"Cork does sound intriguing though, especially if it holds up better over time."
I've been curious about cork insulation too, but honestly, I'm a bit skeptical about its durability in damp areas. A few years back, I helped my brother-in-law redo his basement pipes, and we tried cork wraps because he was all about eco-friendly materials. At first, it seemed great—easy to handle, looked neat—but after about two winters, we noticed some mold spots forming around the joints. Granted, his basement had humidity issues, but still...it made me wonder how cork would hold up long-term compared to foam or fiberglass.
Maybe cork has improved since then, or maybe we just didn't seal it properly. Either way, I'd double-check moisture resistance before committing fully. Foam sleeves flaking after four years sounds annoying for sure, but moldy cork isn't exactly fun either. Has anyone else had better luck with cork in damp environments?
Cork insulation seems like a neat idea, but honestly, I'd be hesitant about it around pipes too. I tried cork flooring in my bathroom thinking it'd be eco-friendly and warmer underfoot...but after a year or so, moisture got under the edges and warped it pretty badly. Maybe insulation is different, but I'd probably stick with something more moisture-resistant in damp spots. Fiberglass isn't perfect either, but at least mold isn't usually an issue.
Had a similar issue with cork flooring in a rental bathroom—warped edges, mold, the works. Insulation might fare better since it's not directly exposed, but I'd still lean toward foam pipe sleeves or fiberglass wrap for damp areas. Less headache long-term.
Had cork flooring once too—never again. Foam sleeves are definitely solid, but have you considered how fiberglass wrap holds up if there's condensation buildup? Seems like it might trap moisture over time...
"Foam sleeves are definitely solid, but have you considered how fiberglass wrap holds up if there's condensation buildup? Seems like it might trap moisture over time..."
Yeah, fiberglass wrap can be tricky with condensation. I've seen cases where moisture gets trapped underneath, and over time it leads to corrosion or even mold issues. Foam sleeves usually breathe a bit better, but if you're set on fiberglass, make sure it's got a proper vapor barrier and is sealed tight. Otherwise, you're just asking for trouble down the line...
