BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems Blog
Installation best practices, design considerations, safety information and more from the experts behind the most specified nonmetallic fire sprinkler system in the world.
Codes, Standards & Approvals | Installation
When we think about the harmful effects of UV light, we typically think about using sunscreen, wearing a hat, and staying in the shade. For those of us in the fire protection industry, we also think about the impact of UV light on CPVC pipe and fittings – and, unfortunately, the topic is plagued by misconceptions.
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Codes, Standards & Approvals | Installation
Here’s a question we hear often, especially outside of North America: “How do I make sure we’re installing genuine BlazeMaster pipe?”
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Discover how to save time and money with the right fire sprinkler system.
When installing a fire sprinkler system, it’s common practice to use hard pipe for armovers and drops to connect branch lines to the sprinkler head – a time-consuming process that is prone to errors causing costly rework and delays.
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While most parts of the country have had a mild winter so far, colder days are likely upon us, and it is important to ensure your fire sprinkler systems are ready for freezing temperatures so they can act immediately if fire strikes. Under NFPA 13, fire sprinkler systems in areas where temperatures dip below 40ºF (-4.4ºC) must be protected so pipes don’t freeze or become damaged.
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BlazeMaster® pipe and fittings are scientifically designed to be strong and durable, and hangers are critical components in making sure fire protection systems operate optimally, don't sag and maintain a sightly appearance.
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Our team at BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems is committed to creating innovative solutions in response to our customers’ needs. For instance, in working with a major national homebuilder we learned they wanted to use BlazeMaster pipe and fittings in unfinished basements with open-web joists – but there was not a listing for this application.
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BlazeMaster vs. Generic | Blazemaster CPVC
As a fire protection professional, you want to use the best CPVC to protect people and property for commercial and residential projects. You probably know that BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems offers important advantages over competing CPVC brands.
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BlazeMaster vs. Steel | Commercial | Installation
Contrary to popular misconceptions, BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems is not just for residential applications – it’s the right choice for any light hazard project. For instance, BlazeMaster fire sprinkler systems are playing an important role in helping school districts save money while ensuring the highest protection for students and staff. Fire safety in schools is important because every year, fires in K-12 schools in the U.S. cause $37 million in property damage, at least one death and 39 injuries, according to data from the National Fire Protection Association. Fire extinguishers are important to school fire safety – but only if someone discovers the fire in time. Fire sprinkler systems work to suppress a fire before it can spread, even if no one is present. Here are key considerations for choosing BlazeMaster pipe and fitting systems over steel pipe for your next school project.
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Chemical Compatibility | Installation
Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPUF) has been used successfully with BlazeMaster® pipe and fitting systems for more than 20 years, primarily in the attics and walls of single-family homes that have fire sprinklers. SPUF is an increasingly popular insulation that enhances energy efficiency and improves comfort in the home. When installing SPUF around CPVC pipe and fittings, it’s important to use proper installation techniques to prevent issues related to chemical compatibility and heat generated during application. Here are best practices to ensure your project is a success.
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BlazeMaster vs. Steel | Commercial | Installation | Residential
When planning to add or replace a fire sprinkler system to an existing building, your upfront decisions in choosing materials will have a big impact on the cost, timeframe, impact on tenants, and long-term success of the project. BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems offers many advantages that can ensure you keep your customer happy.
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BlazeMaster vs. Steel | Commercial | Installation
With more than 5,700 fires in U.S. healthcare facilities each year, the choice of materials for fire sprinkler systems in hospitals and other settings is an important consideration. While steel pipe has been the traditional choice, there has been growing adoption of BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems to meet the unique fire protection challenges experienced in the healthcare industry. BlazeMaster is UL listed and FM approved for all light hazard applications as defined by NFPA 13, which includes a vast range of healthcare facilities like hospitals, medical offices, nursing facilities, outpatient surgical centers, imaging and radiology centers, care homes, and many more.
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Blazemaster CPVC | CPVC | blazemaster fire protection systems | cpvc fire sprinkler systems | cpvc installation | fire sprinkler systems
BlazeMaster CPVC fire sprinkler systems have been protecting people and property for nearly 40 years. Many of the systems constructed as far back as 1984, when BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems was launched, are still in service. Because of CPVC’s long life expectancy, these older systems can perform just as well as newer ones.
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Blazemaster CPVC | CPVC | blazemaster fire protection systems | cpvc fire resistance | cpvc fire sprinkler systems | fire sprinkler systems
It’s widely known that resistance to heat and flame is a primary advantage of CPVC over other thermoplastics. BlazeMaster maintains its structure and continues to hold internal water pressure when directly exposed to a flame to ensure sprinkler water will reach and extinguish a fire. But did you ever wonder why BlazeMaster has these qualities? Let’s explore some of the science on this important topic.
