The Importance Of Pipe Insulation (Pipe Lagging Explained)

Having the right covering or insulation on your pipes is something us regular Joe’s rarely consider. But the importance of pipe insulation or lagging cannot be understated.

As well as being regulated by building requirements, which can vary within the UK, there are a few reasons why having the right pipe insulation is important. Having the right pipe lagging will mean you will save on energy, stop pipes from freezing and prevent water damage.

If your plumbing isn’t insulated your pipes will be prone to sweating as water vapour condenses on the pipe’s surface. This is more likely to happen where the pipes are operating in below ambient temperatures.

This sweating will erode the pipe over time as well as causing a loss of heat and increasing your chance of problems with freezing.

What Is Pipe Insulation

Defined as ‘thermal or acoustic insulation used on pipework’ but simply recognised as the foam wrap you put around a pipe. Pipe lagging is essential when it comes to regulating the thermal dynamics around your pipes and home.

It can be made out of a variety of materials like flexible or rigid foams, polyethylene, mineral wool, glass wool, etc. The material required for your particular job depends on the result you are looking for.

Commonly it is found around the water pipes in your home to help prevent freezing but it can also be around pipes that release heat to protect you from burning or heat loss. You can find pipe insulation suitable for a range of applications covering heating, ventilation, and water, for example.

Why Do We Need Pipe Insulation?

Stops Pipes Freezing

Frozen and burst pipes are every home dwellers nightmare. Not just because of the potential damage but also the potential cost as a result of that damage.

One of the most common household problems, especially when subjected to freezing temperatures, it makes sense to try and offset that by having the correct insulation work done on your pipes.

When water is left ‘standing’ in pipes it can freeze and expand potentially bursting a pipe and causing damage. While insulating will not prevent this entirely it will certainly make it much, much, harder for that water to freeze.

Obviously, exposed external pipes require insulation as they would be the pipes most susceptible to bursting. Although even internal exposed pipes are at risk too.

Saves Energy

Any type of home insulation is going to save you energy and money. Insulation for your pipes is no different.

The correct insulation will limit heat loss and transfer, provide a barrier against moisture gathering, and therefore improve the heat efficiency around your pipes and home. The more heat conservative you are. The less energy is wasted.

Prevents Water Damage

Water damage in your home can be devastatingly destructive. It is not just new plumbing you will have to worry about but also the damage to walls and floors. It stands to reason that any steps you can take to limit that are going to be welcome and wise.

If your pipes are badly insulated, or not insulated at all, water will condense on them and this can give rise to problems with standing water, potential freezing, and pipe erosion. All costly problems which could have been avoided in the first place.

Proper, professional, pipe insulation is an essential requirement of your home. The potential benefits, and avoidance of potentially costly pitfalls, means it is not something to be skimped on.

You need the right lagging, the right insulation, for the right job, and want someone who can do that right. Like the UK’s No 1 pipe insulation company.