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Elastomeric Pipe Insulation | AEROFLEX EPDM™ Insulation

AEROFLEX EPDM™ elastomeric pipe insulation is a closed-cell, flexible insulation available in a wide variety of formats designed to control condensation and improve thermal efficiency in HVAC, chilled water, refrigeration, and mechanical piping systems. It is commonly specified in commercial and industrial applications where moisture resistance and long-term durability are critical.
Available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, you can find the perfect product for your specific application, whether it be HVAC, VRF, chilled water, refrigeration, or plumbing. Manufactured to meet ASTM C534 requirements, elastomeric insulation helps prevent pipe sweating, reduce energy loss, and protect mechanical systems operating in below-ambient conditions. Its closed-cell structure provides built-in vapor resistance, eliminating the need for additional vapor barriers in most applications.
AEROFLEX® insulation products are distinguished by a proprietary blend of non-polar EPDM rubber, making them the most reliable and durable closed-cell elastomeric insulation products on the market.

AEROFLEX Self-Seal™ & Self-Seal LDP™ Pipe Insulation

Pre-slit, nonpolar EPDM closed-cell elastomeric foam pipe insulation with self-seal, dual-tape closure. Includes AEROFLEX Cel-Link II® patented glueless “peel-and-seal” adhesive sheets for fast, reliable sealing of adjoining tubes.

Self-Seal LDP™ saves significant time and labor when insulating large-diameter piping (8″ – 16″ IPS, Black only).

Available in Black and White/Gray.

How to Open Ends of AEROFLEX Tube Carton

AEROFLEX EPDM™

Standard Tube

Standard; “split & glue” EPDM closed-cell elastomeric pipe insulation for new piping installations or whenever tubes are required over existing piping.

Aeroflex USA

AEROFLEX®-EP

FM Approved

AEROFLEX EPDM Pipe Insulation for projects that require FM Approval.

Available in Self-Seal and Standard tubes.

Also available in Sheets and Rolls.

AEROFLEX EPDM™

White/Gray Unslit Tube
White/Gray Self-Seal Pre-Slit Tube

Same superior EPDM closed-cell performance but in a white/gray color. Ideal anywhere a lighter color insulation is desired for aesthetics.

Also available in AEROFLEX Self-Seal™ Pipe Insulation pre-slit tubes.

AEROFLEX EPDM™

Continuous Tube & Coil Pack

Unslit EPDM closed-cell elastomeric pipe insulation available in continuous tubes up to 5,200 linear feet depending on ID and wall thickness. Ideal for long pipe runs.

InnoFoam™

Polyethylene Pipe Insulation

Flexible closed-cell polyethylene foam pipe insulation designed to retard heat gain or loss, control condensation and provide freeze protection for hot and cold-water plumbing systems.Ideal for residential and light commercial applications.

What Is Elastomeric Pipe Insulation

Elastomeric pipe insulation is a flexible, closed-cell insulation material typically made from EPDM or similar synthetic rubber compounds. It is specifically engineered for insulating cold and below-ambient piping systems where condensation control is critical.
Unlike fibrous insulation materials, elastomeric insulation features a sealed cellular structure that resists moisture intrusion and vapor transmission. This makes it an effective solution for preventing condensation, maintaining system efficiency, and protecting piping in HVAC, refrigeration, and chilled water systems.
Closed-cell pipe insulation is recommended by ASHRAE for refrigerant piping systems due to its low water vapor permeability (WVP) or perm rating. WVP indicates an insulation’s ability to resist water vapor drive to below-ambient piping.
For a deeper look at performance standards and material requirements, refer to our ASTM C534 technical guidance.

Key Benefits of Elastomeric Pipe Insulation

Closed-cell elastomeric foam insulation can address all the most important requirements of pipe insulation for mechanical systems when correctly specified and installed:

Condensation Control for Cold Pipe Systems

Elastomeric insulation is designed to prevent condensation on chilled water, refrigeration piping, and other cold (below-ambient) temperature applications. Its closed-cell structure and outer skin act as a built-in vapor retarder, helping stop moisture before it forms on the insulation’s outer surface (sweat).