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Blazemaster CPVC | CPVC | Installation | blazemaster fire protection systems | cpvc freezing point | cpvc in cold weather | fire sprinkler systems | gluing cold cpvc in cold weather | how to use solvent cement
You know how to use solvent cement, but are your solvent cement skills ready for the cold weather in the months ahead? BlazeMaster solvent cement is tested and listed for use down to 0°F (-17°C), but it’s important to follow best practices when solvent welding in colder temperatures. Remember, you aren’t “gluing” CPVC. Solvent cement welding is a fast, easy installation process that uses solvents and CPVC resin to chemically fuse the pipe and fittings together at the molecular level. Unlike glue, solvent cement doesn’t just adhere two pieces together – it creates one continuous piece of plastic that becomes the strongest part of a piping system.
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Blazemaster CPVC | CPVC | ahj | ahj inspections | blazemaster fire protection systems | cpvc fire sprinkler systems | fire sprinkler systems
Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) play a critical role in our industry by reviewing plans, issuing permits, and conducting inspections that ensure a fire protection system will work as designed to protect people and property. An AHJ inspection is always a moment of truth for a contractor and is typically the culmination of an ongoing dialogue and a positive working relationship.
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Blazemaster CPVC | CPVC | CPVC embedded in concrete | blazemaster fire protection systems | cpvc fire sprinkler systems | fire sprinkler systems
Concrete construction is a popular technique for ceilings and walls in a wide range of applications, such as schools, office buildings, apartments, warehouses, factories, and residential homes. Embedding a CPVC fire sprinkler system in the concrete surfaces offers a variety of advantages over steel pipe – and BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems offers the industry’s only UL® listing for this purpose.
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CPVC | blazemaster fire protection systems | cpvc fire sprinkler systems | cpvc installation | fire sprinkler systems
Easy installation is one of the top advantages BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems offer over traditional steel types. CPVC is installed with a quick, simple joining process that allows one person to cover an area using basic hand tools along with a quick, one-step solvent cement welding process.
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Blazemaster CPVC | CPVC | blazemaster fire protection systems | cpvc expansion and contraction | cpvc fire sprinkler systems | designing CPVC fire sprinkler systems | fire sprinkler systems
Like other piping materials, BlazeMaster CPVC expands as temperatures rise and contracts as temperatures fall. That means that the pipe will get longer in warm temperatures and shorter when it’s colder, which creates stress on the pipe that can lead to premature reliability issues. For example, a pipe constrained at both ends will be stressed as it expands when temperatures rise. Eventually, the pipe may crack or break, creating a leak. Expansion and contraction is mainly a concern in unconditioned spaces, such as attics. In conditioned spaces, there is minimal change in temperature and as a result little expansion and contraction. But it is important to keep expansion and contraction in mind when installing in very hot or cold weather before the HVAC system is operational. In these situations, there will be an initial expansion or contraction of the system.
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Blazemaster CPVC | CPVC | blazemaster fire protection systems | cpvc fire sprinkler systems | cpvc installation | fire sprinkler systems
Market conditions and best practices are constantly evolving in the fire protection industry, and that’s certainly been true so far in 2021. To help you stay current, we looked into recent developments that can help contractors and installers secure new projects and ensure quality installations. Here are our top six trends:
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Blazemaster CPVC | CPVC | blazemaster fire protection systems | cpvc fire sprinkler systems | cpvc installation | cpvc training | fire sprinkler systems
Fire sprinkler installers play a critical role in ensuring BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems are effective in protecting people and property. Every foot of pipe and every sprinkler head an installer puts in place may save the life of a building occupant or first responder. That’s why we offer a variety of training options to help installers stay current on best practices and credentialing. While in-person trainings are on hold due to COVID-19 restrictions, we offer live and self-paced online training programs that cover all the essential information.
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Blazemaster CPVC | CPVC | CPVC Solvent Cement | Solvent Cement Welding | blazemaster fire protection systems | cpvc fire sprinkler systems | fire sprinkler systems
BlazeMaster® CPVC is known for easy installation, and our quick, one-step solvent cement process is a key part of that. Compared to the heat welding used with steel pipe, solvent cement welding offers a safer working environment, because there’s no need for heavy machinery or electric tools.
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Blazemaster CPVC | CPVC | CPVC Solvent Cement | Installation | blazemaster fire protection systems | cpvc fire sprinkler systems | cpvc installation | fire sprinkler systems
Safety is always the first priority when installing BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems. We sometimes get questions about the best safety practices for using solvent cement, which joins pipe with fittings to create durable bonds that ensure the fire sprinklers work as planned. Solvent cement is safe to use, and that’s based on our 60 years of experience in working with CPVC and solvent cements. It’s a low-VOC material, which means it emits relatively low amounts of volatile organic compounds. We work closely with our partner manufacturers to support extensive safety testing, beyond what is required by law. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which evaluates health effects of long-term exposure to products, placed solvent cement in its second-lowest category.
