Social housing casings – Going under cover with Pendock
Pendock’s first pre-formed casings for concealing unsightly pipework and building services were launched in 1987, primarily for social housing to support ongoing heating system improvements, boiler upgrades and broader refurbishment programmes.
The initial principle of pre-formed plywood casings was conceived as a solution to reduce the amount of time spent on-site when boxing in pipework. At the time, the predominant method was to fabricate boxing from wood or MDF sheets, which required measuring, cutting to size and joining, followed by sanding and painting.
Clearly, the cost of materials and labour to complete even a simple pipe boxing project was significant, especially as it would need repeating in every flat during a heating system upgrade or refurbishment programme.
By using Pendock boxing, comparative installation times were halved, which reduced labour costs and sped up the process, which also helped social landlords improve budget utilisation.
During the past 35 years, the company’s products have been used extensively in all types of social housing projects and the range has continued to expand to meet new requirements, whether it is concealing fire sprinkler pipework or using metal boxing to protect external pipework from damage.
Expanded product choice
From the outset, Pendock TK and MX boxing products were pre-finished with durable white melamine, which removed the need for painting and saved even more time-on-site, and the products are still manufactured in this way.
From these two originals, the range has expanded to encompass six products that are now grouped together under the Pendock Profiles brand, which is orientated towards social housing applications to help simplify the specification process.
The original concept of simplifying installation, saving time and reducing costs is carried through to the rest of the Pendock Profiles family, which also addresses new applications, such as the need to conceal pipework and flues on heat efficient boilers while providing a consistent finish and ease of access for inspection.
Tough, weather-resistant metal boxing.
Metal boxing is used widely for concealing external pipework for low carbon district heating schemes, as well as covering air-source and ground-source heat pump pipework, to protect against accidental damage or vandalism where pipes may be within easy reach.
Fire sprinkler supply pipework mounted in open balconies or externally to flats is also covered using metal boxing to provide added security and weather resistance. In addition, as metal boxing is non-combustible, it is used in high rise residential blocks to conceal interior runs of pipework where no sprinkler heads are present, such as in communal areas.
Bespoke manufactured to individual project specifications from 2mm aluminium, as standard, metal boxing is available as a three-sided channel profile or as a two-sided 90-degree design and is usually supplied with a PPC finish in 4.0-metre lengths.
Covering all the angles
Both the MX and TK profiles have been available from day one and are still at the heart of the range. So, how do they differ?
The primary distinction is their shape. MX has a 90-degree ‘L’ shaped profile, while the TK incorporates a 115-degree angle on the shorter leg to create an angled top surface, making it ideal for covering small bore heating system pipe work at skirting level.
This feature makes it less obtrusive, helping it blend in to living areas, bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms. A TKD option is also included, which incorporates the 115-degree angle on both sides of the profile, allowing mid wall mounted pipework to be fully concealed.
The MX’s shape and wide choice of sizes make it a highly versatile solution for boxing in horizontal or vertical pipework in a range of residential applications from heating and mains water to larger diameter drainage and waste pipework.
Two ‘L’ shaped MX profiles can be joined together in different size configurations to create the CH range of ‘U’ shaped channel sections, which increases its versatility further. CH channel sections are often used to cover interior vertical pipe runs or ceiling mounted sprinkler pipework.
The MX range is manufactured in 5mm or 8mm thicknesses, depending on the size of the profile, and a range of dedicated accessories is available for both the MX and TK, which includes internal and external corners, as well as stop ends, butt joints and access panels.
Fire sprinkler boxing
Like the MX profile, Pendock’s MXF fire sprinkler boxing is also a pre-formed & pre-finished ‘L’ shaped profile. Available in either 5mm or 8mm thicknesses, it can be easily cut to length and drilled on-site to accommodate standard or concealed sprinkler heads.
MXF is already widely used on a range of UK projects to conceal surface mounted sprinkler pipework in high-rise blocks, a range of dedicated accessories is also included to give a high quality, integrated and professional finish.
Completing the Pendock Profiles range are the BC boiler pipe casings, which are designed to conceal unattractive boiler pipework, valves, filters and flues. Access for gas safety checks, routine inspection or boiler maintenance can be carried out easily, as they can be removed, re-used and refitted without damage. A range of standard sizes is available, as well as the option of manufacturing casings to bespoke sizes for specific projects.
Enhanced online experience
Pendock has just launched a completely redesigned and restructured website with the aim of helping specifiers locate the product ranges and information they need more quickly and easily.
In addition to new images and updated product information, downloadable drawings in PDF and DWG format are also available, alongside NBS specification clauses for every Pendock Profiles product in the comprehensive ‘technical information’ section. Beyond this, Pendock also offers technical support and advice by phone or e-mail.