Thermal Efficiency and Energy Savings

Elastomeric pipe insulation provides a favorable thermal conductivity (low k-value: 0.245 @ 75°F), helping maintain system temperatures and improving overall energy efficiency in HVAC and other mechanical systems.

Flexible and Easy to Install

The flexible and lightweight nature of elastomeric insulation makes it easy to cut, apply, and seal on a job site. It also allows the insulation material to conform to irregular shapes, tight spaces, and fittings, reducing installation time compared to rigid insulation materials.

Freeze Protection

With a low thermal k-value, elastomeric insulation helps slow heat loss in low-temperature environments, reducing the risk of pipe freezing when properly specified and installed. While pipe insulation buys time before pipes freeze, self-regulating heat trace systems (cables) should be installed on the piping and beneath the insulation for long-term freeze protection.

Fire and Smoke Performance

American-manufactured elastomeric insulation products, including AEROFLEX EPDM, are engineered to meet fire performance requirements, meeting fire and smoke safety standards, including ASTM84 (UL 723), and NFPA 90A/90B,including low flame and smoke spread indexes for commercial and industrial applications. The common reference is “25/50.” The insulation must test below 25 for flame spread and below 50 for smoke.

Personnel Protection

Elastomeric insulation can be installed at thicknesses that help reduce outer surface temperatures, protecting personnel from burns or contact with hot and cold piping, as well as the potential of slip and fall hazards posed by pooled water from sweating pipes.

Noise Abatement

The closed-cell structure and density of elastomeric insulation help attenuate sound, particularly problematic low-frequency sound, such as break-out noise from piping systems, contributing to reduced ambient noise.

Long-Term Performance and ROI

By combining thermal efficiency, moisture resistance, and durability, elastomeric insulation helps reduce maintenance costs, extend the life of your mechanical systems, and deliver a quicker return on investment (ROI) than most building products.

Common Applications for Elastomeric Insulation

Elastomeric insulation is used across a wide range of commercial and industrial applications where condensation control and thermal performance are required.
  • HVAC Piping Systems: Maintains temperature control and reduces energy loss in heating and cooling systems.
  • Chilled Water Systems: Prevents pipe sweating and protects surrounding building materials from moisture damage.
  • Refrigeration Lines: Helps maintain low system temperatures while reducing condensation and frost buildup.
  • Plumbing and Mechanical Systems: Provides reliable thermal and moisture control in a variety of mechanical piping applications.
You can learn more about system-specific insulation strategies in our application-focused resources, found in our website’s main menu bar.

Why Pipe Insulation Matters

The primary purpose of pipe insulation is to improve system performance and protect piping systems over time. Key functions include:
  • Save energy and improve thermal efficiency
  • Improved process performance and reliability
  • Condensation control for below-ambient systems
  • Freeze protection in low-temperature environments
  • Personnel protection from extreme surface temperatures
  • Attenuate noise reduction
  • Reduced emissions and improved sustainability
  • Maximized return on investment (ROI)
Two of the most important reasons for pipe insulation are to improve energy efficiency and control condensation.
When saving energy (minimizing heat gain or loss) is the primary success factor, choosing a pipe insulation that is thermally-efficient (the lower the thermal conductivity, the better – i.e. 0.25 versus 0.29), is designed for the pipe operating temperature range, and installed with the correct insulation thickness should all be taken into consideration to minimize heat gain or loss. A lower k-value also translates into reduced insulation thicknesses.
Condensation control is required whenever the operating (service) pipe temperatures fall below ambient conditions (“below-ambient” systems) at any moment in time throughout the year. Condensation will naturally occur on the pipe insulation surface if the correct insulation thickness is not installed. When left unchecked, condensation can damage insulation, promote corrosion under insulation (CUI), and lead to costly system failures.
Calculating the correct insulation thickness for your application is critical to preventing condensation and avoiding performance issues, system failures, and ensuring long-term performance. Factors such as pipe type (copper, steel, stainless steel, PVC), pipe size, operating temperature, ambient temperature, relative humidity, wind speed (exterior applications), and jacket type can be plugged into industry calculators, including 3E plus and NIA Condensation Control Calculator, to ensure successful outcomes.