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Blazemaster CPVC | CPVC | blazemaster fire protection systems | cpvc commercial | cpvc fire sprinkler systems | fire sprinkler systems
You may have heard from unreliable sources that BlazeMaster® CPVC is only for use in single-family and multi-family residences. In fact, BlazeMaster is available for all light hazard applications ranging from high-rise offices and condos to schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and many more.
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Blazemaster CPVC | CPVC | CPVC Solvent Cement | blazemaster fire protection systems | cpvc fire sprinkler systems | fire sprinkler installation | hot weather CPVC installation
Our one-step solvent cement joining method provides a quick, simple, safe, and reliable way to join BlazeMaster® CPVC piping and fittings. However, it’s important to consider the temperature at the job site, because solvent cement can function a bit differently in hot or cold environments.
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Blazemaster CPVC | CPVC | Chemical Compatibility | FBC System Compatible | blazemaster fire protection systems | cpvc fire sprinkler systems | fire sprinkler systems
Ensuring chemical compatibility is a top concern for everyone that deals with CPVC sprinkler systems – installers, contractors, designers and building owners. Just as water causes steel pipe to rust, some materials may impact the longevity of CPVC. To ensure a fire protection system works as planned over its full lifespan, BlazeMaster® CPVC must be used in conjunction with compatible ancillary products such as thread sealants, gaskets, lubricants and firestop materials.
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BlazeMaster vs. Steel | Blazemaster CPVC | CPVC | Commercial | Residential | blazemaster fire protection systems | cpvc fire sprinkler systems | cpvc installation | fire sprinkler systems
When it comes to choosing materials" for a fire protection system, BlazeMaster® CPVC offers many advantages over steel pipe. It’s easier to install, will never corrode and provides a cost-effective solution for a wide range of commercial as well as residential projects. Yet some installers and specifiers still have reservations about using CPVC because of lingering myths about durability, cost, strength, flame resistance and others. These outdated misconceptions remain too common despite a remarkable track record. BlazeMaster CPVC has been protecting people and property for over 30 years with more than 2 billion feet installed globally.
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Blazemaster CPVC | CPVC | Installation | Residential | blazemaster fire protection systems | cpvc fire sprinkler systems | cpvc installation | fire sprinkler systems
Recent updates to our Underwriter Laboratories (UL) listings for exposed basements are likely a welcome change for contractors who work on NFPA 13D systems. Before the update, listings required system mains to run perpendicular to the joists; branch lines had to run parallel to the joists. With the updates to the listings for unfinished basements, BlazeMaster CPVC system mains and branch lines can be installed perpendicular and/or parallel to the joists. You just need to follow the proper procedures in the manufacturer’s installation guide. Here’s a quick rundown:
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CPVC | blazemaster fire protection systems | cpvc fire sprinkler systems | fire sprinkler systems
We recently introduced a new descriptor line that reflects what we offer to the global fire protection industry. Developing the message was a good opportunity to reflect on the core mission of BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems. We looked at a number of options and finally decided that three simple words sum up who we are: science, service and safety. Let’s take a few minutes to unpack what those words mean to us.
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BlazeMaster vs. Steel | Blazemaster CPVC | Case Studies | Commercial | blazemaster fire protection systems | cpvc fire sprinkler systems | fire sprinkler systems
One of the common myths about BlazeMaster® CPVC is that it is limited to residential applications. But a recent project in Sacramento – a three-building, 24,000-square-foot commercial building complex – highlights how BlazeMaster CPVC helped Alwest Fire Protection save the building owner money while getting the job done efficiently.
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Blazemaster CPVC | CPVC | blazemaster fire protection systems | cpvc fire sprinkler systems | fire sprinkler installation | fire sprinkler systems | home fire safety
When fire strikes, every second counts. While a fire sprinkler system is the holy grail – no one has died in North America as a result of an accidental fire when fire sprinklers have been operational – there’s more we can do to help our customers stay safe. Every homeowner needs an escape plan to ensure everyone can move to safety quickly, especially those without a fire sprinkler system. We can encourage them to make a plan and point them to the right resources. An escape plan is critical because, without a sprinkler system, a fire can reach the deadly “flashover” stage in as few as three minutes – well before the fire crews can arrive. No one survives flashover.
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Blazemaster CPVC | CPVC | Commercial | Installation | Residential | blazemaster fire protection systems | cpvc fire sprinkler systems | fire sprinkler installation | fire sprinkler systems
BlazeMaster® CPVC offers a variety of advantages over steel for fire protection systems. Yet after more than 30 years on the market, there remain lingering myths and misinformation about CPVC.
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BlazeMaster vs. Generic | Blazemaster CPVC | CPVC | Chemical Compatibility | Installation | blazemaster fire protection systems | cpvc fire sprinkler systems | fire sprinkler installation | fire sprinkler systems
BlazeMaster® CPVC is designed for decades of reliable use in fire protection systems around the world. But when issues occur in the field, we want to know exactly what went wrong so we can help our customers prevent problems in the future. It’s a value-added service that also helps our customers know the facts so they can respond to any claims that may arise from a leak or other failure.
