Insulation Services Case Studies: Frozen Kitchen Pipes Protected in NW Washington, D.C.

Challenge

A kitchen built on a cantilever extending over the basement wall of this NW Washington, D.C. home contained unprotected pipes.  During cold weather, these pipes froze with regularity, creating a headache for the homeowners.  Comfenergy was called to engineer and install a solution.

Solution

Multiple layers of sheathing hid the fact that there was no air barrier and a very thin thermal barrier protecting the pipes from the ravages of cold air.

A feeble attempt by a handyman to protect the pipes included filling the void from the bottom of the cantilever to the ground with rolled bales of fiberglass insualtion.  This was removed as it was completely useless other than providing a home for bugs and mold growing on the paper backing.

Ths pipes were then boxed with foam board, air sealed, and spray polyurethane foam was applied on top of that assembly to air seal it entirely.

MDO (Medium Density Overlay) Plywood was then cut to fit and installed on the bottom to complete the process and to provide a neat appearance to the project. 

Project Summary

Engineer: John LeVan

Consultant: Mike Dowling

Technician: Mike Wilson