Insulation Radon Pipe Condensation
If using a porous insulation material a vapor retarder is absolutely necessary to prevent the water vapor from passing through the insulation and condensing.
Insulation radon pipe condensation. Most professional installers in cold weather areas try to avoid condensation problems by routing the pipe up through a closet or finished garage and to a fan in the attic that blows the radon out above the roof. Frustrated not sure what to do and drywallers are scheduled to start tomorrow afternoon. When high humidity is present you will get condensation on the outside of the pvc pipes. The amount of condensation is proportional to the amount of exposed pipe.
Air conditioner heat pump refrigerant pipe condensation or sweating can occur either because insulation is missing from the suction line or because of an equipment malfunction like liquid refrigerant slugging at the compressor motor. The less pipe you have exposed to the moisture the less total condensation you will have. 3 pipe is the minimum if your not sure use 4 keep the vent supported every 8 vertically 6 horizontally. Thought we had fixed the problem but again today i see water drops on outside of radon pipe.
This usually takes place in the garage attic and outside. We have a 4 radon pipe that goes from the basement straight up to roof vent passing through 1st floor 2nd floor and attic. Be ready for a big dusty mess if you have to route your pipe indoors. This is new construction.
We can prevent condensation from occurring by insulating the pipe with enough insulation to keep the air around the pipe from dropping below the dew point. Pipes that run above suspended ceilings for example will often not collect condensation because the area is drier than the basement itself. The air around the cold pipe or glass is cooled below the dew point and thus condensation begins to form. Fire barriers must be used where pipe penetrates a firewall.
A proper slope must be maintained for condensate drain back. The best way to stop condensation from forming on pipes is to prevent the warm humid air from coming into contact with the chilled pipe s outer surface. However if the insulation is porous the water vapor can still find its way through the insulation and will condense on the cold surface of the pipe regardless of the insulation thickness. Insulation the easiest solution for condensation on pipes is pipe insulation which prevents moist air from reaching the cooler surface.
How much insulation does it take to prevent condensation. Fan must be place outside of the living space. This can also happen inside your home. On all radon gas mitigation systems condensation will form on and in the pvc pipes.
Use schedule 20 or preferably sch 40 dwv for strength.