An acoustic pipe wrap is a quick and easy way to soundproof a noisy pipe.
Pipes are often overlooked in soundproofing projects.
Even if you soundproof the walls, doors, windows, ceiling, and floor failing to soundproof pipes can allow noise to easily travel through walls.
Not only can pipes be noisy due to the movement of fluid inside them but sound vibrations easily travel from one room to another directly through them.
If you need to soundproof your pipes then the three most effective acoustic pipe wraps for the job are:
1. Vivosun Spiral Pipe Wrap
| Thickness | 0.09″ (2.3mm) |
| Weight | 0.78lb (0.36kg) |
| Size | 6″ X 25 ft (15cm x 7.62m) |
The Vivosun wrap is made of foil sealed bubble wrap.
This gives it great acoustic insulation properties because air pockets are one of the most effective ways of dampening sound vibrations.
It effectively creates a layer of air between the pipe and the outer layer of the foil thus significantly dampening pipe noise and also insulating the pipes too.
It is lightweight and slim, so wont add much width to your pipes at all.
It is also very easy to fit.
To fit it, simply peel off the sticky back and wrap it around your pipe ensuring that you overlap it by about 1/2″ (1.3cm) as you go, this doubles the insulation up and makes it more effective.
- Key Parameters: Size: 6 inch x 25 feet; Material: aluminum foil; Instructions: Wrap it around pipes or ductwork, overlapping about every 1/2-inch as you use
- 10mm-Diameter Double Bubbles: 10mm-diameter single bubble; double bubble insulation's benefits are to provide airspace between the pipe and wrap that will aid the insulation value
- Multiple Insulation Features: Double bubbles form the more airspace, the better it is at slowing heat transfer; 99.9% pure aluminum bonded to tear-resistant polymeric core; which makes an excellent...
In addition to soundproofing pipes it is also suitable for:
- AC exhaust hose insulation
- Roofing insulation
- Heat insulation of any internal or external pipe – it can withstand extremely high temperatures so is safe to use on hot pipes too.
- Greenhouse insulation
- Condensation elimination
2. Frost King Fiberglass Pipe Wrap
| Thickness | 1″ (2.54cm) |
| Weight | 0.75lb (0.34kg) |
| Size | 3″ X 25ft (7.6cm x 7.6m) |
This Frost King pipe wrap is fiberglass based.
Fiberglass is an excellent insulator not just against heat but also against noise.
Frost King is also moisture resistant with a built in vapor barrier.
Be aware it is thick (1″/2.5cm) so will signficantly increase pipe size so it is not best suited for use on pipes in tight areas.
It is simple to install fiberglass pipe wrap, (see the steps at the bottom of this article) just be aware that it isn’t self-adhesive so you will need pipe clips, duct tape or similar to secure it in place.
In addition to soundproofing it is also suitable for:
- Preventing pipe sweat
- Insulation against both heat and cold
- The product is manufactured in china
- The product is highly durable and easy to use
- Easy installation and easy handling
3. BXI Pipe Wrap
| Thickness | 0.08″ (2mm) |
| Weight | 1.25 lbs (0.57kg) |
| Size | 11.4” X 19.7” (29cm x 50cm) |
BXI Pipe Wrap is a self-adhesive sheet that contains butyl damping gel making it highly effective at sound dampening.
Butyl is a very effective soundproofing compound which helps eliminate vibrations and reduce noise, it is commonly used to dampen car noise.
The butyl gel is sealed in aluminium foil beehive structure.
Hexagonal beehive structures are known for being a great geometric shape for helping dampen sound, and the foil gives it great thermal insulation properties.
The dampening gel is very high density at 0.8lbs/sqft (notice how this product is significantly heavier than the other products we feature on this page) which means it will add mass to your pipes (or whatever else you wish to soundproof with it), and mass is one of the key things you need when it comes to blocking sound.
This is a great soundproofing pipe wrap the only issue with it is it is more fiddly to fit around a pipe as you have to cut strips to size yourself.
Unlike the Frost King fiberglass wrap above, it is self-adhesive so there is no need for any additional tape.
Other Things Acoustic Pipe Wrap Can Be Used For
Pipe tape is primarily used for insulation purposes, to stop water in pipes freezing during the winter months or to prevent hot pipes from causing injury.
Soundproofing are another issue which pipe wraps resolve.
Pipe wraps are used most commonly on:
- outdoor water pipes
- heating pipes
There are a huge range of different places where acoustic pipe wraps can make a big difference, these include:
- Waste water pipes
- Drainage Pipes
- Ventilation stacks
- Metal ducting
- Vehicle soundproofing
Pretty much any pipe noise can be reduced significantly with the addition of an acoustic wrap.
The Benefits Of Using Pipe Wraps
Pipe tape has many benefits beyond the obvious insulation and soundproofing.
The exact benefits will vary depending on which tape you use however you can expect the following of most acoustic pipe wraps:
- Insulation – this is the primary purpose of pretty much all pipe wraps, even purpose made acoustic wraps still insulate against heat.
- Soundproofing – pipes can be noisy, getting them wrapped means that gurgles and rattles will no longer disturb you.
- Easy To Install – Installing pipe wrap is quick and easy to do and doesn’t need professional help to fit.
- Heat Resistant – pipe wraps are designed to withstand extreme temperatures, the exact temperature your wrap will be able to deal with will vary depending on which you buy so remember to check this is you are going to be exposing it to extreme heat.
- Flame Retardant – fire is always a big risk when there are high temperatures. Almost all acoustic pipe wraps are flame retardant however be sure to double-check before making a purchase.
How To Install Acoustic Pipe Wraps
To install acoustic pipe wraps you will need:
- Scissors
- Duct Tape
- Stanley Knife
The installation process is pretty simple, just follow these steps:
- Use the scissors to cut a strip of pipe wrap, depending on the density and thickness of the wrap it may be easier to use a Stanley knife.
- If it is self-adhesive then peel off the sticky back and stick the end of the wrap at the start of the pipe.
- If the wrap is not self-adhesive then use some duct tape to secure the end to the start of the pipe.
- Be aware all insulation must be kept at least 6″ (15cm) away from a gas water heater flue for safety reasons – so if you are wrapping a gas water heater pipe you may need to leave a few inches unwrapped.
- Take the wrap and spiral it around the pipe, taking care to ensure that each wrap around overlaps itself by around 1/2″ (1.3cm).
- If the wrap you are using is not self-adhesive then secure it every 1-2ft (30-60cm) using another strip of duct tape, a loose pipe clip can also work. If you are using a fiberglass wrap take care not to put the tape on too tightly so that it squeezes the fiberglass as this will compromise its effectiveness.
- For greater soundproofing effectiveness you can take the pipe out of the pipe clips when wrapping it. This will prevent vibrations from dispersing into the room via the clips and wall. Only do this if you are using an ultra-thin wrap and have adjustable pipe clips as it will be harder to fit them back in once wrapped.
- Keep wrapping the pipe until it is completely covered then tape it off (if needed) at the end.
- Job done!
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