Part L of the Building Regulations mandates that holes around pipework must be sealed in order to maintain the energy efficiency of the building, prevent water ingress and stop insects and pests from entering the premises.
Traditionally, this has been a messy and potentially hazardous job, particularly when installing pipework at height. Mortar is best used in dry weather and the finish can be substandard. While it’s tough, it can crack and come away under assault from the elements, which may undermine its integrity. Another option is silicone sealant, but again this can weather, and the finish is not always professional. Either way, the problems these two solutions were meant to solve risk returning. Both mortar and silicone take time to apply, and this must be carried out externally. Applying these to pipe and brick work on upper storeys requires ladders, scaffolding or a cherry picker, which is costly and potentially dangerous.
“An alternative that eliminates all of the issues is a pipe collar or grommet, and this is what the new Part L is now mandating,” explains Dean Heathfield, Talon’s Commercial Director. “PipeSnug and FlueSnug protect the hole around the pipe or flue and solve the problem of water ingress, insects and pests, while also ensuring the house is draught proof and meets the requirements of energy efficiency stipulated under Part L. They are easy to install too, simply slotting into the drilled hole in seconds.”
There are many benefits to adding PipeSnug to an installation. There’s no mess, no tape or sealant as there can be when applying mortar or silicone. Instead, it gives the outer facade of the building a clean finish. It’s easy to install and can be fitted in seconds in any weather.
“An important plus is that it helps mitigate the health and safety risk of working at height,” continues Dean. “This is because, crucially, it can be installed from inside the property. FlueSnugs are flexible enough to be pushed through the core drilled brickwork, but rigid enough to pop back into place and create a tight seal.”
Similarly, if the flue needs servicing, maintenance staff have quick and easy access to pipe or flues when carrying out a service, with no need to remove existing brickwork, mortar or sealant. PipeSnug comes in standard sizes, 32mm, 40mm or 110mm sizes, and FlueSnug, the version for flues, is designed to fit 100mm boiler flues.
For more information about PipeSnug by Talon and other products, please visit www.talon.co.uk
