The 2014 ONS Crime Study recorded over 1.4 million incidents of criminal damage to buildings in England and Wales, including intentional and malicious vandalism to homes, retail units and offices.
This is a major problem for social landlords and property managers, who are constantly struggling with the demands of routine responsive maintenance, without the added hassle of vandalism.
Damage to rainwater downpipes and soil pipes may seem pretty insignificant, however, the longer term implications of not addressing these issues can be far from minor. Water damage caused by damaged downpipes can lead to many maintenance problems. Externally problems include wet, stained and slimy exterior walls, blown render and potential structural damage caused by standing water. Internally, the problems can have major implications for both the building interior and the occupant’s property and health. Issues can include rising damp, blown plaster, even mould, smells, spoilt carpets and damaged furniture.
To address this problem, Contour Casings have introduced a comprehensive range of anti-climb downpipe covers. Precision engineered from 2mm aluminium, they can be powder coated to any colour to blend in with the building exterior or create a contrasting statement, and can be warranted for up to 25 years.
Not only can these problems be unsightly, but they are often expensive to remedy and can even lead to health problems to building occupants, such as allergies, nose and throat problems, asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory infections. Damp buildings have even been associated with sick building syndrome, which is linked to underperformance and attendance at school and work.
Clearly, prompt attention to damaged pipework is important, but taking measures to prevent damage to exterior pipework can remove this issue once and for all.
To address this problem, Contour Casings have introduced a comprehensive range of anti-climb downpipe covers. Precision engineered from 2mm aluminium, they can be powder coated to any colour to blend in with the building exterior or create a contrasting statement, and can be warranted for up to 25 years.
The range included chamfered and bullnose designs and sizes suit cast iron, plastic and aluminium rainwater and soil pipework. They are also available with access doors to enable rodding without having to remove the cover.
The pipework protectors can be used in isolation to cover the lowest 2.5m or 3m of the downpipe, or as a whole system, including corners, Tee and stop ends to cover all exposed pipework. They can even integrate with Contour’s anti-climb bullnose fascia system.
For more information, please contact Contour Casings on 01952 290 498, or visit their website at www.contourcasings.co.uk.