How to Measure for a Custom Insulation Cover

A custom removable insulation soft cover only works if it fits. The good news is that you don't need to be an engineer to get the measurements right, and you don't have to do it alone. At All Temp Soft Covers, LLC, customers send us photos, measurements and part numbers, and the owner walks you through measuring by phone or video call so every cover is made to your exact measurements.

This guide covers the basics so you know what to expect before you pick up the tape measure. For our own measuring page, see How to Measure for Insulation Covers.

Before you start: safety first

Only measure equipment that is shut down and cool to the touch. Exhaust parts, turbos and steam or hot-water lines can stay hot long after an engine or system is turned off. If the equipment is in a tight engine room or a mechanical space, make sure someone knows you're in there.

What you'll need

• A flexible tape measure (a sewing-style cloth tape is handy for wrapping around pipe)

• A regular tape measure or ruler

• Your phone, for photos

• Something to write on, or the notes app on your phone

• Calipers, if you have them. They're helpful but not required.

Step 1: Take photos first

Photos are the most useful thing you can send, so take them before you measure. For each part:

• Shoot the whole part from at least two or three angles.

• Take a close-up of each end, joint, flange or clamp.

• Show what's around the part: hoses, wiring, brackets, bulkheads and nearby equipment. Clearances matter.

• If you can, lay or hold a tape measure in the shot so the scale is clear.

• Photograph any sensors, drains, ports, hangers or brackets that come off the part, so they show up clearly in your photos.

Step 2: Write down part numbers

If the part has a manufacturer part number (common on exhaust elbows, mufflers, turbos and many valves), write it down and photograph the tag or casting. Engine make and model also help. A part number doesn't replace measurements, but it gives us a useful reference.

Step 3: Measure straight pipe

For a straight run, record:

• Outside diameter (OD): If you can't get calipers around the pipe, wrap a flexible tape around it to get the circumference, and write that number down. (Circumference ÷ 3.14 ≈ diameter.)

• Length: where you want the cover to start and stop.

• Anything along the run: couplings, clamps, hangers or supports, and how far each is from one end.

Always measure the bare pipe, not existing insulation, unless you're specifically told otherwise. If old

insulation is still on, mention it and send a photo.

Step 4: Measure elbows and bends

Bends are where custom covers earn their keep, and where good measurements matter most.

• Note the angle of the bend (for example 45° or 90°), or describe it if you're not sure.

• Measure the pipe OD on each side of the bend. They may be different.

• Measure along the outside of the curve and along the inside of the curve.

• Measure the straight sections on each side of the bend.

If the shape is complicated, don't worry. Good photos plus a video call usually sort it out.

Step 5: Measure flanges and valves

For flanges, record the flange outside diameter, its thickness, and how far the bolts stick out. Note the pipe OD on each side.

For valves, record the overall length from one end connection to the other, the body width and height, and where the handle or stem sits. Tell us how you operate the valve, too.

Step 6: Mufflers, turbos and other odd shapes

For mufflers and canisters, measure the body length and diameter (or width and height if it isn't round), plus the inlet and outlet pipe sizes and where they sit. For turbo blankets, a part number, the engine make and model, and plenty of photos are especially useful. Odd shapes are exactly where the owner's phone or video walkthrough helps most. If you're measuring boat exhaust parts, our marine exhaust insulation blankets page shows the kinds of covers we build.

Step 7: Tell us about the conditions

Along with measurements, let us know:

• What the equipment is and roughly how hot it runs, if known

• Whether it's indoors, in an engine room, or exposed to weather or spray

• How often it needs to come off for maintenance

Our inner insulation is rated 1,000°F continuous (1,200°F max), and our gray silicone outer cloth is rated 450°F continuous (500°F max). Knowing your operating conditions helps us confirm the right build for your job.

Step 8: Send it in for a free quote

Put your photos, measurements, part numbers and notes in one email to info@alltempsoftcovers.com, or call 360-383-6857. You can also use our contact and free quote page. If anything is unclear, the owner will walk you through it by phone or video call before anything is built.

We manufacture the covers and ship them, nationwide and anywhere in Alaska, ready for you, your crew or your mechanic to install. We don't do installation.

Common measuring mistakes to avoid

• Measuring over old insulation instead of the bare pipe or part

• Forgetting clearances to nearby hoses, wiring or bulkheads

• Leaving out sensors, ports or brackets

• Mixing inches and millimeters without labeling them

• Sending measurements without photos

FAQ

Do I need exact measurements to get a quote?

No. Send photos, measurements and part numbers, even rough ones. The owner will walk you through measuring by phone or video call before your cover is built.

What's the most important thing to send?

Photos from several angles, showing the part and what's around it, along with your measurements and any part numbers.

Should I measure over the existing insulation?

Generally measure the bare pipe or part. If old insulation is still on, tell us and send a photo.

Can you make covers for elbows, valves and flanges?

Yes. We make custom removable covers for exhaust parts, turbos, valves, flanges, pipes and HVAC equipment, all made to your exact measurements.

Do you install the covers?

No. All Temp Soft Covers manufactures and ships the covers. Installation is done by you, your crew or your mechanic.

Where do you ship?

Nationwide, including anywhere in Alaska.

How do I start? Call 360-383-6857 or email info@alltempsoftcovers.com, or go to our free quote page.

Send photos for a free quote.