Posted by Firwin on | Comments Off on Finding the Right Insulation Cover Material

Insulation blankets (also known as insulation covers or insulation jackets) come in a variety of material options, some of which are better suited to certain tasks and environments than others. You need to ensure that your chosen material can meet the demands of your specific application as efficiently as possible.

Our quick guide to the most common insulation materials can ensure that you have the information you need to make an informed decision regarding the right insulation solution for your particular situation, while saving you time and money down the line.

Material Advantages Disadvantages
General Insulation Materials
Fiberglass
  • Odorless
  • Doesn’t cause corrosion in metals
  • Temperature limit of 1200°F (649°C) leaves it poorly suited to higher temperature applications
CMS Wool
  • Temperature limit of 2192°F (1200°C)
  • Odorless
  • Slightly more expensive than fiberglass
Mineral Wool
  • Low moisture absorption
  • Excellent thermal resistance
  • Shares the same temperature limits as fiberglass
Aerogel
  • Top-of-the-line insulation material
  • Very expensive
Outer Covers
Aluminized Fiberglass or Mirrored Fiberglass
  • Maintains structural integrity at temperatures up to 1000°F (538°C)
  • Aluminum coating breaks down at 450°F (230°C)
Heavy Duty Silicone
  • Ideal for challenging outdoor applications where resistance to wear and tear is necessary
Stainless Steel Laminate Fiberglass
  • Perfect for applications that require high resistance to oil, chemical, and fire
  • Very expensive
Inner Liners
Stainless Steel Mesh 304
  • Temperature range up to 1200°F (649°C)
Stainless Steel Mesh 309,316
  • High temperature range of 1800°F (982°C)
Stainless Steel Mesh Foil with Mesh Cover
  • Same as 309 but offers fluid barrier
Stainless Steel Mesh Inconel
  • Top-of-the-line liner with high temperature range of 2300°F (1260°C)
  • Very expensive
Outer Cover & Inner Liner
Silicone Impregnated Fiberglass
  • Standard outer cover for most applications
  • Can serve as inner liner at temperatures greater than 500°F
PTFE Coated Fiberglass
  • Effective alternative to silicone in paint, food, and chemical applications thanks to broad chemical resistance
PVC
  • Low cost alternative to silicone and PTFE
Fiberglass HT
  • Non-coated fabric used as outer cover and inner liner when temperatures exceed 500°F (260°C)
Silica
  • Multi-use, non-coated fabric
  • Great in temperatures greater than 1300°F (982°C)
  • More expensive
Fastening Systems
Stainless Steel Lacing Wire with Rivets
  • Withstands high heat (1200°F/649°C)
  • More cost-effective than other options
Silicone Straps with Buckles/Rings
  • Can be quickly installed and removed
  • Has a lower temperature limit (500°F/260°C)
Kevlar Straps with Buckles/Rings
  • Greater durability and higher temperature limit (700°F/371°C) than silicone
  • More expensive
Stainless Steel Mesh Straps with Buckles/Rings
  • Rugged top-of-the-line system with a high temperature limit (1200°F/649°C)
  • More expensive
Springs
  • Easily assembled and removed
  • High temperature limit (1200°F/649°C)
Snaps
  • Very similar to springs
  • Poorly suited to curved surfaces and low volume applications
Velcro (polyester)
  • Easily applied and removed
  • Very low temperature limit of 200°F/93°C
Nomex Velcro
  • Similar to standard Velcro, but has a slightly higher heat threshold (280°F/138°C)
Stainless Steel Velcro hooks with Nomex Velcro Fasteners
  • ess sensitive to dirty environments than other Velcro products
  • Somewhat expensive

It can be a challenge to find the right insulation blanket, cover, or jacket. Fortunately, the experts at Firwin are ready to help you choose the correct insulation material or combination for your application. Read our free eBook to learn about everything you should look for in your insulation blanket supplier.

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