RockLap H&V Pipe Section

Pipe insulation is important for both heating and cooling buildings.. Using pipe lagging to reduce the required energy demand can cut both operating costs and carbon emissions for all types of constructions – such as airports, apartment blocks, hotels, warehouses and schools.

Uninsulated pipes risk unsettled temperatures, leading to energy inefficiencies and potential damage. You can reduce these risks by installing the correct insulation around hot and cold pipe work.

From preventing heat loss in warm water pipes to stopping condensation in cold water lines to damage prevention, insulation is essential for efficient operation and reduced energy bills and consumption.

Different types of pipes require different performance levels to keep water hot or cold:  

  • Warm water pipes – insulation prevents heat loss, saving energy when water travels between a boiler or heating system to central heating units.  
  • Cold water pipes – insulation helps in keeping the temperature low and protects against condensation, ensuring that the desired temperature is maintained.
  • Rain/waste water pipes – cold water pipe insulation prevents the formation of condensation which can cause corrosion or damage to the surrounding structure and can also reduce unwanted noise. 

Read on to learn more about ROCKWOOL’s pipe insulation products and the expertise, support and resources we offer to our customers.

Pipe Insulation Products

The benefits of pipe insulation 

We know that insulating both hot and cold pipes offers a range of benefits including: 

  • Energy efficiency: Insulating pipes helps to reduce heat transfer. In hot water pipes, insulation prevents heat from escaping, and in cold water pipes, insulation prevents heat gain from the surrounding environment, which helps to maintain cool water temperatures, resulting in energy savings 
  • Condensation prevention: Insulation on cold water pipes helps to prevent condensation from forming on the outside of the pipes when the surrounding air is humid. 
  • Freeze protection: Insulating pipes helps protect them from freezing temperatures. Frozen pipes can burst, causing water damage to buildings and property. Insulation helps to maintain the temperature of the water inside the pipes above freezing, reducing the risk of pipes freezing and bursting
  • Heating retention: Insulation helps to maintain consistent temperatures throughout the system. This is important in larger buildings where water may need to travel long distances through unheated or uninsulated spaces
  • Noise reduction: Insulating pipes can help to reduce the noise caused by water flowing through the system
  • Fire protection: Much of our pipe insulation is specially designed to resist fire or prevent the spread of fire. In the event of a fire, these insulation materials can help to contain the spread of flames by resisting ignition and combustion. This can help to prevent the fire from spreading to other areas of the building and limit the extent of fire damage.  

Why it’s important to insulate pipe supports 

Minimising the effects of thermal bridges is crucial to ensuring that you achieve the full benefits of insulated building services. Using the correct type of insulation for this is even more important. In the past, contractors used to rely on wooden block inserts to secure pipes in place at support locations. However, since wood is not an insulating material, this runs contrary to the guidance provided in BS 5422:2023.

To satisfy BS 5422:2023, ROCKWOOL recommends specifying RockLap H&V Pipe Supports. Manufactured from high density non-combustible stone wool, RockLap H&V Pipe Supports combine high compressive strength with CE-marked thermal performance, minimising heat losses while offering long-term stable performance.

 

Building regulations for pipe insulation

BS 5422:2023 guides designers, specifiers, contractors, and manufacturers of thermal insulation, helping them determine the minimum insulation thickness and insulation requirements to control and reduce heat loss and gains from building services. It also covers the importance of insulating pipes and ductwork to maintain the integrity of compartmentation in fire stopping. 

Architects and specifiers face a significant challenge keeping up with ever-evolving regulations and guidance documents to ensure full compliance and construct buildings that withstand the test of time.

However, we’re here to help and support you with thoroughly tested products, CPD learning modules and advice from our team of experts to help you specify the right product to comply with the regulations, as and when they change. 

Find out more:

Can our technical experts help?

Our dedicated team of highly skilled technical experts are available to help you with your cold pipe insulation calculations. With their extensive knowledge and commitment to excellence, our technical experts are not just problem-solvers but want to find ways for your project to succeed. Contact our team. 

Email: technical.solutions@rockwool.com

Telephone: 01656 868 490

 

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