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
Featured articles and news
Twas the site before Christmas...
A rhyme for the industry and a thankyou to our supporters.
Plumbing and heating systems in schools
New apprentice pay rates coming into effect in the new year
Addressing the impact of recent national minimum wage changes.
EBSSA support for the new industry competence structure
The Engineering and Building Services Skills Authority, in working group 2.
Notes from BSRIA Sustainable Futures briefing
From carbon down to the all important customer: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living.
Principal Designer: A New Opportunity for Architects
ACA launches a Principal Designer Register for architects.
A new government plan for housing and nature recovery
Exploring a new housing and infrastructure nature recovery framework.
Leveraging technology to enhance prospects for students
A case study on the significance of the Autodesk Revit certification.
Fundamental Review of Building Regulations Guidance
Announced during commons debate on the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report.
CIAT responds to the updated National Planning Policy Framework
With key changes in the revised NPPF outlined.
Councils and communities highlighted for delivery of common-sense housing in planning overhaul
As government follows up with mandatory housing targets.
CIOB photographic competition final images revealed
Art of Building produces stunning images for another year.
HSE prosecutes company for putting workers at risk
Roofing company fined and its director sentenced.
Strategic restructure to transform industry competence
EBSSA becomes part of a new industry competence structure.
Major overhaul of planning committees proposed by government
Planning decisions set to be fast-tracked to tackle the housing crisis.
Industry Competence Steering Group restructure
ICSG transitions to the Industry Competence Committee (ICC) under the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).
Principal Contractor Competency Certification Scheme
CIOB PCCCS competence framework for Principal Contractors.
The CIAT Principal Designer register
Issues explained via a series of FAQs.