Dean Heathfield, Commercial Director at Talon, explains why builders need the right accessories for safe, efficient and long-lasting pipework installations.
Pipework installation is a critical component of building work, required for new constructions, renovations, repairs and extensions. But it’s more than just putting the pipes in the right place – it requires neat, precise execution and the right accessories to make this easy. Attention to detail is key, from ensuring all connections are sealed against leaks to adhering strictly to modern energy efficiency standards. Done correctly, and secure and aesthetically pleasing pipework will upgrade a building’s functionality and safety, significantly improve occupant comfort and reduce maintenance demands.
Addressing air leakage
One major consideration when installing pipework is air leakage at points where pipes penetrate external walls and floors. Such breaches can lead to heated air escaping and cold air entering, increasing energy consumption. To mitigate this, Part L of the Building Regulations requires the use of pipe seals and grommets to reduce air leakage. Additionally, for new housing projects, compliance with energy efficiency standards, particularly regarding insulation and airtightness, must be documented with photographs in the Buildings Regulations England Part L (BREL) report, provided by the SAP Assessor.
PipeSnug and FlueSnug are innovative sealing collars designed to meet stringent regulatory requirements. These products allow builders to quickly seal pipe exits, providing an effective barrier against drafts, pests and heat loss and offering a clean and professional finish without the need for messy sealants or mortar. PipeSnug and FlueSnug are UV resistant, ensuring durability against sun damage, do not degrade over time and are not affected by cold weather, rain or snow.
The products also address the critical issue of falls from height, a leading cause of severe workplace injuries and fatalities. PipeSnug and FlueSnug are designed to be inserted into a core-drilled hole from inside the building, snapping back into place securely without the need for external access via ladders or scaffolding, thereby reducing health and safety risks during installations at height. When it comes to maintenance, FlueSnug can be easily removed, inspected and reinstalled entirely from the interior, a very simple and safe process.
Getting to clips
When installing pipework, choosing the right clips is an important part of the design process. There are clips out there that not only look great once in place but also make installation safer, quicker and easier. One example is the EZ Joist Clip. It can be installed from the side on which makes it easier and safer for jobs performed above head level and is a more convenient alternative to traditional nail-in clips, which require top access. The EZ Joist Clip attaches easily to the joist’s side and its integrated supportive ledge stabilises the clip as the pipe is secured. These clips are ideal for when pipes are already in-situ but must now be fixed in place. It also has a modular design that makes it easy to connect multiple clips, allowing for extended runs or complex configurations. The clips interlock via a dovetail joint, giving a consistent, uniform pipe spacing so pipes are neat, organised and look good.
Hide pipes away
Aesthetics is always an important part of any job – mostly to ensure customer satisfaction. Exposed pipes in areas like bathrooms and kitchens, where radiators and towel rails are often focal points, can undermine the overall effect of even the best installation. Snappit is a neat, quick solution here. It quickly covers exposed radiator and towel rail pipes, instantly elevating the finish. Simple to install, you just need to measure the exposed pipe, mark it on the Snappit and cut the excess with a hacksaw. The Snappit then snaps into place with a satisfying click, finished with a collar to secure the clean, professional look of the installation and avoiding all the mess and hassle associated with painting pipework.
But it’s not just kitchen and bathroom pipework that should always be covered. Exposed pipework in any room will make it look incomplete and will often draw the eye – and dust! Talon’s Single and Double Pipe Covers offer a quick solution to smarten up the look of exposed pipes. Made from extruded white uPVC, these covers offer excellent weather resistance, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. Once the correct size is chosen, they can simply be clipped over Talon Hinged Clips without the need for any additional tools.
Effective pipework design is essential in ensuring the structural integrity, energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal of any building project. Choosing the right accessories, from those that enhance safety and energy conservation to those that make a great visual impact show that successful construction is not just about the major elements, but also about the finer details that enhance the living and working environments.
For more details on the Talon range visit www.talon.co.uk.
