What should be used to protect building fabric while soldering?

Using a heat proof mat to protect building fabric while soldering is essential as it is specifically designed to withstand high temperatures and prevent heat transfer that could otherwise damage surrounding materials. Soldering generates intense heat, and without proper protection, this heat can ignite combustible materials or deform plastics and other building elements.

Heat proof mats are often made from materials that are resistant to heat and can catch any molten solder, providing a barrier that protects both the work surface and the building fabric underneath. This option ensures safety and helps maintain the integrity of the area being worked on.

While other options may offer some level of protection, they do not provide the same level of heat resistance that a heat proof mat does, which is crucial during the soldering process. For instance, wooden boards can catch fire, canvas drop cloths may ignite or char, and insulation boards, while useful for reducing heat loss, may not endure high temperatures associated with soldering and could still warp or catch fire.