To wrap or not to wrap (pipe)?
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Currently, in the process of insulating a 4 foot basement poured concrete foundation wall. Photo below. I am putting rigid foam and then drywall. A few feet down the wall some horizontal pipes run across the concrete wall, practically touching the foundation. They have foam wrapping around them to prevent condensation and I will spray foam behind them.
Because I will be drywalling in front of them, I removed some of the insulation on the side of the pipes that is facing the interior, to ensure that warm from the inside can still continue to reach it, since I think the foundation will get colder once I put the foam board up, and I worry about the pipes freezing, since they are not very far below grade.
Since drywall will be covering the pipes, do I still have to worry about moisture from the interior reaching the pipes and condensation forming on the uninsulated part of the pipe inside of the wall?
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Replies
There is probably low risk of freezing or condensation so I think either approach could work. Only cold water pipes will cause condensation.
Thanks for the feedback! I forgot to mention, climate zone 6a, basement usually kept at 50 degrees with about 55-60% relative humidity. The pipes are cold water pipes. Not sure if all that makes a difference.