When installing and maintaining pipe systems, the right combination of insulation, vapor retarder, and support system minimizes energy loss, maintains the pipe’s structural integrity, and keeps the pipe system in place. By getting even one component wrong, installers risk substandard system operation, safety concerns, and expensive repairs. 

Proper pipe suspension and mounting systems aim to support the weight of a pipe by transmitting the load or forces to the adjacent structure. Long or irregular designed pipe runs are affected by the weight of liquid, temperature variations, and gravity. Without proper support these sagging pipes that are part of a plumbing, mechanical, refrigeration, or air conditioning system can be displaced, damaged, or even worse, break at the joints and burst. These systems also need to avoid damaging and compressing the pipe insulation at the contact points, especially during normal thermal expansion and contraction. In large installations such as supermarkets, pipe systems can exceed a mile long. These lengths continually expand and contract significant amounts causing the introduction of potential failure points if the wrong support is specified. Damaged insulation and pipes create breaks resulting in thermal bridging which can cause condensation, dripping, ice formation, and mold growth which in turn compromises energy delivery and indoor air quality. In addition, most plumbing and building codes require support for horizontal pipelines.  

There are several types of pipe support systems, like clips, clamps, hangers, sway braces, turnbuckles, anchors, rollers, and numerous types of brackets. These inadequate pipe suspension systems however often lack proper design and can cause pipe displacement, rotation, and thermal insulation damage. Armacell’s ArmaFix Insuguard and Insuguard Multi pipe saddles are the best solution when compared to traditional saddles. Insuguard and Insuguard Multi products are designed to accommodate movement of the pipes generated by thermal expansion and vibration. With its curved-edge and unique sliding design at each end, the Insuguard products effectively cradles and protects pipes. These rounded edges curve gently away from the pipe as well, so the insulation never catches or rips, but slides easily as the system expands and contracts. Insuguard Multi product is a versatile pipe saddle that provides all the advantages of Insuguard, plus it is compatible with different types of suspension systems. Interchangeable adaptors make Multi compatible with any chosen saddle size on various sizes of struts, H-Beam, I-Beam, steel angles, Clevis hangers and even floor mounts. 

Another advantage to using the Insuguard product versus a traditional pipe saddle is it is quick and easy installation with no tools required. A simple click is all it takes to lock the adaptor in place on the support. The install time for the Insuguard Multi product is 40 percent faster than metal or plastic shields and 80 percent faster than clamps or collars. With pipe saddles that lock into place on the support strut, there’s also no worry that the support will work its way loose and fall into the occupant space below–a safety concern for both building owners and visitors.

Armacell also offers a different pipe support for another potential trouble spot for pipe insulation applications, pipe support brackets. Often, pipe insulation can run the risk of being compressed by the pipe hanger causing a thermal bridge point that will cause condensation to form. Armacell’s ArmaFix EcoLight pipe supports, with load-bearing PET core, support and protect the insulation from being crushed or damaged, maintaining the thermal integrity of the system. ArmaFix solutions easily marry up to ArmaFlex® elastomeric pipe insulation sizes. 

Armacell has solutions that ensure a successful hanging pipe application. Download the complete white paper about pipe support systems here.