Chasing
A chase is a groove or channel cut into an existing layer or substrate to accommodate services such as pipes or cables. Chasing is the act of cutting a chase and is usually undertaken in solid wall or solid floor construction.
The width of the chase will depend on the type and number of the services to be enclosed but typically is not usually wider than 100mm. It is not normal practice to cut chases for large size services such as rainwater or sewage pipes.
Chases can be cut into brick, plaster and concrete-block walls. They can also be cut into the screeds of concrete floors if no provision for pipes or cables was made at the design stage or if an unforeseen requirement has arisen.
Once the required pipe or cable is secured into the chase it can be concealed by plaster, cement mortar or other surface finish. Some services such as power cables, must be housed in protective tubing to separate them from plaster or other enveloping materials.
The process of creating a chase is likely to be undertaken by an electrician, or a plumber if a pipe is being installed in an existing structure.
In the case of stud, dry-wall and other hollow constructions, it may be possible to route services inside the void in the partition or wall, but this is not regarded as chasing.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Types of domestic heating systems.
Will the way we heat homes change when winter comes ?
Extended reality in a post-pandemic world.
Can XR technology be leveraged in design & construction?
Or are you capping.
STEM ambassadors needed for ICE CityZen award.
Digital gaming competition for UK students aged 16 to 18.
Heritage protection in England vs Australia.
Fire doors and the Fire Door Inspection Scheme.
Three-quarters of fire doors fail inspections
UN International Day for Biological Diversity, May 22.
The role of geoparks, biospheres and world heritage sites.
BSRIA conference 2022, June 23.
Just one month to go ! Find out more here.
Restoring Broadbent’s Bath House
A new gallery for the University of Huddersfield.
Corruption in the construction industry.
What will it take to stop it ?
To celebrate world bee day 2022 !
Just one month until the changes to part L come into effect.
Not forgetting part F and the new part overheating part O.
Heat Pump demand rises by one quarter.
As energy prices jump up in cost.
With people in the UK from Ukraine.
Industry leader Steve Murray takes on role.
An abundant and versatile building material.
How overheating complicates ending gas in the UK.
600,000 heat pump installations targeted per year by 2028.
Cost planning, control and related articles on DB.
Helping prevent those unwanted outcomes.
ICE debate Public transport - post pandemic.
How has transport changed due to Covid-19 ?
Cross-ventilation in buildings. Do you have it ?
Will you need it ? after June 15 and the new Part O ?
Share your knowledge with the industry.
Create an account and write the first of many articles.