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CPVC Fire Protection Pipe | Chemical Compatibility | Listings and Innovations | blazemaster fire protection systems
BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems is the only CPVC fire sprinkler pipe and fitting system with a UL listing for embedding in cast-in-place concrete during new construction.
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Commercial | Industry News | Residential
Our Fire Prevention Month video series continues with a discussion with Darren Palmieri for Viking Group, a 15-year industry veteran serving product manager for residential CPVC products. Darren played an instrumental role about a decade ago to get fire sprinkler requirements into codes to make it easier for state and local jurisdictions to adopt rules for residential sprinkler systems. For this and many other achievements, he has been a Fire Protection Difference Maker throughout his career.
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Commercial | Industry News | Residential
Next in our Fire Prevention Month video series, I talked with Marlene Garrett of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA). As Vice President of Program Operations and Education Services at AFSA, Marlene works tirelessly to organize events and programs, such as the AFSA annual conference, that bring our industry together to share ideas that make us all better at what we do. Marlene is a great example of what it means to be a Fire Protection Difference Maker.
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Commercial | Industry News | Residential
Next in our Fire Prevention Month video series, here’s my conversation with another Fire Protection Difference Maker: Mark Fessenden, Director of Industry Relations for Johnson Controls. Mark has played an important role in our industry since the early 1990s. After all these years, he’s still excited about his work in an industry where we all have a positive impact on people’s lives. During Fire Prevention Month, he’s especially passionate about driving awareness of fire safety among youths.
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Commercial | Industry News | Residential | Video
We’re kicking off our Fire Prevention Month blog series by featuring a conversation with President Shane Ray, President of the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA). Shane has seen the fire protection industry from a wide range of roles from volunteer firefighter to fire chief, state fire marshal and more. As President of NFSA, he works on a variety of fronts to promote broader acceptance of life-saving fire protection systems.
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Blazemaster CPVC | CPVC | blazemaster fire protection systems | cpvc fire sprinkler systems | fire sprinkler installation | fire sprinkler systems
I am pleased to announce that the BlazeMaster® CPVC team is growing its capabilities with the addition Brian Courtright as National Sales Engineer and Brad Pick as Regional Manager in the Central United States. Brian and Brad will support our BlazeMaster customers in their roles on Lubrizol’s TempRite® team that oversees all of the company’s CPVC brands, including BlazeMaster, FlowGuard® Gold, freezemaster® and Corzan® pipe and fittings.
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BlazeMaster vs. Generic | Installation | Listings and Innovations
BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems was the first CPVC fire sprinkler piping system on the market. For over 30 years, we have worked with our manufacturing partners to develop innovations that enable safer and easier installs, ultimately helping to protect more lives and property.
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Blazemaster CPVC | CPVC | blazemaster fire protection systems | cpvc fire sprinkler systems | fire sprinkler systems
It’s hard to put a price tag on 24/7 fire protection with an automatic residential fire sprinkler system. It’s like having firefighters always at the ready to extinguish a potentially deadly fire, as shown in this video from the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC). Given house fires cause eight in 10 structure fire deaths, it’s a smart investment that takes safety to a new level beyond smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
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Blazemaster CPVC | CPVC | blazemaster fire protection systems | cpvc fire sprinkler systems | fire sprinkler installation | fire sprinkler systems
Choosing a qualified fire sprinkler installer is the critical first step to ensuring a fire protection system will perform for many years ahead. As with most services in residential and commercial construction, the range of service providers varies widely from small contractors operating out of a garage to national companies with multiple locations.
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BlazeMaster vs. Generic | BlazeMaster vs. Steel | Blazemaster CPVC | CPVC | Commercial | Residential | blazemaster fire protection systems | cpvc fire sprinkler systems | fire sprinkler systems
In today’s fire protection systems, BlazeMaster™ CPVC is everywhere – it’s the most specified fire sprinkler pipe and fitting system of its type in the world. But how did we get here? We’re proud that CPVC was invented in our labs, which gives us a unique vantage point on where these materials started – and how we’ve worked to enhance them over the decades.
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Blazemaster CPVC | CPVC | blazemaster fire protection systems | cpvc fire sprinkler systems | fire sprinkler systems
BlazeMaster® CPVC offers the best products available for fire protection systems, offering significant advantages over steel and superior performance compared to other CPVC products. But beyond quality materials, BlazeMaster CPVC also offers a level of expertise and support that is unmatched in the industry. We have the resources to support everyone from manufacturers and distributors to fire officials, contractors and installers.
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Blazemaster CPVC | CPVC | Video | blazemaster fire protection systems | cpvc fire sprinkler systems | fire protection inspections | fire sprinkler installation | fire sprinkler systems
I recently had the opportunity to talk with Drew Slocum, Co-Founder of Inspect Point, a company that offers a mobile app to streamline fire and life-safety inspections. Drew is an industry veteran who helped start Inspect Point several years ago after working with key CPVC manufacturers Tyco and Viking.
