Boxed in with Pendock
With the increased use of low carbon heating systems, including heat networks, air source and ground source heat pumps, as well as shared ground loop arrays, Pendock boxing offers an effective solution for concealing pipework for external distribution, as well as those located within individual flats.
The wide range of pipe boxing and casing products available makes the Pendock Profiles range one of the most comprehensive for use on local authority and housing association refurbishment projects.
Pre-formed boxing saves time
Pendock’s principle of using pre-formed plywood casings to conceal interior pipework was developed to reduce on-site time and associated costs, which is increasingly important as labour costs continue to escalate. Unlike traditional site-fabricated alternatives, pre-formed boxing is curved to form a smooth ‘L’ shaped profile, eliminating sharp corners or joints along the edges of the profiles, providing a more aesthetic finish to the installation.
Also, due to the wide range of sizes available, the correct profiles can be selected to fit closely over the pipework, minimising intrusion and visual impact in flats where skirting-level heating pipework or high-level fire sprinkler systems are being concealed.
Using an ‘off the shelf’ purpose-designed boxing range enables consistent finishes to be achieved in individual flats, even with different profile styles or sizes installed. This consistency becomes more beneficial when complete blocks are refurbished, ensuring continuity of finish, which is more difficult with site-made boxing.
In addition, all plywood profiles are pre-finished with a white resin impregnated décor paper, as standard, which removes the need for painting on site, saving even more time and costs, while further improving the final project finish.
The combined benefits of reduced installation time and improved finish quality can also support tenant satisfaction levels by minimising disruption during refurbishment programmes.
Tough and durable metal boxing
As the use of district heating schemes and low carbon solutions has grown, Pendock’s metal pipe boxing has become one of the fastest-growing products in the company’s range.
Engineered to provide weather-resistant and durable solutions for concealing external pipework, building services, and other utilities, it also protects against accidental damage or vandalism where pipes may be accessible.
Bespoke manufactured to individual project specifications from 2mm aluminium, as standard, metal boxing is available as a three-sided channel profile – CHM – for securing to a single flat surface or as a two-sided 90-degree design – MXM – for fixing to adjacent surfaces, such as corners or like walls and ceilings.
Supplied with a PPC finish in lengths up to 4000mm, both CHM and MXM can be used to conceal vertical and horizontal pipework installations. The two products are also supported by dedicated ranges of accessories, including corners, stop-ends and joint covers.
Metal boxing is also used to cover fire sprinkler supply pipework mounted in open balconies or externally to flats, to provide added security and weather resistance. As it is non-combustible, it is regularly used in high rise residential blocks to conceal interior runs of pipework where no sprinkler heads are present, such as in communal areas.
Box clever
While Pendock metal boxing is popular for its specific applications, pre-formed plywood boxing and casings are still the most widely used for concealing interior pipework. At the core of the ‘Profiles’ range are the TK and MX products, which are already utilised in countless social housing projects across the UK.
TK incorporates a 115-degree angle on the shorter leg, creating a sloping top surface. Designed primarily for hiding small bore heating system pipework at skirting level, TK blends into living areas, bedrooms and kitchens while the angled top surface prevents its use as a step.
A three-sided version, the TKD, is also available for mid-wall or vertical use, incorporating the 115-degree angle on both sides. Both are manufactured from 5mm plywood and prefinished with a white resin impregnated décor paper.
Unlike the TK, the MX has a 90-degree ‘L’ shaped profile, and the wide range of available sizes make it suitable for boxing in horizontal or vertical pipework in a variety of residential applications, such as heating and mains water, plus larger diameter drainage and waste pipework.
This versatility is increased further as two ‘L’ shaped MX profiles can be joined together in different size configurations to create ‘U’ shaped channel sections. These can be used to conceal interior pipework or building utilities, such as vertical pipe runs or ceiling mounted fire sprinkler pipework.
The MX range is manufactured in 5mm or 8mm thicknesses and finished with a white resin impregnated décor paper. A range of dedicated accessories is available for both MX and TK, including internal and external corners, stop ends, butt joint covers, and access panels.
Sprinklers, boilers and ventilation
MXF fire sprinkler boxing is also a pre-formed, pre-finished ‘L’ shaped profile, and is the preferred choice of many LA and HA contractors when concealing surface mounted sprinkler pipework in high-rise blocks.
Available in 5mm or 8mm thicknesses, it can be readily cut to length and drilled to accommodate sprinkler heads, on site, while the range of dedicated accessories help give a high quality finish to the project.
MXV boxing is a recent addition to the Profiles range and is designed specifically for covering flexible ducting used in Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) schemes. MXV includes options to conceal installations both with and without coving.
Completing the interior casings range are the ‘BC’ pre-formed boiler pipe casings, which are designed to conceal boiler pipework, valves, filters, and flues while avoiding the time and cost issues associated with site-fabricated boiler boxing. They also allow easy access for gas safety checks, routine inspection, or boiler maintenance, as they can be removed, re-used, and refitted without damage.
