I am planning to install a drop ceiling in my newly remodeled basement. In the three summers that I have lived in this home, I have experienced condensation build-up on the copper pipes in the basement. I'm concerned about the condensation damaging the drop ceiling. Is there anything I can do to prevent this?

Thanks,

Chris

 

Hi Cbodary,

The answer is yes. There is a product that I have in front of me just now called Bramec Cork Insulation Tape, Self-Adhering, $16.00 for 1/8" by 2" x 30ft roll. I think I bought it at either Home Depot, or Weslake Hardware, or A/N Hardware(a local jobber type hardware store).

I'll bet there are other brands to buy as well. I too, have a drop ceiling, and when I did some copper plumbing in the basement, I had to remove this thick black caulking type stuff and then replace it when done.

Here is what the box says, " ...is made specifically for covering cold pipes to prevent condensation and dripping. It may be used on pipes up to 158 degrees. The thickness of the insulation required for cold pipes depends on pipe temperature - the colder the pipe, the thicker the insulation needed. ...... it can be ...molded around fittings and valves,..."

I want to add that although it is called 'cork' it does not resemble cork to me. It is BLACK, TACKY, DENSE like tar. And it comes on a roll with 1 sided backing so that it is easy to wrap around a pipe, at a the same angle as the stripes on a barbers pole (haircutter, ya know).

My house is 42 years old. Maybe the new soft spongy foam rubber 4' sections will due the same thing, I don't know. You know what I mean, the black stuff you see on AC lines on homes inside and out.

Any more questions about this product, just ask.

Happy New Year!
Mark

 

I like to use the foam rubber 4'sections. Especially when you have little room to wrap the pipe, these can be slid on and compressed somewhat to fit around the pipe in some tight areas.