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Essentially, column casing provide a building structure support and also protection for column structures and piping. Column Casings are used for these purposes as well as for aesthetic reasons. Structures that use column casings are both commercial buildings and homes that people live in. The basic function to provide structure while protecting is a need almost every business or homeowner will run into at some point in their life or career and they will rely on column casings to provide that need.
Column casings come in a wide variety of materials, shapes, sizes and colors. The type of column casing chosen is dependant on the specific needs of the area. For instance, a commercial building that is in need of protection for their pipes will more than likely go with Glass Reinforced Plastic, or, GRP, for their needs. Businesses often choose this column casing because it is a fire retardant and also has a resistance against impact. These are all features that a commercial building looks for in reliability and to be structurally sound.
If the décor of the building is of utmost concern, the contractor and designer might want to go with Glass Reinforced Gypsum. This allows for a very decorative approach and as one might guess, not as sturdy and withstanding as Glass reinforced plastic, which is more commonly known as fiberglass. Designers use Glass Reinforced Gypsum because although it might be harder to install, it is easier to work with from a decorating point of view. It is preferred do to its melding like qualities.
In general, when column casings are used as a façade for structures, it is often more times than not that they will look for the most eye catching design possible. If they design does not require detail and décor related concerns, it will be more feasible to go with the structurally sound.
In today’s world, it has come to our knowledge that commercial buildings want the best of both worlds; they want the protection and the eye catching design. In this case, a metal column casing might be in order. Commercial buildings, along with homes alike, can really let their creativity flow with metal casings. Metal is very malleable and can be contorted and bent to a desired look. This allows for extreme customization of column casings. The shape of the column casings is just the beginning. Metal casings allow for three different finishes. The polished look could be for those looking for a clean hi tech look, the brushed look could be those looking for a sophisticated and sleek look, while those looking for vibrant color or even a touch of color can use the poly powder. With metal column casings, the sky is really the limit on design.
In summation, the needs for column casings arise in many situations. We need them to hide unsightly pipes or structures, protect pipes and also help add a structural support for the foundation of the building. Without column casings such as preformed plywood, we would rely strictly on pipe boxing, which is not practical on the bigger scheme of things. Column Casings are a very good option for many structures and facades.