to shed water. Avoid the use of plastic jacketing materials with low resistance to ultraviolet
rays unless protective measures are taken.

2.5.2

VAPOUR RETARDERS

Vapour retarders are designed to retard (slow down) the passage of moisture vapour from one side of its
surface to the other. Joints and overlaps must be sealed with a vapour tight adhesive or sealer

MP-5

SECTION 2
INSULATION MATERIALS AND PROPERTIES

free of pin holes or cracks. Vapour retarders take three forms:

a. Rigid jacketing - plastic fabricated jackets to the exact dimensions required and sealed vapour
retarding.
b. Membrane jacketing - laminated foils,treated or coated products and plastic films which are field or
factory applied to the insulation material. (Additional sealing beyond the factory seal may be
necessary depending on temperature/humidity conditions of the installation.)
c. Mastic applications - solvent types which provide a seamless coating but require time to dry.

2.5.3

MECHANICAL ABUSE COVERINGS

Rigid jacketing provides the strongest protection against mechanical abuse from personnel, equipment,
machinery, etc. The compressive strength of the insulation material should also be considered when
designing for mechanical protection.

2.5.4

CORROSION AND FIRE RESISTANT COVERINGS

a. Corrosion protection - can be applied to the insulation by the use of various jacket materials.
The corrosive atmosphere must be determined and a compatible material selected. Mastics may
be used in atmospheres that are damaging to jacket materials. (see Section 3).
b. Fire resistance - can be applied to insulation systems by the use of jacketing and/or mastics. Fire
resistant materials are determined by flame spread, smoke developed and combustibility. The
total systems should be considered when designing for fire resistance. (see Section 3).

2.5.5

APPEARANCE COVERINGS AND FINISHES

Various coatings, finishing cements, fitting covers and jackets are chosen primarily for their appearance
value in exposed areas.

2.5.6

HYGIENIC COVERINGS

Coatings and jackets must present a smooth surface which resists fungal or bacterial growth in all areas.
High temperature steam or high pressure water wash down conditions require jackets with high
mechanical strength and temperature ranges. (see Section 3).

2.6 PROPERTIES OF PROTECTIVE COVERINGS

The properties of jacketing and mastic materials that must be considered to meet the aforementioned
functions are:

2.6.1

Chemical Compatibility
The chemical make-up of coverings must be compatible with the insulation material over which
they are applied, as well as resistant to elements in the environment such as industrial chemicals,
salt, air and ultraviolet or infrared light.

2.6.2

Resistance to Internal and External Movement

This property is significant if the covering must absorb or compensate for thermal expansion and
contraction of the insulation it covers (i.e. shrinkage of high temperature insulation ) or if the system
vibration must be considered.
MP-6

SECTION 2
INSULATION MATERIALS AND PROPERTIES

2.6.3

Temperature Range of the Finish or Covering

The temperature range must be compatible with the surface temperature of the insulation surface.

2.6.4

Vapour Permeability
Permeability should be considered for below ambient or dual temperature systems. The covering
should significantly reduce the passage of moisture through the insulation.

2.6.5

Fire Retardancy
Flame spread and smoke developed ratings are of vital importance.

2.7 ACCESSORIES
The term "accessories" is applied to devices or materials serving one or more of the following functions:
1.

Securement of insulation and/or jacketing

2.

Reinforcement for cement or mastic applications

3.

Stiffening around structures which may not support the weight of high density insulations

4.

Support (pipe, vessel and insulation)

5.

Sealing and caulking

6.

Water flashing

7.

Compensation for expansion/contraction of piping and vessels

Improper design or application in one or more of these accessories is a significant factor in the failure of
insulation systems.
Securements: As most insulations are not structural materials they must be supported, secured, fastened
or bonded in place. Securements must be compatible with insulation and jacketing materials. Possible
choices include:
a. Studs and pins
b. Staples, serrated fasteners, rivets and screws
c. Clips
d. Wire or straps
e. Self-adhering laps
f. Tape*
g. Adhesives*
h. Mastics*
*Ambient temperature, humidity conditions and substrate surface cleanliness affects the efficiency of
MP-7

