[RE-wrenches] Outdoor rated insulation covering for Solar Water Heating Systems

[Dana]

I am curious as to elevation & reginal effect on the PVC jacketing. At 5000'+ EL in the Rocky Mtns & south west, it has lasted about 2-3 years and then it starts warping and bending no matter if it is glued, taped or screwed. It is done for. I have tried white, brown, & black PVC jacketing in 5000+' Rocky Mtn. elevations & would not do it again.
Are folks having better results & lifespan at sea level & less UV intense locations? There may be products that may work in one specific climate and not in others.


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Dana Orzel                       Great Solar Works, Inc. 
208.721.7003                       dana at solarwork.com
Idaho Contractor - # 028765          Idaho PV # 028374
NABCEP # 051112-136                       www.solarwork.biz
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-----Original Message-----
From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Mike Kocsmiersky
Sent: Sunday, November 05, 2017 12:55 PM
To: solar1online at charter.net; 'glenn.burt at glbcc.com, RE-wrenches' <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Outdoor rated insulation covering for Solar Water Heating Systems

I see this often as a shortcoming of solar thermal installations, the lack of UV protection on the insulation.  You see it all the time with HVAC equipment.  The most economical is the PVC wrap.  I suggest using white vs the architectural brown whereas the white is more UV resistant.  It can be tricky trying to cover rubber insulated foam trying to get it to look nice, whereas a rigid insulation is a bit easier.  Nonetheless would also suggest using barbed tacks to keep the PVC jacketing secure, the adhesive strip, if it has any, will not suffice.  Other options may include metal jacketed insulation (costly) or UV protection on some of the newer linesets.  Painting the PVC with spray paint to change the color I have had good success with.

Mike Kocsmiersky
PV Inspections
(413) 734-1456



-----Original Message-----
From: solar1online at charter.net [mailto:solar1online at charter.net]
Sent: Saturday, November 4, 2017 9:14 AM
To: 'glenn.burt at glbcc.com, RE-wrenches'
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Outdoor rated insulation covering for Solar Water Heating Systems

Chris,

The fitted covers certainly provide a more finished appearance. One of my customers painted the insulation (w/o fitted covers) with latex paint and after 30+ years the insulation was still quite flexible. My take away was simply that eliminating the sun (UV) effects paid off big time. As I remember they used white paint.

Best wishes,

Bill Loesch
Solar 1 - Saint Louis Solar
314 631 1094

	-----------------------------------------From: "Glenn Burt" 
To: "RE-wrenches"
Cc: 
Sent: 04-Nov-2017 00:21:14 +0000
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Outdoor rated insulation covering for Solar Water Heating Systems

 How about the white PVC jacketing? You can buy fitted elbow covers and other fitted parts as well. Probably paintable in any color to blend into location.

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