Fire Sprinkler Questions

 
Five most asked questions about residential fire sprinklers;

1. What are residential fire sprinklers and how do they work?
   - Residential fire sprinklers are systems designed to extinguish or control fires in homes or residential buildings. They consist of a network of pipes installed throughout the building, with sprinkler heads strategically placed. When a fire is detected, the sprinkler heads closest to the fire release water, suppressing or extinguishing the flames.

2. Are residential fire sprinklers required by law?
   - Yes, in Maryland and Virginia, however, the requirement for residential fire sprinklers varies depending on the location and local building codes. In many jurisdictions, residential fire sprinklers are not mandatory for single-family homes but may be required for multi-family dwellings or certain larger residential buildings. It's important to check with local authorities or consult building codes to determine specific requirements for your area.

3. Do residential fire sprinklers cause water damage?
   - While residential fire sprinklers do release water to suppress fires, they are designed to activate individually, typically only in the immediate vicinity of the fire. This targeted activation helps minimize water damage. Studies have shown that fire sprinklers use significantly less water than fire hoses, which are typically used by firefighters, thus reducing overall water damage in a fire incident.

4. How effective are residential fire sprinklers in extinguishing fires?
   - Residential fire sprinklers have proven to be highly effective in controlling and extinguishing fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the installation of fire sprinklers in homes reduces the risk of death by about 80% and the average property damage caused by fires by 70%. Sprinklers act quickly to suppress fires, often extinguishing them before firefighters arrive, limiting potential loss of life and property damage.

5. How much do residential fire sprinklers cost, and are they worth it?
The cost of installing residential fire sprinklers can vary depending on factors such as the size of the building, complexity of the system, and local labor rates. Generally, the cost ranges from +/-$2.50 to $5+ per square foot of sprinklered area. While the initial installation cost may seem significant, the long-term benefits often outweigh the expense. Insurance discounts, increased property value, and most importantly, the potential to save lives and prevent extensive fire damage make residential fire sprinklers a worthwhile investment for many homeowners.

We do NOT do any work in BALTIMORE CITY
We do NOT do any work in Washington DC