SECTION 2
INSULATION MATERIALS AND PROPERTIES

tapes and adhesives and mastics on certain installations. Check the properties of temperature range and
vapour permeability before choosing adhesives. And, wherever possible, use mechanical securements.
Reinforcement for cements and mastics: Mastics and cements should be reinforced to provide
mechanical strength. The following materials can be used:
a. Fiber fabrics
b. Expanded metal lath
c. Metal meshes
d. Wire netting
Compatibility of materials must be considered to prevent corrosion.
Flashing: Materials which direct the flow of liquids away from the insulation may be constructed of metal,
plastic or mastic.
Stiffening: Metal lath and wire netting can be applied on high temperature surfaces before heavy density
insulation is applied.
Supports: Pipe supports and accessories may be supplied in part or totally by the insulation contractor.
Insulation treatment at points of support are illustrated on Details. Accessories at points of support are:
a. Heavy density insulation inserts
b. Pipe support saddles and shoes
c. Insulation and metal shields used to protect insulation
d. Wood blocks or dowels; these should not be used at below ambient temperatures
Insulation support rings on vertical piping and vessels should be supplied by the piping or vessel
contractor, as field welding on coded piping or vessels voids the original coding by the manufacturers.
See Detail for treatment.
Sealing and caulking: A variety of sealers, caulking and tapes are available for sealing vapour and
weather-barrier jackets, joints and protrusions. These products are manufactured in a large range of
temperature and vapour permeability properties. Some are designed specifically for use with one type of
insulation or manufacturer's products.
Expansion/Contraction compensation: Accessories used in the design of expansion/contraction joints,
etc. include:
a. Manufacturer overlapping or slip joints
b. Bedding compounds and flexible sealers
See Details for insulation treatments.

2.8 SUMMARY - INSULATION MATERIALS AND APPLICATION WITHIN THE

GENERAL TEMPERATURE RANGES
Choices of the materials available within each temperature range are based on design conditions (other
than thermal) of the installation. See Section 3 for more detailed design information.
MP-8

SECTION 2
INSULATION MATERIALS AND PROPERTIES

2.8.1

LOW TEMPERATURE RANGE (15C to -75C)

The major design problems on low temperature installations are moisture penetration and operating
efficiency. For below ambient applications, insulation should have low moisture absorption.
Vapour retarders are extensively used, but in practice it is difficult to achieve the perfect retarder in
extreme applications. The pressure of the vapour flow from the warm outside surface to the cooler inside
surface is such that, even with waterproof insulation, vapour may diffuse through the material, enter
through unsealed joints or cracks, and condense, then freeze and cause damage.
Since the cost of refrigeration is higher than the cost of heating, more insulation is often justified in low
temperature applications. Extra thicknesses of insulation, even beyond what would be economically
dictated for cold line applications, are sometimes employed to keep the warm surface temperature above
the dewpoint, thus preventing condensation from forming.
The low temperature range is further divided into application classifications.
1.

Refrigeration (0C through -75C)

Water vapour which passes through the vapour-retarder will not only condense, but will freeze. Built
up frost and ice will destroy the insulation system.

2.

Cold and chilled water (15C through 0C)

Unless properly insulated, water vapour will condense on the metal causing corrosion and failure of
the insulation assembly. The permeance of the vapour retarder should be no higher than 0.02
Perms.

The insulations generally used in this temperature range are:

a. Cellular Glass
b. Elastomeric Foamed Plastic
c. Glass Fiber
d. Mineral Fiber
e. Phenolic (foamed)
f. Polyethylene
g. Polyisocyanurate
h. Polyurethane
i. Polystyrene
See Insulation Materials Table 1.A.

2.8.2

INTERMEDIATE TEMPERATURE RANGE (15C TO 315C)

This temperature range includes conditions encountered in most industrial processes and the hot water
and steam systems necessary in commercial installations. Selection of material in this range is based
more on its thermal values than with low temperature applications. However, other factors such as
mechanical and chemical properties, availability of forms, installation time, and costs are also significant.
MP-9

SECTION 2
INSULATION MATERIALS AND PROPERTIES

The materials generally used in the intermediate range are:

a. Calcium Silicate
b. Cellular Glass
c. Elastomeric Foamed Plastic*
d. Expanded Silica, or Perlite
e. Glass Fiber
f. Mineral Fiber
g. Phenolic*
h. Polystyrene*
i. Polyurethane*
See Insulation Materials Table 1.B.
*The maximum temperature (315C) exceeds these materials recommended maximum temperature.

