Now with most
coming up to their 50th year, parts of the building’s fabrication are in need
replacing. The pipework in particular,
installed in galvanised steel is now reaching its service life. One such project is Cynthia House in Poole, Dorset where the steel pipework is undergoing a complete
overhaul. The steel will be replaced by a
plastic alternative; Uponor’s Multi Layer Composite pipe (MLCP), a plastic pipe
with an aluminium layer. Renovation
projects such as this one are taking place more regularly, and as the price for
metal products continue to rise.



The renovation carried Preheat of (Poole) involved the complete replacement of all the galvanised
steel service pipework, installed from day one on the project. Painted galvanised steel only has a service
life of 40 or so years; corroding from the inside out, causing leaks, reducing
water pressure and some cases bursting. As
with many social housing refurbishments the work needed to take place with the
occupants still residing within the building so minimal disruptions was needed.
Too heavy to bring down Pre-heat had to saw the pipe into shorter, more
manageable lengths to get material off site.



The Uponor MLCP that replaced the steel was
delivered on site in lightweight straight lengths of either 3m or 5m. Uponor’s MLC pipe is recognised for being a
market leader in the flexible plumbing market. The pipe possess a 100% oxygen tight construction (which prolongs the
life of your pumps and other equipment sensitive to corrosion), limited
expansion and smooth internal bore (allows the pipe to be used in hot and cold
water, as well as heating applications without deterioration in the pipe’s size
or shape). Lastly the professional
‘press-fit’ jointing system is reliable and free of hot works.