Dear Forum,

for EWI insulation, what are the pros and cons of
a) insulating over the externally running gas pipe after protecting it by a larger diameter steel pipe rather than
b) extending the gas pipe to run on top of the insulation?

My kneejerk reaction is that b) is a poor choice because the copper pipe will act as a cold bridge and because due to thermal expansion outside of the insulated envelope it is more likely to develop a leak.

Opinions?

Many thanks!

I would think that the pipe would need to be accessible and if enclosed there is a chance a leak my creep indoors.
I have observed gas pipes going up to say 1st floor of a building and are covered by a capping part way presumably to deter vandalism. That is what I think common sense would dictate.