2.8.3

HIGH TEMPERATURE RANGE (315C TO 815C)

As the refractory range of insulation is approached, fewer materials and application methods are
available. High temperature materials are often a combination of other materials or similar materials
manufactured using special binders. Jacketing is generally field applied. Industrial power and process
piping and equipment, boilers, breechings, exhausts and incinerators fall within this application range.
The materials generally used are:
a. Calcium Silicate
b. Cellular Glass*
c. Cements
d. Ceramic Fibers
e. Glass Fibers*
f. Mineral Fiber*
g. Perlite*
See Insulation Materials Table 1.C.
*The maximum temperature (815C) exceeds these materials recommended service maximum
temperature.

MP-10

SECTION 2
INSULATION MATERIALS AND PROPERTIES

2.9 INSULATION AND JACKET MATERIAL TABLES

These tables represent a summation of available data and information. References to test data, form,
temperature range, "K" factors at certain mean temperatures, and general notes are for classification
purposes only. Actual descriptions, performances, etc will vary from one manufacturer to another.
Specific information on material properties should be obtained from the manufacturers' current data prior
to being included in specifications. Fire hazard ratings in particular must be determined to meet local
codes.

MP-11

SECTION 2
INSULATION MATERIALS AND PROPERTIES

BASIC TYPES OF INSULATION

TABLE 1.A LOW TEMPERATURE
-75C (-103F) through 15C (60F)
Type

Form

Temp. Range

GLASS CELLULAR

Pipe Covering
Block
Pipe Covering
Board
Blanket

-268C to 427C
-450F to 800C
to 455C to (850F)
to 538C to (1000F)
to 538C to (1000F)

Pipe
Sheet
Roll
Pipe Covering
Board
Pipe Covering
Board
Pipe Covering
Sheet
Pipe Covering
Sheet
Roll
Pipe Covering
Sheet

GLASS FIBER

ELASTOMERIC FOAM
POLYSTYRENE (Extruded)
POLYSTYRENE
(Expanded)
POLYURETHANE
POLYURETHANE

POLYISOCYANURATE

K-Factor*
Metric/
Imperial
.048 (.33) @

Mean Temp.
C (F)

Notes

4 (40)

.035 (.24) @
.032 (.22) @
.030 (.21) @

4 (40)
4 (40)
4 (40)

Good strength, water and vapour resistant, noncombustible, poor abrasion resistance.
Good workability, non-combustible, water absorbent.
Readily available. Vapour retarder required. Low
compressive strength.

-40C to 104C
-40F to 220F

.038 (.27) @

10 (50)

-183C to 74C
-297F to 165F
-40C to 80C
-40F to 175F
-40C to 107C
-40F to 212F
-70 C to 100C
-94C to 212F

.035 (.24) @

4 (40)

.036 (.25) @

4 (40)

.025 (.18) @

4 (40)

.036 (.25) @

10 (50)

-183C to 140C
-297F to 300F

.025 (.18) @

4 (40)

Closed cell good workability, finish not required.

Limited thickness to meet flame spread/smoke.
Required UV protection.
Lightweight, good, workability. Check manufacturers
data. Combustible. Some are treated for fire
retardancy. All are closed cell except polystyrene
expanded.
K-value may change as these materials age.
Combustible.
High flame spread and smoke.

Lightweight, good workability. Check manufacturers

data. Some are treated for fire retardancy. K Values
may change with age.

NOTE: Special attention must be given to installation and vapour seal.

*K-Factor Metric = W/m.K (Imperial = Btu.in./h.ft2. F

MP-0

SECTION 2
INSULATION MATERIALS AND PROPERTIES

TABLE 1.B I
15C (60F) through NTERMEDIATE TEMPERATURES
315C (600F)
Type

Form

CALCIUM SILICATE

Pipe Covering
Block
Segments
Type I
Pipe Covering
Block
Segments

GLASS CELLULAR

GLASS FIBER
GLASS FIBER
MINERAL FIBER

Pipe Covering
Board
Blanket
Pipe Covering
Block
Board
Blanket

PERLITE (Expanded)

Pipe Covering
Board

ELASTOMERIC FOAM

Pipe Covering-I
Sheet-II
Roll
Pipe Covering
Board
Pipe Covering
Board
Pipe Covering

