Benefits of fire sprinkler systems
A domestic fire is a threat to you and your property, but it can easily be avoided by installing fire sprinklers.
According to the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association, in buildings protected by fire sprinklers only 10% the property is lost to the fire compared to that in unprotected buildings. There are different types of systems available and because false alarms are extremely rare, it is safe to have fire sprinklers installed throughout the building. It is far more likely that sprinklers will protect you from fire damage than cause unnecessary water damage.
Sprinklers can protect your property from fire
How do fire sprinklers work?
Many people are unsure whether they should have fire sprinklers installed in their property – they think about movie scenes where a small fire or even a lit match would cause fire sprinklers to soak the whole house in water. However, this scenario is very unlikely to happen. Fire sprinklers only activate in a certain amount of heat, this causes a small glass bulb to burst, releasing water. Other sprinkler systems operate by using a thermal element, such as a bimetal strip, that moves when heated and activates the sprinkler. For this reason fire sprinklers only go off very close to the fire and are able to release water at maximum pressure right where it's needed the most. They can also set off an alarm when the water starts flowing and they do not require any electricity.
Why have a fire sprinkler system installed?
There are two main reasons to have fire sprinklers installed in your home or business, the first reason is fire safety. According to the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association, in the UK sprinklers are able to control 99% of the fires in fully protected buildings and there have been no multiple fire deaths so far in a building with working fire sprinklers. Unlike a fire alarm system based on a smoke detector, a fire sprinkler system will not only notify you of a fire but will also protect your home from fire while you sleep or while you are out of the house. The second reason to install sprinklers is to comply with building regulations; in some buildings or parts of buildings, fire sprinklers may be required and in some cases a fire sprinkler system can compensate for missing fire exits. Thus they can also help you to avoid expensive changes to the property.
How much do fire sprinklers cost?
In new built houses the cost of having fire sprinklers installed will be around two percent of the total construction costs, while having a sprinkler system installed in an existing home can be slightly more expensive depending on the size of the system and on the amount of work required. For example, in basements or storage rooms visibility may not be an issue, whereas in living rooms and bedrooms the fire sprinklers and pipes will usually be concealed which requires some additional work. It is a good idea to consult a fire security expert who can help you with your individual fire security plan and give you a cost estimate.
