Topsleeve Natural Wool Pipe Insulation

Topsleeve is a natural wool pipe-insulation product designed for domestic, commercial and trade plumbing applications.

Made from 100% wool, Topsleeve provides effective thermal and acoustic insulation while offering a natural alternative to conventional foam and plastic-based pipe-insulation products.

Product Range

Topsleeve SPL15–22

Suitable for insulating pipes between 15 mm and 22 mm in diameter.

This stitch-over product is designed primarily for new pipe installations and should be fitted before the pipework is connected into a sealed system.

Topsleeve SPL22–28

Suitable for insulating pipes between 22 mm and 28 mm in diameter.

This stitch-over product is designed primarily for new pipe installations and should be fitted before the pipework is connected into a sealed system.

Topsleeve Universal Wrap

A 100 mm-wide, flat-form wool insulation product suitable for:

• Existing and retrofit pipework

• Pipes of different sizes

• Multiple pipes installed together

• Awkward bends, joints and restricted areas

• Applications where tubular insulation cannot easily be fitted

The natural fibres help the wrap hold securely around pipework. In many applications, it can be tucked into position without requiring additional tape.

Key Features and Benefits

• Made from 100% natural wool

• Naturally resistant to flame

• Does not readily ignite or support combustion

• Self-extinguishing when removed from the source of fire

• Provides natural insulation against heat and cold

• Helps reduce heat loss from pipework

• Absorbs moisture vapour without feeling damp

• Helps reduce condensation around pipes

• Provides useful acoustic insulation

• Helps reduce noise transmitted through pipework

• Low-static material that does not readily attract airborne dust

• Dust-free during normal handling

• Strong, flexible structure

• Resists splitting when threaded over or wrapped around copper pipes

• Suitable for new installations and retrofit applications

• Recyclable and biodegradable

• Easy to cut, handle and install

• Contains no plastic foam

How Wool Insulation Works

Wool fibres contain a natural crimp that helps the fibres stand apart from one another. This creates small pockets of trapped air within the material. As still air is an effective natural insulator, these pockets help reduce the transfer of heat through the insulation.

Wool is also hygroscopic, meaning that it can absorb moisture in vapour form. It can absorb up to approximately 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling damp or clammy.

This moisture-management ability can help maintain a layer of insulating air around the pipe while reducing the build-up of static electricity.

Technical Information

PropertySpecificationMaterial100% woolAppearanceTextured wool feltColourVariableOdourOdourlessMoisture absorptionUp to approximately 30% of its weight without feeling dampThermal conductivity at 10°Cλ = 0.033 W/mKThermal conductivity at 60°Cλ = 0.039 W/mKFlame classification stated in the 2020 specificationEuroclass CFlame-spread test stated in the 2020 specificationBS EN 13501-1:2007+A1:2009Smoke test stated in the 2020 specificationBS EN 13823:2010

Test information is available upon request.

Fire Performance

Wool contains natural moisture within its fibres and resists flame without requiring the characteristics of conventional foam insulation.

When exposed directly to a flame, wool will normally char rather than burn freely. Once removed from the ignition source, it will stop burning and will not continue to support combustion.

In the event of a fire, use water spray, foam or carbon dioxide as appropriate for the surrounding materials and conditions.

Health and Safety

No specific health hazards are known during normal use.

Topsleeve can normally be handled without respiratory protection or protective gloves. Good personal hygiene and standard workplace practices are recommended.

If dust or loose fibres are generated in a confined area, suitable eye protection should be worn.

First-Aid Information

Inhalation

Normal use is unlikely to generate sufficient airborne fibre to cause a problem. Move to fresh air if discomfort occurs.

Ingestion

Accidental ingestion of a small amount of fibre is not expected to cause harm. Seek medical advice if symptoms or concerns arise.

Skin contact

Normal contact with the skin is not expected to cause a problem. Wash the affected area if irritation occurs.

Eye contact

If fibres enter the eyes, rinse carefully with clean water while lifting the eyelids. Continue rinsing for at least 15 minutes. Obtain medical attention if irritation persists.

Handling and Storage

No special handling measures are required under normal conditions.

Store Topsleeve:

• In a clean, dry area

• Away from excessive heat and naked flames

• Away from oxidising acids

• Inside its original packaging until required

• In conditions that protect it from contamination and physical damage

Accidental Release

No special clean-up procedures are required. Loose material can be collected manually or removed using normal workplace cleaning methods.

Environmental Information

Wool is a natural fibre. Topsleeve is recyclable and biodegradable and provides a natural alternative to conventional plastic-based pipe-insulation materials.

Disposal

Where possible, clean waste material should be reused or recycled.

Small quantities may be disposed of with general waste, subject to local waste-management requirements. Larger quantities should be handled in consultation with an authorised waste contractor or the relevant local authority.

Transport Information

Topsleeve is not classified as dangerous goods and is not subject to special transport regulations.

Manufacturer

Global Intl Ltd
Topsleeve is a brand of Global Int