POLYSTYRENE (Extruded)
POLYSTYRENE
(Expanded)
POLYURETHANE

Temp. Range

K-Factor*
Metric/
Imperial

Mean Temp.
C (F)

to 649C (1200F)
to 427C (800F)

.065 (.45) @
.050 (.35) @
.063 (.44) @

93 (200)
24 (75)
93 (200)

to 455C (850F)
to 538C (1000F)
to 538C (1000F)
to 649C (1200F)
to 1035C (1895F)
to 649C (1200F)
to 649C (1200F)
to 649C (1200F)

.037 (.26) @
.033 (.23) @
.033 (.23) @
.037 (.26) @
.037 (.26) @
.037 (.26) @
.048 (.33) @
.076 (.53) @

24 (75)
24 (75)
24 (75)
24 (75)
24 (75)
24 (75)
24 (75)
93 (200)

-40C to 105C
-40F to 220F

.043 (.30) @

24 (75)

-183C to 74C
-297F to 165F
-40C to 80C
-40F to 175F
-40C to 105C
-40F to 225F

.037 (.26) @

24 (75)

.039 (.27) @

24 (75)

.027 (.19) @

24 (75)

Notes
High compression strength, good workability, water
absorbent, non-combustible. High flexural strength.
Resistant to abrasion. See manufacturers data for
shrinkage factors.
Good strength, water and vapour resistant, noncombustible, poor abrasion resistance. Subject to
thermal shock. For applications over 204C (400F)
see manufacturers specifications.
Good workability, non-combustible, water
absorbent. Low compression resistance.
General purpose material, many facings available.
Good workability, non-combustible.
Water absorbent.
Low compression resistance.
Good workability, non-combustible. Poor abrasion
resistance. Special packaging required to protect
materials. Corrosion inhibitor.
Closed cell, finish not required, good workability.
May require UV protection. Flame spread/smoke
limited)
Lightweight, excellent workability, combustible
although some are treated for fire retardancy
(check manufacturers data sheet for properties)
High flame spread/smoke. Check manufacturers
data sheets for values. K value may change as
these materials age.

MP-1

SECTION 2
INSULATION MATERIALS AND PROPERTIES

POLYETHYLENE

Pipe Covering

-70C to 100C
-94F to 212F

POLYISOCYANURATE

Pipe Covering
Board

-183C to 149C
-297F to 300F

.037
(.26) @
.027 (.19) @

24
(75)
24 (75)

Lightweight, good workability.

Check manufacturers data sheets.
Some are treated for fire retardancy. K values may
change with age

CEMENTS See Table 1.C

*K-Factor Metric = W/m.K (Imperial = Btu.in./h.ft2. F)

MP-2

SECTION 2
INSULATION MATERIALS AND PROPERTIES

TABLE 1.C HIGH TEMPERATURE

315C (600F) through 815C (1500F)
Type

Form

CALCIUM SILICATE

Pipe
Covering
Block
Segments
Type I
Type II
Pipe
Covering
Block
Segments

CLASS CELLULAR HIGH TEMP

GLASS FIBER

MINERAL FIBER

PERLITE (Expanded)

CERAMIC FIBER
(Refractory Fiber)
CEMENTS
Hydraulic Setting Cement
High Temperature Mineral Wool
Finishing Cement
(Mineral Fiber or Vermiculite)

Temp. Range

K-Factor*
Metric/ Imperial

Mean Temp.
C (F)

to 649C (1200F)
to 871C (1600F)

.087 (.60) @
.101 (.70) @

260 (500)
260 (500)

to 427C (800F)

.103 (.72) @

260 (500)

Pipe
Covering
Board
Blanket
Pipe
Covering
Block
Board
Blanket
Pipe
Covering
Block

to 455C (850F)
to 538C (1000F)
to 538C (1000F)

.083 (.58) @
.086 (.60) @
.086 (.60) @

260 (500)
260 (500)
260 (500)

to 649C (1200F)
to 1035C (1895F)
to 649C (1200F)
to 649C (1200F)

.072 (.50) @
.092 (.64) @
.101 (.70) @
.101 (.70) @

260 (500)
260 (500)
260 (500)
260 (500)

to 649C (1200F)

.106 (.74) @

260 (500)

Blanket
Board

to 1260C (2300F)
to 1260C (2300F)