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Blazemaster CPVC | CPVC | blazemaster fire protection systems | covid19 | cpvc fire sprinkler systems | fire sprinkler installation | fire sprinkler systems | small business
We can all be proud that our fire protection industry has played a critical role in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As outlined by the National Fire Sprinkler Association, fire protection was deemed “essential” based on the critical need to respond to repairs and outages as well as inspection, testing and maintenance.
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While we all enjoy a breath of ocean breeze, the salt air in coastal climates is corrosive to metal – including steel pipes that make up a fire sprinkler system. That’s why corrosion-resistant BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems is an obvious choice for coastal buildings; Blazemaster systems can be used to protect all light hazard structures from hotels and condos, to offices and hospitals, to piers and docks, BlazeMaster CPVC eliminates corrosion concerns.
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BlazeMaster vs. Steel | Commercial | Installation | Residential
When planning to install a fire sprinkler system in an existing building, key factors to consider include the cost of labor and materials, speed of implementation, potential disruptions for occupants, long-term durability and more. BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems provides clear advantages across the board that make it the best option for retrofits.
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An online search for the word sustainability reveals this initial definition: “the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level.”
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As you plan a fire sprinkler system project, choosing the right materials is a critical early step as the products you choose can have a major impact on the initial cost, the longer-term maintenance costs, and the overall performance and dependability of the system.
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There is no playbook for manufacturing in a 100-year pandemic, but in the midst of a crisis, game plans come together in a hurry. The team producing Lubrizol CPVC compounds in Louisville, Kentucky, has found that when people pull together, rely on their value system in decision making, and know they can depend on each other, it is possible to rise to the most unforeseen challenges.
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BlazeMaster vs. Steel | Commercial
When designing fire protection systems for docks and marinas, it’s a logical choice to specify BlazeMaster® CPVC primarily due to its corrosion resistance. However, there is some misunderstanding in the market that these types of facilities are always considered “ordinary hazard” under NFPA 13, which means steel pipe must be used. In fact, fire officials have flexibility to classify these facilities as light hazard based on a variety of factors.
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Until BlazeMaster CPVC® fire protection systems were introduced in 1984 – changing the fire sprinkler protection industry for the better – steel was the material of choice for fire sprinkler system pipe and fittings worldwide. Steel’s strength and resistance to heat made it a logical choice.
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Chemical compatibility continues to be a topic of significant interest in the fire protection industry. Let’s take a moment to dispel common myths about chemical compatibility.
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BlazeMaster® CPVC is the ideal prescription for new construction or retrofitting hospital fire sprinkler systems. BlazeMaster CPVC may be used in any light hazard occupancies as defined by NFPA 13: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, which includes hospitals and healthcare facilities, office buildings, schools, theaters and places of worship.
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When the temperature drops, you likely take extra care in many of your daily activities – the way you drive, the maintenance of your home, and how you dress to go outdoors.
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BlazeMaster vs. Generic | Installation | Listings and Innovations
Viking announces its new line of InstaSeal® Sprinkler Head Adapters manufactured with BlazeMaster® CPVC, designed to speed installation with no need for thread tape or sealant. The adapters’ full brass thread inserts prevent the potential for cross-threading while providing a tight seal every time via its EPDM seat.
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Home builders can add value to their new home offerings and attract buyers by including fire sprinkler systems.
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BlazeMaster vs. Generic | BlazeMaster vs. Steel
Fire sprinkler systems are designed to protect lives and property. But for building owners and contractors, the system must also protect your reputation from risks ranging from leaks and malfunctions to disruptions for occupants.
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BlazeMaster vs. Generic | BlazeMaster vs. Steel
It’s a fact: BlazeMaster® CPVC is the world’s most specified non-metallic fire sprinkler system pipe and fitting material. Every day since it was introduced in 1984, BlazeMaster CPVC has saved the lives of countless individuals, firefighters and other safety professionals and prevented property damage.
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A bill recently introduced in Congress seeks to encourage building owners to invest in fire sprinkler retrofits by accelerating the depreciation rate for high-rise residential and non-residential buildings to 15 years. Current depreciation rates are 39 years for non-residential buildings and 27.5 for residential properties.
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Listings and Innovations | Residential
A new section of the 2019 edition of NFPA 13 (16.3.9.6.2) specifically states that nonmetallic piping, including CPVC, may be used in fire sprinkler systems in private garages within a dwelling as long as the garage space:
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BlazeMaster vs. Steel | Commercial | Listings and Innovations
Fire sprinkler system installers who are looking for a competitive edge have a unique opportunity when using BlazeMaster® CPVC pipe and fittings. As concrete is used as a building material for ceilings and walls in office buildings, schools, apartments, health care facilities and even private homes, it’s good to know that BlazeMaster CPVC has a unique Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL) listing for embedding in concrete.
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More communities across the nation require residential fire sprinklers in new home construction than ever. That is definitely a positive step in terms of safety for homeowners and first responders.
