Diplomatic Facility — Mechanical Room Insulation

Project Overview

HCGEOT was contracted to perform complete mechanical insulation services at a diplomatic facility in Ottawa. The scope covered the full mechanical room, including chilled water lines, domestic hot water piping, and heating distribution piping. Two insulation systems were specified for the project: elastomeric Armaflex on the chilled water lines to prevent condensation, and fiberglass pipe insulation with ASJ jacketing on the hot water and heating piping to reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency.

Project Challenges

The project required careful coordination with facility management and strict scheduling to minimize disruption to building operations. Pipe configurations included complex fittings, elbows, valves, and tight clearances throughout the mechanical room that demanded precise measurement and fabrication of insulation sections. The chilled water lines required meticulous sealing of all Armaflex joints to maintain a continuous vapour barrier and prevent condensation.

Scope of Work

• Site preparation and protection of surrounding mechanical equipment
• Cleaning of all pipe surfaces — removal of loose rust buildup and debris prior to insulation
• Measurement and fabrication of all insulation sections
• Installation of Armaflex elastomeric insulation on chilled water supply and return lines
• Careful sealing and fitting of all Armaflex joints to maintain continuous vapour barrier
• Installation of fiberglass pipe insulation on domestic hot water piping
• Installation of fiberglass pipe insulation on heating distribution piping
• All-service jacketing (ASJ) applied to all fiberglass-insulated lines
• Fitting covers and valve insulation on all accessible components
• Final inspection and quality review with facility management

Project Photos

Mechanical room overview — fiberglass-insulated piping around boiler and distribution equipment