Rubber and plastic insulation materials are widely used in HVAC, water pipe, and refrigerant piping systems due to their good flexibility, low thermal conductivity, and stable anti-condensation performance. The quality of their construction directly affects the insulation effect and anti-condensation capability; therefore, key details must be carefully controlled during construction.

I. Pre-construction Preparation and Environmental Requirements

Before construction, verify that the thickness, specifications, and fire resistance rating of the rubber and plastic materials meet the design requirements. The materials should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated environment, avoiding prolonged exposure to sunlight or pressure deformation.

The construction environment should be kept clean and dry. The surfaces of pipes or equipment should be free of oil, water stains, dust, and rust. If the substrate surface is damp, it must be dried first; otherwise, it will affect the bonding effect and increase the risk of condensation.

II. Substrate Treatment and Surface Cleaning

Rubber and plastic insulation materials are mostly fixed by adhesive, so the cleanliness of the substrate surface has a significant impact on the construction quality.

Metal pipe surfaces should be treated with anti-corrosion measures and completely dried before insulation construction. Uneven surfaces should be treated in advance to avoid localized voids.

III. Cutting and Dimension Control Points

Use sharp tools to cut rubber and plastic materials, ensuring straight cuts. Dimensions should be accurately measured according to the actual pipe diameter and component shape, avoiding excessive looseness or tightness.

Do not forcibly stretch the material during wrapping. Excessive stretching can easily cause shrinkage during operation, leading to joint cracking and affecting overall sealing and anti-condensation performance.

IV. Adhesive Application Precautions

Adhesive bonding is a crucial step in rubber and plastic insulation construction. Use a dedicated adhesive compatible with the material and strictly follow the product instructions for application and drying.

The adhesive should be evenly applied to the bonding surfaces, and bonding should only proceed after the adhesive layer has reached a suitable surface dryness. Premature bonding may result in weak adhesion, while delayed bonding will affect bond strength.

After bonding, promptly press the joint to ensure full adhesion of the bonding surfaces, preventing any lifting or gaps.

V. Joint and Overlap Treatment Requirements

The treatment of joints in rubber and plastic insulation materials directly affects anti-condensation performance. Joints should be tightly aligned without gaps. If necessary, apply adhesive or sealant to the joints for reinforcement.

In multi-layer insulation structures, the joints of each layer should be staggered to avoid forming continuous gaps and reduce the risk of moisture penetration.

VI. Construction Points for Elbows, Valves, and Irregularly Shaped Parts

For irregularly shaped parts such as elbows, tees, and valves, use a segmented cutting and piece-by-piece pasting method to ensure smooth adhesion.

Do not simply stretch a whole piece of material to forcibly cover it, otherwise wrinkles or hollow areas may easily occur, affecting the continuity of insulation and appearance quality.

VII. Protection and Fixing Requirements

Rubber and plastic materials are inherently soft; after construction, avoid exposure to sharp objects or excessive external force.

In outdoor areas or locations susceptible to mechanical damage, a protective layer should be installed to prevent aging, breakage, or human-caused damage.

Fixing methods should primarily rely on auxiliary positioning; avoid using excessively tight metal clamps to directly compress the material to prevent compression deformation during long-term operation.

VIII. Key Inspection Points After Construction

After construction, the following should be checked:

Whether the insulation layer is continuous and intact;

Whether the joints and seams are firmly bonded;

Whether there is obvious stretching, hollowing, or delamination;

Whether key anti-condensation areas have been properly treated.

In general, the core of rubber and plastic insulation material construction lies in the quality of bonding and the control of joint sealing. Only by strictly controlling material handling, adhesive processes, and detailed finishing during construction can its long-term stable insulation and anti-condensation performance be ensured.