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Whether you have been installing BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems for 10 years or 10 days, it’s always a good idea to go back to the basics once in a while. Just as professional athletes practice the same play or motion over and over, they sit down for a “chalk talk” on occasion to discuss they “whys” behind the “whats.”
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Somewhere, a fire started last night that resulted in minimal damage to property. No lives were lost. No firefighter was put in harm’s way. There may be an insurance claim or two, but it isn’t as devastating as it might have been.
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Most fire sprinkler systems will require modification at some point over their long lifetime of providing safety to people and protection for property.
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BlazeMaster vs. Generic | Chemical Compatibility
One of the value-added services that BlazeMaster® CPVC offers is that of failure analysis. We recognize that there are occasional issues in the field. It is in everyone’s best interest that the root cause of the problem be determined to help prevent it from re-occurring.
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BlazeMaster vs. Steel | Listings and Innovations
Here are two facts that we would like to share with designers, specifiers, installers and building owners regarding the use of BlazeMaster® CPVC in combustible concealed spaces:
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Hospital MRI rooms pose specific challenges to fire sprinkler systems. Because of the need to protect sensitive MRI equipment from electrical and magnetic interference, non-ferrous materials must be used to protect this valuable life-saving equipment. Johnson Controls has just launched the Tyco® RFII-MRI 5.6 Flat-Plate Concealed Pendent Sprinkler. Used with BlazeMaster® CPVC pipe and fittings, the new sprinkler offers designers and hospital building managers an affordable non-magnetic solution.
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Commercial | Industry News | Listings and Innovations | Residential
I’m often asked how new construction materials may be used in conjunction with BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems. Today, we’ll discuss cross laminated timber (CLT), one of the most popular new products in use today for homes, multifamily and high-rise office buildings.
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BlazeMaster vs. Steel | Commercial
It could reasonably be argued that fire protection systems for school buildings are among the most noble fire safety applications of all. The safety of children as they attend schools involves all of us – as parents and concerned citizens. Certainly, all of us can remember the regular fire drills that likely began in pre-school and continued throughout our educational progress that built both awareness of fire safety and developed good habits in terms of knowing what to do in a hazardous situation. Backing those practices with a reliable fire protection system is just one more way of ensuring the well-being of students as they prepare for the future.
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It’s my pleasure to welcome Lainey Liotta and Sean Pearce to the BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems team of industry professionals. I am always proud of the fact that we are able to attract such talented individuals.
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In the course of installing a CPVC fire sprinkler system in virtually any setting, the potential for the pipe and fittings to come into contact with flexible wire and cable presents itself. While BlazeMaster® CPVC realizes that this may be inevitable, we strongly recommend that fire protection system installers do their best to work with other contractors and review jobsite notification documents from piping manufacturers to avoid such contact if at all possible. If building design requires that the piping and wiring/cabling be installed in tight spaces where contact is unavoidable, consider using a compatible material as a buffer between the two.
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Homes for Our Troops (HFOT) is a publicly-funded 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-September 11th veterans to enable them to rebuild their lives. Most of these veterans have sustained injuries including multiple limb amputations, partial or full paralysis, and/or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).
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BlazeMaster vs. Generic | Residential
At the same time as more state and local codes require fire sprinkler systems – and responsible home builders in areas where they are not required offer such systems as options to their buyers – the discussion of what piping material is best suited for single family home installations has been tossed around by many builders. This has brought the question of using CPVC or PEX systems to the forefront.
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Mold and microbial inhibitors are sometimes used in buildings where water damage has been sustained or where general humidity and moisture can result in mold growth. Such products have varying uses. They may be used in new construction or existing buildings as either cleaners to treat construction surfaces or primers for latex paints to remove mold, reduce mold growth or create a microbial barrier for mold prevention.
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Industry News | Listings and Innovations
One of the best things about working with BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems is the opportunity to be a part of the constant innovation that takes place in our industry. I’m always enthused to learn about new offerings from our manufacturing partners that will help designers, contractors and installers to sell and install fire sprinkler systems both in commercial and residential settings.
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BlazeMaster vs. Generic | Chemical Compatibility
Lubrizol Advanced Materials’ BlazeMaster® CPVC is the most tested CPVC fire protection material on the market. In fact, we’re so confident in the quality of BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems, both in physical properties (burst and impact resistance testing) and chemical compatibility, testing is conducted by or overseen by third parties.
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BlazeMaster® CPVC is a strong, durable material that maintains its structure better than most commonly used plastics.
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Fire sprinkler system failures in prominent hotel and apartment properties in Dallas and Baton Rouge over the past year are reminders of the need to understand key CPVC installation issues such as chemical compatibility. They’re also a reminder that nothing replaces training – even of the “refresher” variety – when it comes to fire protection system installation. Having the proper knowledge before, during and after installation is critical for all involved in designing, specifying, installing and servicing a fire sprinkler system.
