Industrial insulation cladding is the outer covering fitted around an insulation system. Often called metal jacketing, it helps protect the insulation from weather exposure and physical damage. 

Cape Refractory Industries welcomes enquiries for protective cladding on insulated pipes, tanks, vessels and associated industrial equipment in South Africa. The requirement should be considered alongside the insulation beneath it, the operating environment and the need for future access. 

Cladding material should be chosen for the conditions it will face. Indoor equipment, exposed pipework, coastal sites and areas subject to frequent washdown can present different requirements. 

Aluminium and stainless steel are common material options for industrial metal jacketing. The appropriate selection depends on factors such as environmental exposure, mechanical demands, compatibility and the project specification. 

The discussion should cover more than the metal type. Material grade, thickness, finish, fittings and fastening arrangements all contribute to the proposed system. 

Straight pipe sections are only part of a cladding installation. Bends, branches, valves, flanges and equipment supports introduce changes in shape and potential entry points for moisture. 

The cladding arrangement should account for: 

• Joints and overlaps that shed water appropriately. 

• Terminations around supports and penetrations. 

• Movement during heating and cooling. 

• Protection in areas exposed to impact. 

• Access to inspection and maintenance points. 

• Identification of equipment that must remain visible. 

Where regular access is required, the covering and insulation should be designed with removal and reinstatement in mind. 

Loose, dented or missing cladding should prompt a check of the insulation beneath it. The visible damage may be limited to the outer covering, or it may be accompanied by moisture ingress and deterioration deeper in the system. 

Replacing the metal covering alone does not resolve every defect. The condition of the insulation and the underlying equipment should inform the repair scope. 

Cladding also forms part of a wider approach to managing moisture-related deterioration. It should not be presented as a guarantee against corrosion under insulation. 

Send Cape Refractory Industries the equipment dimensions, insulation thickness, site location and any existing material specification. 

For replacement work, describe the damage and the extent of the affected area. Include access restrictions and the available maintenance window so that the proposed scope can account for the practical requirements of the site.