Growing
concern regarding the speed with which fire can spread between high rise flats
and through other HMOs is leading to the retrofitting of sprinkler systems
within many building types: leading to an accompanying need for their
protection from interference or concealment for aesthetic reasons.
As
a result a number of social/private Housing Authorities and sprinkler
installers are turning to a specialist British manufacturer, Pendock, for the
supply of suitable solutions.
The
Pendock lightweight 5mm preformed two sided ‘L’ shaped MX range provides easy
handling for fitting at height, which increases the speed of installation where
access to an accommodation is limited. The boxing has a durable white melamine
finish, which reduces fitting time and maintenance costs (such as painting and
cleaning).
MX
accessories include internal and external corners, as well as stop-ends, butt
joints and access panels. Importantly the Pendock profiles can fit
closely around the typical circular sprinkler heads. Mid-wall locations,
including bulkheads, can be address using the three-sided version of the MX
profiles, encompassed in Pendock’s CH range of channel casings.
The
preformed boxing system ensures installation is hassle-free and is screw fixed
to two timber battens so that it can be easily de-mountable for
maintenance/inspection of the sprinkler system. Battens are typically fixed to
the wall and ceiling, however where there is a false or asbestos ceiling
Pendock have a new bracket system. This new system means that the asbestos does
not need to be removed thus providing environmental benefits to residents and
further cost saving, further details can be provided on request.
According
to Home Office statistics, there were 1,848 fires in purpose-built flats of
four to nine storeys during 2016-17 and 714 in flats of 10 or more. Of the
latter, an alarming 56 fires had spread beyond the room where they started.
The
need to contain fires is clear to all, while the availability of easy to
install and maintain casings from Pendock will make the siting of sprinklers
both low cost and low impact for building owners and occupants alike.
