What Fire Regulations Should You Consider For Loft Conversions?
Many homes across the UK have lofts for extra storage and to keep safe your Christmas decorations. However, more and more are converting these empty spaces into habitable rooms for growing families. Have a moody teenager who doesn’t want to socialise or share a room? Stick them in the loft for your own peace of mind. RAD Fire Sprinklers are an accredited fire sprinkler company, that services domestic homes with residential sprinkler systems
It is becoming a common occurrence for lofts to transform into social areas. But, like the rest of the house, fire safety needs to be carefully thought out and planned before construction. There are regulations put in place to make sure homeowners are meeting a required standard and procedures are put in place to diminish risks and damage.
We are registered with the Fire Protection Association (FPA), making sure fire safety regulations are met in all our projects and that our sprinkler systems meet all requirements.
What Are the Fire Regulations?
Having an escape route planned is vital for any new loft conversion. It is important to consider all risks before construction, as if a fire does break out, there could be a chance of getting trapped by the blaze. The staircase, flooring and walls should all offer at least 30 minutes of fire resistance, giving anyone the chance to either escape or find an alternative solution. An escape window is also an option that should be considered. All lofts that are habitable should have a window in place, for both escape reasons and to make the room liveable. These should be at least 450mm wide and have non-locking fasteners.
There are also fire containment products that can be considered. Home fire extinguishers are a quick way to deal with a small blaze before it gets worse. Having one in your loft conversion can effectively help diminish risks and stop blazes in their tracks. Just make sure you know how to use it and it is in an accessible part of the room.
If you have a smoke alarm system in place, it is important that there is an alarm on every floor and that they are all connected. It means that if there is a fire on the ground floor, everyone in the house is aware and can safely evacuate if it exacerbates. This is vital for loft conversions. A smoke alarm would alert everyone in the loft immediately, for the best chance of survival, especially if the blaze is near their only escape route. There are a lot of regulations for smoke alarms, including having backup batteries and making sure the mains are wired, however, there are alternatives for emergencies.
Benefits of Having a Residential Sprinkler System in Your Loft Conversion
There are many benefits to having a home sprinkler system installed in your loft conversions. For example, they can enable a much more open-plan design, for all your loft conversion needs. They are a handy replacement for having smoke alarms, as some insurance companies do not require both sets of safety precautions.
A fire sprinkler system will detect where the blaze is breaking out and only the specific sprinkler head in that room will go off. Movies have portrayed that any type of smoke sets off the water around the house, but this is not true. The system will deal with the blaze only in that room, meaning the rest of the house will not have any unnecessary water damage.
It also can save costs that would have been spent on heftier-priced safety requirements, such as fire doors and fireproofing materials. Though it offers an extra level of security, having to install a fire door for a loft conversion can change the construction process and cost time and resources for this. But, installing a fire sprinkler system is quick and easy; as long as there is a water supply in place. Our experts work closely with architects and developers to make sure the process runs smoothly and efficiently.
Our Services
Here at RAD Fire Sprinklers, we work alongside diverse industries, providing advice and installing sprinkler systems around London and the South East. Our impressive portfolio includes the Arena Tower at Canary Wharf and other high-end residential flats in and around the city centre. We have designed and installed various fire sprinkler heads and systems for loft conversions. For more information, read our services page.
If you are interested in any of our residential sprinkler systems features, or to receive a quote, give us a call on 01892 680 090. Alternatively, fill out our online contact form and a member of our team will shortly be in touch to find your specific needs.
