Concealed
Fire Sprinkler Head |
A fire sprinkler head also responds almost immediately thus saving
lives and
precious valuables that may not be saved while waiting for the fire department
to arrive. Today's fire sprinkler heads are designed to blend in with the ceiling
thus becoming almost invisible. And by installing a fire sprinkler system in
a dwelling unit, the occupant may be able to save up to 10-15% on fire insurance
premiums. NFPA statistics show that smoke detectors combined with a fire sprinkler
system reduce the chance of loss of life in a fire by 82% compared to smoke
detectors alone at 48.5%  We cater to all phases of the residential
market, including single family, housing for the elderly and "high-rise" apartments.
We offer full service residential sprinkler systems including budget
estimates, firm quotations and
quality installation all backed by 24-hour service.
We have a complete staff of experienced engineers, pipe fitters
and servicemen. All of our work is guaranteed by a full coverage
construction and liability insurance policy.
We offer low profile, high-tech, aesthetically pleasing residential
fire sprinklers which are available in a variety of finishes. We
normally install "extended
coverage" sprinklers to reduce the quantity of sprinklers
necessary.
Typical residential sprinkler systems are installed in accordance
with the National Fire Protection Association's single family code,
NFPA 13-D.
Residential fire sprinkler systems in multi family residential
homes up to four stories in height are
installed
in accordance with NFPA 13-R.
 Residential fire sprinkler systems
provide
coverage
throughout
the
entire
home,
excluding small bathrooms
(under 55
sq. ft.),
small
closets
(under 24 sq. ft.), attics, and garages. The pipe feeding the sprinkler
heads is run inside interior walls of the home. Concealed residential
fire sprinklers can be installed in finished basements, and first
floor areas where
there is heated living space above. Sidewall sprinkler heads protect
2nd floor rooms (or 1st floor rooms with no heated space above).
Frequently
Asked Questions Regarding Residential Fire Sprinklers
Q: What
about water damage?
A: A
sprinkler head discharges far less water than a fire hose, and
begins to control the fire long before the fire department arrives.
Many
insurance companies offer discounts to homeowners with sprinkler systems for
these reasons.
Q: What
if a sprinkler head accidentally goes off?
A: Sprinkler
heads do not activate without cause. The heat of a fire will activate
each sprinkler independently, setting off the discharge of water. The chances
of accidental activation are 1 in 16,000,000.
Q: What
if no one is at home?
A: The
network of pipe is connected to a flow switch, which monitors any
flow of water through the system. This switch is wired to an inside
bell, and can
also be wired to an outside horn/strobe or a security system alarm panel.
Note:
Having a flow switch and bell is an excellent idea but they are
not required by NFPA 13-D, however they may be required by your
local government.
Q: Is
there maintenance involved?
A: The
sprinkler system will have a 1 year warranty from the time it is
put into service. We recommend having the system checked annually,
to ensure valves
and devices are functioning properly. The sprinkler heads do not require
maintenance.
Q: How
much does a home fire sprinkler system cost?
A: On
average, home fire sprinkler systems add 1% to 1.5% of the total building
cost of the new home. The cost is approximately $1.00 to $1.50 per square
foot in new construction.
It is also possible to retrofit existing homes with sprinkler systems. The
cost to retrofit is normally higher ($1.50 to $2.50 per square
foot) compared to installing residential fire
sprinklers in new construction but is still a viable option.
Over the life of a mortgage, the cost of installing sprinklers is around
$3/month which is less than a Caribou Coffee frappuccino.
Home fire sprinkler systems are a wise
investment considering insurance savings, reduced property loss and increased
safety.
Do's and Don'ts For Your Residential Fire Sprinkler System
DO:
1. Have system inspected annually
2. Know the location of the control valve
3. Make certain the control valve is open at all times
4. Contact the fire department if any activation occurs, even if the fire has
apparently been extinguished
DON'T:
1. Do not paint the fire sprinklers
2. Do not damage the fire sprinklers
3. Do not hang objects from the fire sprinklers
4. Do not obstruct or cover the fire sprinklers
5. Do not turn off or disconnect the fire sprinkler system
6. Do not shut off fire sprinkler system in the event of a fire
In the event of a fire, be calm and leave your home immediately.
Call the fire department from a neighbors house.
Facts About Residential Fire Sprinklers
- Fires kill more people in the United States every year than
all natural disasters combined and 80% of fire deaths occur in
the home.
- Of the 2.5 million fires reported each year, 500,000 of
those occur in residential structures.
Having both residential fire sprinklers and smoke detectors
will increase the chance of survival in a fire by as much
as 82%.
- Sprinkler
heads are individually activated. Heads operate when heat
reaches around 165 degrees (the heat of a fire) and neither
smoke nor smoke detectors
will set one off.
- In 90% of residential fires, the activation of 1 sprinkler
head is sufficient to control or extinguish the fire.
- Concealed residential fire sprinkler heads can be installed
throughout most 1st floor rooms in 2 story homes.
- Residential fire sprinklers save money for builders, homeowners
and the community.
- Trade-offs between residential fire sprinklers and code
requirements can result in lower construction costs
more units
per area of land, etc.
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