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  1. First and foremost, SNAPPITZ is an energy conservation device that will pay for itself over the life of the building. The Polyisocyanurate Foam Insulation (Urethane) had approximately twice the R Value as Calcium Silicate. Example: P600 Urethane 1” wall has an R Value of 7.1 and Calcium Silicate has an R Value of 3.8. We feel the PVC Urethane SNAPPITZ would be the preferred choice.
  2. They will also provide for a reduction in noise vibration sometimes caused by expansion or contraction in the piping system.
  3. When the inserts are properly installed, they will automatically create the proper spacing between the pipes, allowing the insulation contractor to insulate the system without penetrating the vapor barrier. If the proper spacing insert is installed (thickness of material), it will insure they are getting the proper thickness of insulation throughout the entire system.
  4. If the insulated pipe support is installed at the same time as the hanger, the pipe should never have to be readjusted for grade (critical for RWL, Condensation and Steam). The insulation contractor only needs to butt the fiberglass pipe insulation and install a lap joint to assure the vapor barrier remains continuous.
  5. SNAPPITZ inserts are designed to support the load bearing weight of the pipe at the hanger points. The calculations were computed by Dow Chemical and depending upon the size of the pipe, which type of material should be used.
  6. SNAPPITZ inserts are made of Polyisocyanurate insulation (Urethane) encased in a 360-degree PVC jacket with a living hinge to open and close, and a J lock once snapped, will remain closed, thus assuring the vapor barrier remains continuous. The advantage of SNAPPITZ over the Calcium Silicate with metal jacket is that SNAPPITZ are one piece, whereas the Calcium Silicate with a metal jacket have two horizontal seams allowing the vapor barrier to be compromised.
  7. SNAPPITZ are much lighter while still meeting the requirements of the load bearing weight at the hanger point.
  8. SNAPPITZ inserts are more user friendly and require only 5 seconds or less to install on the pipe. When installing a vapor barrier associated with chilled water systems. The ASJ “All Service Jacketing” adds another 30 seconds to each pipe support system installed bringing the total installation time for “VEP close to 45 seconds or more on chilled water systems”. The information provided below shows the approximate cost.


    Calcium Silicate Cost to Install 5,000 Units
    5,000 x 45 = 225,000 / 60sec = 3,750 / 60 (1hour) = 62.5 hours x $125.00
    $7,812.50 to install 5,000 units of Calcium Silicate

    Snappitz Cost to Install 5,000 Units
    5,000 x 5 = 25,000 / 60sec = 417 / 60(1hour) = 7 hours x $125.00
    $875.00 to install 5,000 units of Snappitz

  9. SNAPPITZ are virtually dust free and are much more adaptable for clean room applications.
  10. SNAPPITZ has a 0% water absorption rate whereas Calcium Silicate will absorb water until it collapses, possibly causing damage to the piping system.

** The following verbiage is recommended to clarify any ambiguity for who is responsible for installing the insulated pipe supports. Insulated Pipe Supports should be noted in Division 220529 and 230529 under Mechanical Insulation System as:

“Unless otherwise specified, insulated pipe supports shall be provided by the Mechanical Contractor and installed by the same, during pipe support installation”.

The Anchors and Supports Section in Division 220529 and 230529 should read:

“Insulated Pipe Supports should be provided at the hanger points and guide locations on pipe requiring insulation. The insert should consist of Polyisocyanurate Foam Insulation (Urethane) encircling the entire circumference of the pipe with a 360-degree PVC jacket (1.524 mm thick) with a living hinge and J lock and installed during the installation of the piping system”.