Insulation jacketing systems provide protection for insulated pipes and ducts. Jacketings may also referred to as lagging or cladding and are designed and specified to keep the insulation material secure and combat corrosion. Jacketed insulation systems differ from removable insulation blankets and pads which are better suited for equipment that needs to be accessed regularly for maintenance or inspection.

You can find many different types of jacketing systems made from various materials and featuring different thicknesses providing a range of physical properties. This article covers various considerations to help you determine which type is best for your specific application.

Learn how to select the right insulation jacket for your equipment.

1. Environmental Considerations

When choosing an insulation jacket, be sure to take the environmental conditions into consideration. You need an option that can endure the weather throughout the year. The following conditions can impact the integrity of your component:

• Precipitation
• Severe storms
• Extreme heat
• Extreme cold
• UV exposure
• Bird or squirrel damage

If you are adding jacketing to a component, take the temperature of both the equipment and the environment into account.

Even if your equipment is indoors, you'll want to consider the area's climate. Locations with high humidity or extreme temperatures will influence jacketing options.

2. Durability Considerations

System durability and desired service life can also be considerations, maintaining as designed and specified system operating conditions. Additional considerations can include:

• Need for future maintenance and repair frequency
• Abrasion and mechanical abuse from system inspections, maintenance, or repairs 
• Potential damage from ladders or foot traffic - these can open up sealed seams and crack rigid insulations or compress fibrous insulations, negatively impacting system performance
• Corrosive environments 
• Frequency of washdowns

3. Safety Considerations

When selecting the right insulation jacketing system, you should always prioritize safety.

A high-quality jacket can be a much-needed barrier between workers and high-temperature components (the jacket itself does not reduce hot process temperatures, the insulation material does). It should be noted that if a system is outdoors, such as a rooftop application in direct sunlight, a black jacket material will be hotter to the touch than a white system. Jackets also protect against humidity and moisture, helping to improve thermal performance and prevent mold growth or corrosion under insulation (CUI). Metal jacketing, such as stainless steel or aluminum, typically has hemmed edges to reduce potential injuries from sharp edges.

Another important safety consideration is the insulation jacket's coating. It is not uncommon for the jacketing material or coating to contain fibers that may pose a threat to workers. From skin irritation to breathing problems, these fibers can pose various hazards, and choosing one that won't cause harm to your workers, occupants, or the environment is key.

4. Insulation Purpose

One of the most important considerations to keep in mind when choosing an insulation jacket is its purpose. Are you looking for a system that will resist abrasion or mechanical abuse? Do you need a system with FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval? These are important differentiating factors, and a jacket with the wrong properties for your insulation application will be ineffective.

The jacketing type and thickness can impact the following:

• Heat loss
• Energy savings
• Weather protection

• Hot or cold barrier effectiveness 
• Mold and mildew resistance
• Chemical resistance
• Overall durability, maintenance, and repairs

You need to know more than just the temperature of the component that requires insulation jacketing to find the right option for your specific application.

5. Logistical Considerations

Logistics regarding your component's unique needs will determine how much your insulation jacketing costs and how difficult it will be to install. If it requires a special cutting and sealing of seams and penetrations, it will likely be more complicated and expensive to apply.

Access to the component is another important logistical consideration to keep in mind when choosing insulation jacketing. If the equipment does not require periodic inspection or maintenance, you can opt for a more permanent jacket. 

For components that require regular access, removable insulation blankets are more suitable. Be sure to assess how often the component requires inspections, maintenance, and repairs.

6. Codes, Regulations, and Specifications

The insulation you choose must meet certain criteria to comply with various regulations. Ensure you consider the following before picking a jacketing type:

• Local codes: Check with your local municipality to determine what kinds of components require insulation in your area. They likely have specific regulations regarding the insulation system, including jacketing.
• Construction specifications: If you are working on a construction project, follow the specifications, while also remaining aware of any potential conflicts with Code. Consult with a qualified inspector before making any decisions regarding insulation jacket applications to be sure you make the right choice. 
• R-values: The R-value will indicate the insulation's resistance to heat flow. A higher R-value means the jacketed insulation will perform better and be more resistant to heat transfer.

Types of Jacketing 

You can find insulation jacketing made out of various materials. Here are the most common types to help you make a more informed decision when choosing jacketing for your components.

Aluminum

Aluminum jacketing is among the most popular options for mechanical insulation systems.

This type of jacketing can help protect components against the following:

• Moisture
• UV exposure
• Physical damage
• Corrosive environments

Aluminum is a lightweight material that has especially good corrosion resistance. It is not a suitable option for environments exposed to high temperatures.

You can find this jacketing in various surface finish options, including:

• Smooth: Smooth finishes are easy to clean and offer a shiny, attractive appearance. This finish is more susceptible to marks and wear. 
• Embossed: While embossed aluminum jacketing is less likely to show wear, it is more likely to hold onto contamination than smooth options. 
• Corrugated: Corrugated aluminum provides more structure but can collect water on its surface, which can sometimes find its way into the insulation. 

PVC

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) jacketing systems are another very common type of jacketing. PVC offers durability and a sleek, shiny appearance. It is a cost-effective option, and you can find this type of insulation jacketing in various colors.

It can work well for both indoor and outdoor applications. The PVC adds a layer of much-needed protection and delivers UV resistance. Different formulations of PVC jacketing can protect against various elements, including weather or oils. 

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel jackets are another popular choice. Thanks to its higher temperature capability and higher strength, stainless steel is suitable for a wide range of applications, including:

• Paper mills
• Refineries
• Steel mills
• Chemical plants

Stainless steel is often used in chemical plants because it can combat the fumes or airborne chemicals in the environment that cause corrosion.

Vapor Barriers

Vapor barriers are thin, flexible materials used to stop moisture from accessing and damaging components over time. If systems get wet, corrosion and mold growth can cause considerable damage. They are especially useful for cold systems in high-humidity environments, to prevent a system from icing up.

Jacketing is added over the barrier to reduce air leakage and preserve the component. The most common vapor barriers include: :

• ASJ (Kraft/Scrim/Foil)
• ASJ+ (Poly Film/Kraft/Scrim/Foil)
• FSK (Foil/Scrim/Kraft)
• FSK+ (Poly Film/Foil/Scrim/Kraft)
• Aluminum or stainless steel foil
• PSK (Poly Film/Scrim/Kraft)
• Polyethylene
• Metalized film
• Modified bituminous membranes with or without foil 
• Vapor retarder paints or mastics

Looking for Insulation Jacketing?

Specialty Products and Insulation has provided our customers with quality building and mechanical insulation products for over four decades. You can find over 35,000 different items available on our website, and our knowledgeable team is here to help you find the right solutions for your applications.

Our mechanical insulation jacketing systems can help you protect and preserve your components. We can walk you through the buying process and ensure you get exactly what you need.

Are you interested in learning more about our insulated jacketing solutions? Contact Specialty Products and Insulation today!