Selecting the Right Pipe Insulation Material

Since no two thermal pipe insulation types are the same, it’s important to understand their performance properties (strengths & weaknesses) when selecting or specifying to maximize long-term system performance and ultimately ROI for the building owner.
Thermal insulation materials are commonly categorized into five main types:
  • Cellular (ex. cellular glass, polyisocyanurate, elastomeric, and polyethylene)
  • Fibrous (ex. fiberglass and mineral wool)
  • Flake (ex. vermiculite and expanded mica)
  • Granular (ex. aerogel, calcium silicate, and perlite)
  • Reflective (ex. bubble foil and multifoil insulation)
Each pipe insulation material type offers different performance characteristics depending on the application. Materials will also vary in key performance properties such as thermal conductivity (k-value), water vapor permeability (WVP), operating temperature range, flexibility, and fire performance (25/50).
Closed-cell pipe insulation is recommended by ASHRAE for refrigerant piping systems due to its inherent ability to effectively control condensation. Closed-cell pipe insulation can be rigid or flexible, vary by thermal k-value, vary by water vapor permeability, and require (or not require) a protective jacket.

EPDM vs Traditional NBR/PVC Insulation

AEROFLEX® EPDM closed-cell elastomeric pipe insulation is manufactured using EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubber, which differs from traditional NBR (nitrile butadiene rubber)/PVC-based insulation materials.
EPDM is often preferred to NBR/PVC rubber due to its material properties:
  • Non-Polar structure that is hydrophobic, so it does not induce or react with moisture, resisting moisture absorption
  • Stable chemical structure for long-term durability
  • Higher continuous temperature threshold of up to 257°F [125°C]
  • Superior UV resistance
  • Inherently microbial-resistant
  • Non-corrosive over stainless steel
  • Ultra-low PVC content (< 1%)
As a matter of fact, you will find EPDM rubber is in fact widely used in demanding environments, like automotive components such as hoses under the hood, weatherstripping in windows & doors, wiper blades, and more, due to EPDM’s ability to withstand heat, moisture, and UV exposure over time.

Industry Standards and Code Compliance

Mechanical insulation systems must comply with industry standards and building codes, including:
  • American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM International)
  • American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
  • International Energy Conservation Code® (IECC®)
  • Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
Standard and code compliance is generally listed on the pipe insulation manufacturer’s website technical datasheets. Compliance information is typically provided in manufacturer technical data sheets and should be reviewed during product selection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is elastomeric pipe insulation used for?

Elastomeric insulation is commonly used to insulate HVAC systems, chilled water pipes and equipment, VRF (variable refrigerant flow) pipes, and refrigeration piping where condensation control and thermal efficiency are required.

Is elastomeric insulation waterproof?

Elastomeric insulation is not fully waterproof but has a closed-cell structure that resists moisture absorption and vapor transmission. EPDM closed-cell elastomeric pipe insulation is nonpolar, so it will not induce or react with water, moisture, or water vapor in its environment.

Does elastomeric insulation prevent condensation?

Yes, because of its closed-cell structure, elastomeric insulation naturally repels moisture, making it very effective at controlling condensation on cold (below-ambient) piping systems when properly specified and installed.

What temperature range can elastomeric insulation handle?

It is commonly used for applications at below-ambient and moderately high temperatures, depending on the product formulation. AEROFLEX EPDM pipe insulation can be used on systems with continuous operating temperatures ranging from -297°F [-183°C] to 257°F [125°C].

What is ASTM C534 insulation?

ASTM C534 is the standard specification for flexible elastomeric cellular thermal insulation used in mechanical systems. To learn more about ASTM C534, read our technical bulletin on the subject.
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