Residential Sprinklers
Save Lives
Automatic Sprinklers Systems have been common in industry and commercial properties, hotels and public buildings for a great many years. Since the 1980's sprinklers have also become more popular in private homes. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards have been revised to make these systems more practical and affordable.
Nearly ninety percent of ALL fire deaths occur in homes. According to recent studies 60-70 percent of those deaths could be prevented by adding sprinklers to homes and apartments.
What about the cost? Thanks to the use of modern materials and designs, the cost of these systems have come down considerably. The basic rule of thumb to estimate the cost is to add one and a half percent to the cost of the home. They can also be installed in existing homes. Costs for those systems vary among construction type.
Let's dispel those myths
The first myth is that the water damage from fire sprinklers is worse than the fire. Not True. A sprinkler will control a fire with a fraction of the water used by our hoses. Why is this? Sprinklers act quickly. Sprinkler heads are designed to go off when the temperature reaches (typically) 165 degrees F. This quick action doesn't allow the fire to build up heat and toxic gases. Allowing you, the homeowner more time to escape.
If one sprinkler head goes off, they all will. Again, not true. Automatic sprinklers spray water only the immediate area of the fire thus avoiding widespread water damage.
Sprinklers go off accidentally. Accidental water damage caused by these systems is rare. One study concluded that sprinkler accidents are generally less likely and less severe than mishaps involving standard home plumbing.
Sprinklers are ugly. We say they don't have to be that way. Pipes can be hidden in ceilings and walls. The sprinkler heads or fixtures can be made to be inconspicuous and mounted flush with walls and ceilings.
For more information about residential sprinkler systems please contact us or contact your contractor to review Northborough's By-Law requirements.
The following links will help you research your decision.
We encourage you to research all options and information to make a sound decision.
National Fire Sprinkler Association Inc.
AnnexMark Fire Sprinkler Supplies
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Represented in the picture above, on the left is a industrial type sprinkler head. The heads in the center and right are residential sprinkler heads. Residential sprinkler heads are concealable and can be flush mounted to remain aesthetically pleasing
As in the previous picture the sprinkler head on the left is a industrial/ commercial grade head. The sprinkler head in the center is wall mounted , while the one on the right is ceiling mounted and can be recessed into the ceiling.
