The ongoing process of routine maintenance, heating system upgrades, new boiler installations and more recently, the retro-fitting of fire sprinkler systems in high-rise social housing, all demand that the pipework is covered to give a decorative and consistent finish.
Pre-formed plywood casings have been the preferred solution for decades and with over 30 years manufacturing experience in the sector, Encasement Ltd estimates that more than 100,000 kilometres of pipe-boxing has already been installed in social housing sites throughout the UK.
Encasement’s pipe boxing, boiler casings and fire sprinkler boxings are being increasingly specified by HAs, LAs and their contractors for concealing interior pipework, while exterior services, such as gas supply pipes, electrical cabling and distributed heating pipework can be concealed and protected using the company’s ‘Arma’ range of aluminium casings.
Martin Taylor, Encasement’s Managing Director, explained: “From day one, we set out to manufacture and supply the most comprehensive range of pipe boxing and casing products for the social housing sector and we now offer more than 200 different products, profiles and sizes within our standard range.”
In addition to this extensive ‘ex-stock’ range, all of Encasement’s pre-formed plywood and flame retardant products are manufactured exclusively from FSC® certified materials to ensure that specifiers, such as HAs and LAs can be confident that they comply with government guidance and advice on the use of sustainable products.
“We were one of the first manufacturers and suppliers of decorative casings to achieve the FSC® Chain of Custody Certification from the Forestry Stewardship Council in 2010,” added Martin Taylor. “During the following 2 years we phased out the manufacture of all non-FSC® products, so that our range is 100% certified and compliant.”
The company’s Riva; Versa 5 and Versa 8 ranges of pipe and fire sprinkler boxing products, together with its boiler pipe casings, are not only FSC® certified, but are also pre-finished in white melamine so that they can be fitted quickly and easily, which removes the need for on site painting and helps save time and money on site.
“Pre-finishing is an added advantage when contractors need to complete heating system installations and pipe or fire sprinkler boxing projects quickly and then move on to the next flat, which can also have a positive impact on improving maintenance and tenant satisfaction KPI’s,” continued Martin Taylor. “In addition, our flame retardant Versa FR range is also pre-finished in white, as standard, while our tough Arma aluminium casings can be specified and manufactured in any RAL colour.”
Further information on the company’s range of pipe boxing and casing products for social and public sector housing can be obtained by visiting www.encasement.co.uk; e-mailing sales@encasement.co.uk or by calling 01733 266889.