View Full Version : Water pipes in the attic
kirkman
Sep 25, 2010, 09:55 AM
I am re-plumming my condo in sarasota. The water pipes will all be in the attic. The pipes are all pvc. Should I insulate them or leave them un insulated? I'm concerned that if I insulate them that could cause condensation build up and I'd have wet areas between the pipe and the insulation. Help
Stratmando
Sep 25, 2010, 10:13 AM
I can say, this should be CPVC, not PVC.
kirkman
Sep 25, 2010, 10:16 AM
Yes I'm using cpvc. I'm concerned about insulating the cpvc pipe if it causes condensation and thus could cause mold.
Milo Dolezal
Sep 25, 2010, 10:33 AM
I am not an engineer, but - Pipes should not condensate when insulated with proper thickness insulation. They are kept in stable, non-fluctuating-temperature and in fact, insulation is helping to prevent condensation.
I would really worry about condensation if you had a section of hot water pipe ran on the exterior somewhere in Ohio...
In my area, we have to insulate hot water pipes in the attic. Never heard of concern like yours from anybody.
Regarding your question about insulation / condensation/ and mold: yes, wetness in combination with warmth may cause growth of mold.
Also, you should insulate both hot and cold. Cold water gets warm during the summer especially in the attic.
speedball1
Sep 25, 2010, 10:35 AM
Greetings from your neighbor north of the air port in Whitfield Estates. I might even did the original copper pipes on your unit.
If you live in the Meadows Division I know I did.
If the old pipes didn't drip with condensate I can see no reason to Armoflex, (see image) your pipes. Good luck, Tom
I am using cpvc pipe. Will the insulation cause condensation and thus might cause mold?
Unless you live on the top floor of your building your AC unit will act as a dehumidifier. Even if your pipes were in the attic I still think you'll be OK. Good luck, Tom
kirkman
Sep 25, 2010, 10:39 AM
I am using cpvc pipe. Will the insulation cause condensation and thus might cause mold?
mygirlsdad77
Sep 25, 2010, 02:39 PM
As mentioned above, insolating the pipes will actually eliminate condensation as long as you use the correct inso and it is properly sealed. No need to worry about mold as if no air can get to the pipe, it will not condensate, therefor no chance of mold.