Half of an insulation system's performance is decided by the cladding. However good the insulation, weak cladding lets rain, UV and impact wet and damage it, and performance collapses. This guide sets out the types of cladding that finish pipe and equipment insulation, and how to choose between them.
Why cladding matters
- Water and vapour resistance — blocking rain and condensate from wetting and degrading the insulation
- UV and weather protection — preventing degradation of outdoor insulation and extending its life
- Mechanical protection — shielding the insulation from impact, abrasion and foot traffic
- Radiant heat control — aluminum cladding reduces surface radiant emission, assisting efficiency
- Appearance and identification — a clean finish, easy identification and inspection
Cladding types compared
| Aluminum casing | 0.4–0.8 mm sheet. Light, corrosion resistant and economical, the general-purpose choice outdoors against UV and rain. Available flat or corrugated. |
| Stainless casing (SUS304/316) | The best corrosion resistance. Suited to chemical, coastal and hot environments and to hygienic (food, pharmaceutical) facilities. 316 is strong in chloride and coastal conditions. |
| Color-coated galvanised steel | Economical, for buildings and general plant. Colour can be selected, but outdoor corrosion resistance is lower than aluminum or stainless. |
| ALGC (aluminum glass cloth) | A light vapour-resistant composite facing. For indoor pipework and ductwork, blocking radiant heat and controlling condensation. Simpler to install than metal casing. |
| Stainless / aluminum jacket skins | The outer skin of removable insulation jackets, finishing complex shapes such as valves and flanges. |
Choosing by environment
| Exposed outdoor pipework | Aluminum casing (0.5 mm or thicker) or stainless — UV and rain protection, sealant-finished joints |
| General indoor pipework | ALGC or thin aluminum — light, vapour resistant, simple to install |
| Chemical and corrosive environments | Stainless (SUS316) or Teflon coated facing — chemical and corrosion resistance |
| Coastal and salt-laden areas | SUS316 recommended — corrosion resistance in chloride conditions |
| Food, pharmaceutical and cleanroom | Stainless — washable, hygienic and non-shedding |
| Chilled and refrigeration lines | PVC or ALGC with a vapour barrier — blocking condensate first |
Choosing the thickness
- Aluminum casing: 0.4 mm (light, indoor) to 0.8 mm (outdoor, impact risk) — thicker where there is traffic and loading
- Stainless: 0.4–0.6 mm is typical, thicker where mechanical protection matters
- On large-bore and outdoor pipework, corrugated casing helps both stiffness and drainage
- Thicker sheet means more durability but more cost and weight — balance it against the environment
Installation points that prevent failures
- Lap joints downward, in the direction water runs — minimising rain ingress
- Seal outdoor joints and screw holes with sealant (caulking) without exception
- Fix cladding firmly with bands or screws — preventing lifting in wind and vibration
- Minimise gaps between the insulation and the cladding — preventing sagging and denting
- Watch for galvanic corrosion — avoid direct contact between aluminum and stainless steel
- Inspect regularly to catch damage and lifting early, and repair immediately
⚠️Left unrepaired, damaged cladding lets rain into the insulation, performance collapses and the pipe surface corrodes. Repairing the cladding is far cheaper than replacing the whole insulation system, so deal with damage as soon as you find it.
💡Tell us the environment (indoor, outdoor, chemical, coastal), the pipe size and the insulation type, and we will recommend the cladding material and thickness and quote for casing, ALGC and all the finishing accessories together. Enquiries: +82 10-4266-9745
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