On Jul 14, 8:04*am, Matt wrote:
Anyone have recommendations on how to block UV light from the PEX
tubing in my basement? *All PEX runs are bundled and run just under
the ceiling joists, but I have three large windows that let in quite a
bit of light. *I will eventually build a soffit to isolate these
pipes, but want an interim solution since I've read that PEX should
not be exposed for more than 30 days and I won't have time to build
the soffit in the next 30 days. *Foil wraps, paint, etc? *Any
recommendations for something that'll be quick and easy?

Hang UV film in front of windows, if they are not dual pane you could
adhere the film to the glass, Most any box store has UV film, or
curtains in daytime even blankets or sheets or roll construstion
paper, it will save on AC costs as well. Its less trouble than
painting pipe.

On Jul 14, 9:27*am, ransley wrote:
On Jul 14, 8:04*am, Matt wrote:

Anyone have recommendations on how to block UV light from the PEX
tubing in my basement? *All PEX runs are bundled and run just under
the ceiling joists, but I have three large windows that let in quite a
bit of light. *I will eventually build a soffit to isolate these
pipes, but want an interim solution since I've read that PEX should
not be exposed for more than 30 days and I won't have time to build
the soffit in the next 30 days. *Foil wraps, paint, etc? *Any
recommendations for something that'll be quick and easy?

Hang UV film in front of windows, if they are not dual pane you could
adhere the film to the glass, Most any box store has UV film, or
curtains in daytime even blankets or sheets or roll construstion
paper, it will save on AC costs as well. Its less trouble than
painting pipe.

True enough. In any case I doubt enough uv survives being reflected
onto the pipe to make a difference. The op could do nothing and still
be ok. I certainly wouldn't bother.

On Jul 14, 9:10*am, jamesgangnc wrote:
On Jul 14, 9:27*am, ransley wrote:





On Jul 14, 8:04*am, Matt wrote:

Anyone have recommendations on how to block UV light from the PEX
tubing in my basement? *All PEX runs are bundled and run just under
the ceiling joists, but I have three large windows that let in quite a
bit of light. *I will eventually build a soffit to isolate these
pipes, but want an interim solution since I've read that PEX should
not be exposed for more than 30 days and I won't have time to build
the soffit in the next 30 days. *Foil wraps, paint, etc? *Any
recommendations for something that'll be quick and easy?

Hang UV film in front of windows, if they are not dual pane you could
adhere the film to the glass, Most any box store has UV film, or
curtains in daytime even blankets or sheets or roll construstion
paper, it will save on AC costs as well. Its less trouble than
painting pipe.

True enough. *In any case I doubt enough uv survives being reflected
onto the pipe to make a difference. *The op could do nothing and still
be ok. *I certainly wouldn't bother.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Ive had a pvc supply in sun for 10 years, im suprised it still intact,
you are right not much UV will reflect up any way its absorbed in the
direct rays probably 90+%, When fabric fades from UV is whats mainly
in direct rays.

On Jul 14, 10:24*am, ransley wrote:
On Jul 14, 9:10*am, jamesgangnc wrote:





On Jul 14, 9:27*am, ransley wrote:

On Jul 14, 8:04*am, Matt wrote:

Anyone have recommendations on how to block UV light from the PEX
tubing in my basement? *All PEX runs are bundled and run just under
the ceiling joists, but I have three large windows that let in quite a
bit of light. *I will eventually build a soffit to isolate these
pipes, but want an interim solution since I've read that PEX should
not be exposed for more than 30 days and I won't have time to build
the soffit in the next 30 days. *Foil wraps, paint, etc? *Any
recommendations for something that'll be quick and easy?

Hang UV film in front of windows, if they are not dual pane you could
adhere the film to the glass, Most any box store has UV film, or
curtains in daytime even blankets or sheets or roll construstion
paper, it will save on AC costs as well. Its less trouble than
painting pipe.

True enough. *In any case I doubt enough uv survives being reflected
onto the pipe to make a difference. *The op could do nothing and still
be ok. *I certainly wouldn't bother.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Ive had a pvc supply in sun for 10 years, im suprised it still intact,
you are right not much UV will reflect up any way its absorbed in the
direct rays probably 90+%, When fabric fades from UV is whats mainly
in direct rays.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Yea, I have some sections of pvc that have been outside for 15 years
now. Sprinkler lines that come out of the side of the house down near
the ground. They are in the shade from trees and bushes. They don't
show any signs of serious damage. I agree, pretty much need full
direct sunlight for any noticable uv damage on anything.

jamesgangnc wrote:

Ive had a pvc supply in sun for 10 years, im suprised it still
intact, you are right not much UV will reflect up any way its
absorbed in the direct rays probably 90+%, When fabric fades from UV
is whats mainly in direct rays.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Yea, I have some sections of pvc that have been outside for 15 years
now. Sprinkler lines that come out of the side of the house down near
the ground. They are in the shade from trees and bushes. They don't
show any signs of serious damage. I agree, pretty much need full
direct sunlight for any noticable uv damage on anything.

The first sign will be when you bump it and it shatters. UV basically makes the
PVC very brittle.

On Jul 14, 10:42*am, "Bob F" wrote:
jamesgangnc wrote:
Ive had a pvc supply in sun for 10 years, im suprised it still
intact, you are right not much UV will reflect up any way its
absorbed in the direct rays probably 90+%, When fabric fades from UV
is whats mainly in direct rays.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Yea, I have some sections of pvc that have been outside for 15 years
now. *Sprinkler lines that come out of the side of the house down near
the ground. *They are in the shade from trees and bushes. *They don't
show any signs of serious damage. *I agree, pretty much need full
direct sunlight for any noticable uv damage on anything.

The first sign will be when you bump it and it shatters. UV basically makes the
PVC very brittle.

Why did people switch the topic from the OP's question about UV and
PEX degradation to discussing PVC? They're two different animals.

I agree that the OP's situation doesn't present a problem.
http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasc...6/gen06495.htm
The glass will filter most of the UV, and it's unlikely that the
significantly reduced strength of reflected UV will compromise the
PEX.

R

ransley wrote:

Ive had a pvc supply in sun for 10 years, im suprised it still intact,
you are right not much UV will reflect up any way its absorbed in the
direct rays probably 90+%, When fabric fades from UV is whats mainly
in direct rays.

PVC is made with all kinds of UV resistance, anywhere from a few
months (starts discoloring after that) to 70 years for siding. I've
seen lots of white PVC water pipe turn purple-brown after a few years
in Phoenix and become more brittle, but isn't too easy to break.