Pipe Insulation

Did a quick search didn't see what I was looking for

What are the various types of piping insulation with their strengths and weaknesses? Foam looks cheapest?

Does it make sense to insulate hydronic baseboards lines NOT in the zone they are servicing ie in the basement? Return runs?

Does it make sense to insulate HW lines behind walls if I can access them?

How about the larger pipes like the main output of the boiler to the zones valves and to the indirect HW heater?

Thanks

I would use fiberglass on the hydronics,foam on potable water is okay.

In the strictest sense, ALL heated water pipes should be insulated, although it is seldom done. The higher the "R" value of the insulation the better it will do the job. Usually, the higher the "R" value the more it will cost.