Rothenberger Plumber's Soldering Mat

Rothenberger Plumber's Soldering Mat

By Rothenberger · Model: 67018 · Plumbing & Heating

Heat-resistant soldering mat rated to 1000°C for protecting surfaces during soldering and brazing of copper pipe, essential safety equipment for plumbers.

  • Heat resistant to 1000°C for protection during soldering and brazing
  • Protects joists, plasterboard, insulation and other flammable surfaces
  • Flexible material conforms to surfaces and wraps around pipes
  • Lightweight and easy to position in confined working areas
  • Reusable across multiple jobs with long service life
  • Essential safety equipment complying with hot work best practice
Check Price on Amazon

Overview

The Rothenberger Soldering Mat is a fundamental piece of safety equipment for any plumber soldering or brazing copper pipework. Rated to withstand temperatures up to 1000 degrees Celsius, it is placed behind joints being worked on to protect surrounding surfaces from the heat of the blowtorch. In domestic properties, this means protecting timber joists, plasterboard walls, insulation and plastic pipes from scorching or ignition. It is a simple product, but it is the difference between a safe working practice and a potential fire.

In-Depth Look

Soldering and brazing copper pipe involves directing a blowtorch flame at temperatures well above the ignition point of timber, plasterboard paper and insulation materials commonly found in domestic properties. A soldering mat is the first line of defence against accidental fire damage, and the Rothenberger mat is one of the most widely used options among UK plumbers.

Why It Matters

House fires caused by plumbing work are not as rare as they should be. A blowtorch flame can reach over 1300 degrees Celsius, and timber joists can begin to char at temperatures as low as 120 degrees Celsius. The gap between the joint being soldered and the nearest combustible surface is often just centimetres. Positioning a soldering mat behind the work area is a basic but critical safety step that takes seconds and prevents serious consequences.

Practical Use

The mat is flexible enough to be positioned flat against a wall, wrapped around a pipe, or draped over a joist. In tight spaces under floorboards or inside boxing, it can be folded to fit. Over time, the surface will discolour and harden from repeated heat exposure, but the protective properties are maintained. Most plumbers replace their soldering mat when it becomes too stiff to position easily, which is typically after several months of daily use.

Verdict

The Rothenberger Soldering Mat is inexpensive, effective and essential. There is no excuse for soldering without one. It should be one of the first items any plumber buys and one of the most frequently used items in their kit. A non-negotiable piece of safety equipment.

Specifications
Heat ResistanceUp to 1000°C
MaterialFire-resistant composite
DimensionsApproximately 330mm x 250mm
ApplicationSoldering and brazing protection
WeightLightweight, portable
ReusableYes

Who It's For

  • Plumbers and heating engineers soldering copper pipework in domestic and commercial properties
  • Apprentice plumbers equipping their tool kit with essential safety equipment
  • Maintenance engineers carrying out hot work repairs on building services

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Rated to 1000°C providing genuine protection during brazing and soldering
  • Flexible enough to wrap around pipes and conform to uneven surfaces
  • Durable and reusable over many jobs
  • Lightweight and easy to carry in a tool bag

Cons

  • Can become stiff and less flexible after prolonged heavy use
  • Single mat may not cover large areas — some situations need multiple mats
  • Surface can degrade and shed fibres after extensive use
Check Price on Amazon
Affiliate Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support our research and keeps this site running. Full disclosure.

Related Products