Some of the materials that can be used for pipe lagging

Pipe lagging saves you energy and lessens the noise that comes from your plumbing. There are several types of insulation that may be used for your pipe lagging. Here is a quick guide to some of them.

Glass wool

Glass wool is exactly what it sounds like — a fibre woven from glass. In order to make it, the glass is heated to a very high temperature and is then spun out into a long thread. These threads are then twisted together and will trap air to make a highly insulating material. This is a strong and durable type of lagging that has a variety of uses and will keep the heat loss and noise from your pipes to a minimum.

Mineral wool

Mineral wool is similar to glass wool but is usually made from other materials such as rock. It is made in the same way as glass wool — heated to a high temperature and then spun out to make an insulating fibre. Both of these are very common types of lagging.

Flexible elastomeric foam

These flexible foams are sprayed onto the surface to be lagged and then set into a pliable insulating cover. They have the advantage that they prevent condensation and so also stop mould from building up. Flexible elastomeric foams make excellent insulators and will continue to work even when damaged. They can also cope with higher temperatures more than other types of insulators.

Polyethylene

Polyethylene is another flexible foam that is often used for pipe lagging because it has good insulating properties. Like elastomeric foams, it is resistant to moisture and so will prevent mould from building up. However, it is not quite as flexible as elastomeric foams and can not tolerate such high temperatures.

Polyurethane

Finally, polyurethane is a material that can come in a variety of shapes — pipe sections for enclosing your plumbing, or sheets that can be wrapped around the pipes. It can also be backed with aluminium foil to provide additional insulation. It is a lightweight and versatile material that is also eco-friendly and will provide a high level of insulation for your pipes.

These are just some of the materials that could be used for pipe lagging. Which type is best will depend upon your individual circumstances and the kinds of pipe that you are insulating. The best way to ensure that the ideal material is used is to call in a professional pipe lagging service.

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