In construction practices, riser shafts are often not given sufficient consideration early enough in the design process and consequently they become problematic. Effective management of these areas can be critical to ensure the safety, performance, and long-term adaptability of a building; if not managed efficiently, they can cause multiple issues, such as programme delays, added costs, and health and safety hazards. The good news is that with proper planning these risks can be avoided.
The Risks That Are Hidden in Riser Voids
- Open riser voids create fall risks during construction.
- Improper fire-stopping or makeshift solutions can compromise compartmentation and put lives at risk.
Prolonged Programmes and Delays
- Entire floors can be held up in the event of delays in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) coordination or the late arrival of riser components.
- On-site hot works and wet trades.
Rising Costs from Rework
- Late design changes and poor coordination between trades often result in expensive rework.
- Inefficient planning for service penetrations or fire-stopping can result in non-compliance and expensive retrofits.
How We Help Reduce These Risks
Comtec specialises in a structured approach to riser management, tackling these concerns directly:
Early Design Coordination: We encourage collaboration with project managers and design teams, as well as architects and MEP consultants, from the very beginning, ensuring the upfront consideration of service penetrations, fixings, and fire-stopping requirements, thereby reducing the risk of rework or delays.
Off-Site Fabrication: Our prefabricated riser floor systems are produced off site, which means less on-site labour, fewer hot works, and faster installation with a more consistent quality.
Built-In Safety and Compliance: The AlphaRiser Channel system integrates mechanical supports and fire-stopping provisions, eliminating the need for makeshift fixes.
Adaptability and Future-Proofing: The construction industry’s dynamic attributes demand systems that adapt to changing needs. Comtec assures that its systems are designed for seamless modifications to services without compromising compliance aspects or structural robustness.
Unifying Customer Success: We stay abreast of technical drawings, building information modelling (BIM), and the Golden Thread of information, ensuring that clients are supported at every step with the information they need.
Navigating Risks Through Early Riser Management
It’s imperative to treat riser voids as a strategic part of the build from the start, as opposed to considering them as an afterthought. Effective riser management early on can help save time, reduce costs, and ensure the delivery of safer, more adaptable buildings.
You can explore how Comtec can assist with your next project by contacting our team or reviewing our technical resources.
