What Loft Conversation Fire Regulations Do You Need to Know?
Loft conversions are sometimes the answer to expanding and improving a home. Yet, what about loft conversion fire regulations? There are numerous details and requirements that need to be met, including fire safety prevention methods.
Fire laws are important because they are concerned with safety, especially because it is difficult to escape a fire through windows or from a location higher than the first level.
As a result, you should pay special attention to loft conversion fire regulations throughout the building process.
Modern Fire Doors
While completing a loft conversion, it is necessary to convert all doors into fire doors. The creation of a secure fire door to the outside of the house is required by building rules. Other than windows, an accessible fire escape path is recommended for levels above the first. As a result, having fire doors and a planned escape route to the outside of the house is critical.
Fire door specifications always state how long the door can withstand heat; an ideal fire resistant door should have a rating of at least 20-30 minutes.
Smoke Alarms
Typically, when there is a smoke alarm system in place, there should be one alarm on each story of the building. These fire protection requirements mean that the alarms are all linked together so that triggering one of them will affect them all.
However, according to building regulations, smoke alarms are not mandatory.
It’s important to remember that all of these alarms should be hardwired or have backup batteries in case of a power loss. Maintain a safe distance between them and radiators and light fixtures.
Escape Routes
Building codes require that the whole escape path, including any staircases, has to be fire-resistant for at least 30 minutes. In most cases, the stairwell goes to the main door, and the walls are already fire-resistant.
You can also utilise a window escape, which isn’t the ideal answer but is still a viable option. To accomplish so, you’ll need a window opening of at least 450mm. The window should, on the surface, be freely accessible and composed of fire-resistant glass.
Fire Sprinklers
For loft conversion fire regulations, sprinklers are not mandatory, however, they can easily help in the case of an emergency. If the height if greater than 7.5 metres from the external ground level, fire sprinklers are a good idea to ensure safety on every level.
There are many benefits to having a sprinkler system in your loft conversion including:
- They can minimise material costs
- Reduce the fire door requirement and fireproofing
- Enable an open plan design
RAD Fire Sprinklers
Here at RAD Fire Sprinklers, we promote and perform fire sprinkler installation in buildings across the UK. We understand the benefits, both general and sustainable; as fire sprinkler systems continue to prevent damage and save lives.
Our quick response fire sprinklers allow people to safely exit the building and reduce the amount of damage that could be caused, either by the spread of the fire or water damage caused by firefighters. Our team posts regular blogs to ensure our customers understand fire safety and the benefits of fire sprinkler systems. Click here for more.
To find out more on loft conversion fire regulations, or to receive a quote, why not fill in our online form? A member of our team will shortly be in touch to see how we can help you. Or, follow us on Instagram @radfiresprinklers and get fire safety tips direct to your feed.
