How to avoid Condensation Under Insulation (CUI)

What is CUI?

CUI stands for Condensation Under Insulation. This is where water from condensation on the inside of the lagging gets trapped between the insulation and the pipe causing eventual corrosion and rust as well as providing a feeding ground for mould.

Rust on pipe because of Condensation Under Insulation (CUI)

Why is CUI a problem?

Pipes supplying services, for example hot and cold water, from an external source into the building, throughout the building or in an industrial application are often in need of insulation or lagging as it is known. Standard pipe insulation products, normally in the form of an insulated collar, are prone to damage and create a phenomenon known as condensation under insulation (CUI)

How Max ceramic coating can avoid CUI?

Max 101 is a thin ceramic coat insulation that can be applied directly to the pipes. Its primary purpose is to reduce heat transfer and control temperature and is spray applied adhering to hot or cold surfaces in the temperature range of -66 to 176 °C. Just a 0.5mm thick coating is enough making it extremely cost effective, reducing space requirements whilst resisting water, salt water and most chemicals.

CUI is not just applicable to pipes. Improved insulated buildings can also lead to condensation problems with an estimate that some 15% of homes in England and Wales have such a problem. A poorly ventilated building with high levels of humidity may give rise to either surface condensation or, worse, interstitial condensation and this in conjunction with oxygen provides the nutrition for mould to develop. Mould will damage furnishings and clothes not to mention producing an unpleasant odour with spores that can be harmful to the health of the occupants.

As with pipes, Max 101 coating is water resistant and does not trap condensation. It is a thin film insulation and like other types of external wall insulation (EWI), when applied to external bricks/concrete is designed to keep the whole wall structure above the dew point. Water vapour collecting on the coating or if rendered over the coating, will dry out and evaporate.