Pre-insulated pipes are a modern innovation used where heating, cooling, and industrial applications are concerned. Your pipes come already assembled in a polyurethane foam layer and a protective covering. If you are planning to install piping and insulation will be required, you can either purchase such pipes or seek aftermarket insulation. Below, check out how these two options compare in regards to cost, practicability, and more.

Installation time

Most installations are pegged on a timeline, so time is a crucial factor. With pre-insulated pipes, you can enjoy having your pipes being delivered ready-to-install. No modifications or alterations whatsoever are needed on these pipes. That makes installation quick and easy. With aftermarket installation, a lot more time is required. The right insulation contractor has to be sourced and granted enough time to complete the task. As it stands, the insulation process is slow and meticulous so it could take a while.

Insulation quality

Pipes that have been insulated by the manufacturer and those insulated on-site can both be of high quality. What determines the difference is the specific people involved. However, with pre-insulated pipes, you have a fully-integrated company with all the resources and equipment they require at their disposal. This option, therefore, has less risk as far as quality is concerned. With aftermarket insulation, on the other hand, the quality is only as good as the contractor involved.

Cost

Again, when it comes to cost, pre-insulated pipes are more pocket-friendly. Although both options will require you to pay extra for insulation, pre-insulated pipes have a marginal edge. For one, the manufacturers produce in bulk so they enjoy economies of scale and are able to pass down the cost-savings to the customers. With aftermarket insulation, you have to buy the pipes and pay for labour and consumables. You also have to purchase the insulation material at retail prices. Cumulatively, this is likely to cost you more than what pre-insulated pipes cost.

Practicability

Lastly, there is the issue of practicability. Which option feels more natural? The outright answer is pre-insulated pipes. You simply make your order stating the lengths and number of pipes you want and the delivery is made ready-to-install. This is simple, especially for large scale applications (e.g. where pipes are to be installed over long distances). In such instances, aftermarket insulation is just not feasible, as it would take a lot more time, effort, and supervision.

When all is considered, pre-insulated pipes carry the day on most occasions. They are quick to install, the quality is manufacturer-guaranteed, and they are cost-effective overall. The only instances where aftermarket insulation makes sense is on small scale installations or where a customised insulation job is warranted.