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Pipe cover installations are indispensable to domestic, as well as in commercial and industrial heating systems. This is because the pipe cover acts as protection for the pipework and safeguards people from possible burn mishaps. Certain types of coverings are also designed to recover heat that would otherwise escape if the pipes were left exposed resulting to energy waste.
As such, there are many pipe cover variations to choose from with a seemingly inexhaustible combination of colour, shapes, materials, thickness and finish. This allows for the pipe casing to also act as decorative as well as functional baseboards (also referred to as skirting boards), mouldings or cornices.
PROFILES
Pipe cover profiles refer to its cross-sectional shape or edge outline. The basic profiles made by most manufacturers of pipework covers include the L-shape and the U-shape which may be collectively named as channels.
Of the L-shape, there are 2 variants. The 90 degree profiles and the slanted profiles (usually angled at 115 degrees). The slight gradient is ideal for skirting boards when the pipe runs along the juncture of the flooring and the wall.
U-section pipe boxes are used mainly for pipework situated at the interior wall. U-section pipework casings also come in right-angles and slanted sections similar to the L-shape profiles.
There are also semi-circular or round pipe casings for those who prefer a non-boxed look for their interiors. Although the channel sections mentioned previously may be bought jointed or radiused. The curvature gives a more pleasant aspect and is preferred by many over jointed covers as the joints are known to be dirt traps.
Any of the profiles cited above may come pre-cut with vents or grilles. Alternately, certain types of pipe cover may be easily bored on-site for the same effect. Vented pipe cover profiles allow air to be heated and flow into spots where the radiator may not adequately reach. This helps in better circulation and in the maintenance of the space’s favourable temperature.