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The City of Chicago Building Code has seen its first comprehensive change in 70 years as a result of recent City Council approval. The Phase 2 Building Code Modernization Ordinance makes Chicago the ninth major US jurisdiction to adopt the 2018 International Building Code and International Existing Building Code. The National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) played a major role in helping to see this through.
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We encourage you to check out a great new website, “Fire Sprinklers Buy Time, Time Buys Life,” which is the focus of a national campaign just announced by the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA).
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BlazeMaster vs. Generic | Chemical Compatibility
For more than 30 years CPVC has been the material of choice for many fire protection systems worldwide, with advantages over steel such as lower initial cost, ease and safety of installation, and a lower cost of ownership that includes better flow rates and reduced maintenance.
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A 2018 renovation at Lubrizol Advanced Materials’ PM Building in Brecksville, Ohio provided a unique opportunity to examine and test BlazeMaster® CPVC Fire Protection Systems pipe that had been in service for nearly 30 years.
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CPVC pipe and fittings are used every day in residential, commercial and multifamily fire protection systems. One brand – BlazeMaster® CPVC – has performed well for years. While there are many reasons for this, I’d like to focus on one – the FBCTM System Compatible Program – the oldest and most trusted chemical compatibility program in the industry. It’s one reason contractors, designers and engineers can be more assured of a high-quality installation. The program helps you avoid costly system failures such as a 19-story newly-renovated Dallas hotel and a 10-story multifamily complex in Louisiana recently experienced by a competitive brand.
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Fire protection systems are only as reliable as the supply mains that serve them.
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Commercial | Listings and Innovations
BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems stand alone in the fire protection industry with a unique UL® listing among manufacturers for embedding CPVC in concrete. As new construction methods today make use more and more of concrete ceilings, embedding the fire sprinkler system in those ceilings eliminates the need and costs of drop ceilings and fire sprinkler system hangers (in the case of steel systems). It also has the added aesthetic benefit of hiding the system within the ceiling.
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CPVC, steel and PEX are common materials used for fire sprinkler systems. Their unique material thicknesses and smoothness ratings both affect cost and flow rates. BlazeMasterⓇ CPVC pipes, produced in SDR 13.5 dimensions with a Hazen-Williams C factor of 150, can improve the performance of your system and lower costs. BlazeMaster CPVC has stable pricing, a smooth surface, resists the effects of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC), and has an easy, cost-effective installation process.
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For nearly 20 years the FBCTM System Compatible Program has been the leading chemical compatibility resource for the Fire Protection Industry when it comes it comes to installation of BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems. The program is the oldest and most comprehensive such platform in the industry.
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Adrian Peschi, LCAM, knew that if the retrofit to the 338-unit high-rise apartment building he manages in Fort Lauderdale went poorly, he’d hear it from hundreds of unofficial supervisors—the residents.
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Livingston, a 15,000 living unit community in Alberta, Canada, is believed to be the largest community in North America to make residential sprinklers a standard feature in all homes from its inception. A recent demonstration shows the community why fire sprinkler systems are so vital and why others should follow suit.
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All piping materials expand and contract as a result of temperature change. As the temperature increases, pipes expand. When the temperature decreases, pipes contract. If left unaccounted for while designing a fire protection system, thermal expansion can cause the system to fail prematurely, resulting in unnecessary repairs and reliability concerns.
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House fires spread faster than they used to. Modern, often synthetic materials burn quicker and hotter than traditional furnishings. It only takes three minutes for these materials to reach their autoignition temperature before they emit flammable gases. In less than five minutes, flashover can occur and engulf the entire home in flames. To help limit the spread of fires, communities across the nation are implementing ordinances requiring home fire protection systems in new single and double family residences.
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BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems joins with the NFSA in encouraging everyone associated with the fire sprinkler industry to reach out to your Senators immediately to request that they co-sponsor S. 803 legislation.
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BlazeMaster vs. Generic | Chemical Compatibility | Residential
Fire protection system failures at a 19-story newly-renovated Dallas hotel and a 10-story multifamily complex in Louisiana resulted in the need to temporarily relocate residents and guests, lost revenue, property damage that led to hundreds of thousands of dollars in repair bills and, in the Dallas incident, deployment of key fire department personnel onsite for extended watch for more than three months.
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BlazeMaster vs. Steel | Installation
Installation methods for fire protection systems vary depending on the materials involved. Each material’s specific joining method has a direct impact on three key factors: Cost: Installation and labor accounts for more than half of the system’s total upfront cost. Time: In new builds, construction deadlines may be tight. In retrofits, the building may remain occupied during construction, which means the system must be completed as quickly as possible. Reliability: Installation mistakes can lead to premature failures and unnecessary repairs, resulting in an unreliable system in the event of a fire. For this reason, contractors and installers can benefit from being proactive in their piping material recommendations to building owners.
