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Fire Sprinkler Systems: Frequently Asked Questions
Having fire sprinklers installed into your home or commercial building is one of the best decisions you can make to save lives and keep your property from being severely damaged. Reliable sprinklers work to extinguish the fire quickly by detecting heat, keeping the blaze contained and keeping others in the building as safe as possible. Reliable automatic sprinkler systems can be installed directly into your home or building, with plenty of benefits that make them the most popular system of fire protection…
Homeowners and business owners alike may have questions before opting for automatic fire sprinkler systems. From cost to practicality, there are a range of factors to consider, including building regulation compliance. If you’re considering a fire sprinkler system for your property, read some frequently asked questions below.
Will They Flood My House?
Popular culture, television programmes and movies have distorted many people’s view of the practicality of sprinklers. You’ll often see all of the sprinkler heads being activated all at once, but this simply isn’t the case. Fire sprinkler systems will only be triggered in the room where the fire is located, as they work to detect heat. They will release enough water supply to extinguish the fire, saving your property from both fire and water damage.
For instance, if something catches fire in the kitchen, only the sprinklers in the nearby vicinity will set off, keeping inhabitants safe as well as cutting down on the amount of water released. So, don’t believe everything you see on TV; fire sprinklers work to save your property, not flood it.
How Much Do They Cost?
The cost of a fire sprinkler system all depends on the network you opt for, how many sprinkler heads you’ll need and the structure of your building. They can cost anything from £2500 for a smaller house to around £150,000 for high-rise buildings and commercial properties. Consider what happens when you opt for a carpet to be fitted in your home; how much you pay depends on how many square feet you’ll need. Unlike carpets, however, sprinklers can last a long time with regular maintenance and can be a cost-effective way to save lives.
There is a range of fire sprinkler systems out there to suit your property. From automatic systems to fire mist systems, all sprinklers work to extinguish fires efficiently and effectively. Fire mist systems expel tiny water droplets to remove the oxygen from the room so the fire cannot grow, producing less water and preventing excessive water damage.
How Long Does Installation Take?
Much like the cost of a fire sprinkler system, how long installation may take depends on a number of factors, such as the size of the building. They are dependent on reasonable water pressure and flow, which means there needs to be as few bends in the system as possible. If the available pressure and flow are not available from the mains, then a new system will be designed accordingly.
The sprinkler heads can also be installed to appear discreetly on your ceiling, so they don’t interfere with the interiors of your home. These sprinkler heads pop out at the sign of a fire, allowing you to maintain your interior décor. To find out more about our installation process here at RAD Fire Sprinklers, please visit us here.
Do They Need Regular Maintenance?
It is recommended by the Fire Protection Association (FPA) that you have your fire sprinkler system checked at least once a year. The Loss Prevention Council (LPC) Automatic Sprinkler Installations 2015, TB203.2.4.1. recommends that fire sprinklers be inspected by a reliable third party. This third party must be qualified and experienced, and they cannot be the systems owner, installer or the building’s occupier.
If you need someone to inspect and check your fire sprinkler system, it’s better to seek a third party straight away. Keeping your sprinklers up to date can decrease the likelihood of a fault, saving lives and your property in the process. If you have any more questions, or you would like to receive a quote, you can give us a call on 01892 680 090. Alternatively, you can fill out our online form.