.086 (.60) @
.080 (.56) @

260 (500)
260 (500)

Type I
Type II
Type III

38-649C (100-1200F)
38-870C (100-1600F)
38-980C (100-1800F)

.180 (1.05) @
.160 (1.12) @
.150 (1.26) @

250 (482)
250 (482)
250 (482)

Notes
High compressive strength, good cutting
characteristics, water absorbent, noncombustible. High flexural strength. Resistant
to abrasion. See manufacturers data for
shrinkage factors.
Good strength, water and vapour resistant,
non-combustible, poor abrasion resistance.
Subject to thermal shock. For application over
204C (400F), see manufacturers
specifications.
Good workability, water absorbent, noncombustible. Check manufacturers data for
specific properties. Low compression
resistance.
Good workability, non-combustible. Low
compressive resistance. Water absorbent.

Good workability, non-combustible,

friable. Check manufacturers data for
specific properties. Poor abrasion
resistance. Special packaging required
to protect material. Corrosion inhibitor.
Temperature range varies with
manufacturer, style and type.
One coat application insulating and finishing.
Slow drying, rough texture Pointing and
insulating and filling. Used over basic
insulation Smooth finish usually 1/8 or
think application.
MP-0

SECTION 2
INSULATION MATERIALS AND PROPERTIES

PROTECTIVE COVERINGS AND FINISHES

PLEASE NOTE: The following items are classified for use as weather barriers and/or vapour retarders. They also serve other purposes listed for protective
coverings (i.e. mechanical abuse, corrosion, appearance, and hygienic), but each must be considered on its own merits for these
aspects.
TABLE 2.A WEATHER BARRIERS*
Type
JACKETS:

Composition
1. Films laminated to felts or foil

Fasteners
Contact adhesives and/or tape

2. Stainless steel (various alloys

available with factory-applied
moisture retarder)
3. Galvanized steel (coated and with
factory-applied moisture retarder)
4. Aluminum alloys (preferably with
factory-applied moisture retarder)
5. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Bands, screws or rivets

Bands, screw or rivets

7. Plastic film (PVDC)

Mechanical fasteners, adhesive, or

matching tape
ABS welding adhesive or mechanical
fasteners
Adhesive or tape

1. Asphalt emulsion
2. Asphalt cut-back
3. Resin emulsion
4. Polyvinyl acetate
5. Acrylic

Apply with reinforcing mesh

Apply with reinforcing mesh
Apply with reinforcing mesh
Apply with reinforcing mesh
Apply with reinforcing mesh

6. High Impact Plastics (ABS)

MASTICS:

Bands, screws or rivets

Notes
Corrosion resistant, bacteria and mildew
resistant
Excellent mechanical strength, corrosion,
mildew and bacteria resistant. Excellent
fire resistance.
Good mechanical strength and fire
resistance.
Good mechanical strength, good
workability, poor fire resistance.
May require protection from ultra-violet
radiation. Resists chemicals and bacteria.
Washable surface for food processing
applications.
Corrosion. Bacteria, mildew and chemical
resistance. May require protection from
ultra-violet radiation. Workable surface for
food processing applications.
Water base, a breather mastic
Solvent base, also a vapour barrier
Tough, resilient film
Tough, resilient film
Tough, resilient film

*Covering shall not be termed a weather barrier unless its joint and overlaps are adequate to prevent the entry of rainwater (See Section 2.5)

MP-0

SECTION 2
INSULATION MATERIALS AND PROPERTIES

TABLE 2.B VAPOUR RETARDERS*

Type
JACKETS:

MASTICS:

Composition
1. Foil-Scrim Laminate
2. High Impact Plastics (ABS)
3. Film Laminate
1 Asphalt cut-back
2. Resins solvent type
3. Elastomeric Polymer

Notes
Seal joints. Mechanical strength is less than metal or plastic. Easy installation.
Seal with welding adhesive.
Seal with contact adhesive and/or tape.
Apply with reinforcing mesh. Combustible.
Brush or spray application.
Apply with reinforcing mesh. Combustible.

NOTE: A perm rating of 0.05 is recommended on mechanical insulation coverings to be considered a vapour retarder.
*Covering shall not be termed a vapour retarder unless joints are sealed to prevent the entry of vapour.

MP-1