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BlazeMaster vs. Generic | Case Studies
Since its inception in 2012, Atlanta-based SuperHero Fire Protection has relied exclusively on BlazeMasterⓇ Fire Protection Systems to protect its customers and their residences. The full-service fire protection contractor mainly services residential properties such as single-family homes, townhomes, high-rise buildings and multi-family apartment complexes, where they face tight construction deadlines. By relying on BlazeMaster CPVC, SuperHero Fire Protection meets deadlines not possible with steel systems.
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BlazeMasterⓇ Fire Protection Systems devotes time and resources to knowledge-sharing and testing to ensure products can be used safely and effectively. Chemical compatibility is often top of mind when working with CPVC. Spray foam, drywall and concrete are three common construction materials often in direct contact with BlazeMaster CPVC products, but with proper care, all three can be used without compatibility concerns.
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The importance of fire sprinkler systems in building design cannot be overstated. In fact, there has never been a building fire that resulted in multiple-occupant loss of life when the structure had a properly designed, installed and maintained fire sprinkler system using certified components.
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New builds can be pricey. With consumers desiring luxury amenities such as granite countertops and custom flooring, they may not want to consider spending money on a fire sprinkler system—but it should be top of mind. Unfortunately, in most cases, fire sprinkler systems are not installed in homes unless required by law, which is why there is a glaring need for more ordinances and recommendations from builders.
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Installation | Listings and Innovations
All light hazard fire sprinkler system applications in seismic regions must have a properly braced system in order to withstand the effects of possible earthquakes. Strict building codes and requirements exist to ensure the safety of citizens, especially those along fault lines. With lives at stake, fire sprinkler system specifiers and installers must select the proper materials and meet bracing requirements.
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BlazeMaster vs. Steel | Installation
One of the distinct advantages of BlazeMaster® CPVC over steel piping is time saved and ease of installation. BlazeMaster CPVC installation can greatly reduce the number of laborers required, eliminate the high price tag of skilled welders and help keep projects on schedule and on budget. BlazeMaster CPVC also has more stable material costs compared to metallic alternatives while still offering long-term reliability.
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One of the most common myths in the fire protection industry is that because CPVC is plastic, it will easily melt in a fire.
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An important consideration in any building project is the cost of materials. In most instances, contractors look to the highest quality product for the lowest cost. But, what happens when a common product is no longer affordable?
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The long-term reliability of any fire sprinkler system comes down to two things: 1. The quality of the piping material and 2. The installation. Selecting the contractor to install your fire protection system is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in this process.
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Fire sprinkler system reliability is critical to the safety and security of your building and occupants. Malfunctions or piping system issues come in a variety of forms, but some of the most common include restricted water flow, blocked sprinkler heads, and leaks within the system.
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Case Studies | Commercial | Residential
The long-standing real estate boom in Atlanta got an added boost with the completion of Phase I of Atlantic Station. The $2 billion development off I-85 in Atlanta is credited as being the community that launched the live-work-play concept that is quickly gaining popularity in other parts of the country.
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Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) is a specially engineered thermoplastic first commercialized by Lubrizol in the early 1960’s. Since its first use, CPVC has steadily grown in popularity and is now used in industrial, commercial and residential buildings around the world. However, a thermoplastic may not be the first thing that comes to mind when discussing fire protection systems. So, what makes CPVC a viable piping material for fire sprinkler systems? A breakdown of the science of CPVC may help explain it.
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Like most school systems, the Colorado Independent School District in Colorado City, Texas, has more needs than it does money to fulfill them. So, when voters in the West Texas district in 2013 approved a $29.9 million bond issue for construction of a new school, district officials knew they would have to be efficient in spending taxpayers’ money. The district planned a new, larger building to house more than 700 students in grades K-8. It would replace two outdated elementary school buildings, each more than 65 years old. In addition to modern amenities and educational features, the new building would feature a fire sprinkler system, something its predecessors lacked. “We didn’t have any other fire sprinkler system in the district,” said Supt. Reggy Spencer.
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BlazeMaster vs. Generic | Commercial | Residential
For 30 years, BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems have been specified for thousands of residential and commercial buildings around the world. But why are building owners and contractors choosing a thermoplastic fire sprinkler system over steel and other non-metallic materials?
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A school building poses a tricky situation when it comes to installing a fire sprinkler system. Students fill hallways and classrooms constantly, whether it’s classes during the day, sports after school or on weekends, and activities throughout the summer. Finding the time to complete a major facility upgrade without disrupting the flurry of activity can be a challenge. Educational facilities rarely close long enough for this to take place. How do you solve this problem?
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As one of only six universities with its own fire department, the University of Notre Dame, founded in 1842, is a prime example of an institution that places a high priority on fire protection. To minimize the potential devastation of residence hall fires, Notre Dame launched a retrofit program in 1979, installing sprinkler systems during the renovation of old buildings and the construction of new ones.
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Faced with a city ordinance that required its chapter house in Lawrence, Kansas, to be sprinklered before it could be occupied, Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity, Inc. solicited a number of bids from local contractors. The bids offered recommendations regarding the most cost-and time-efficient installation.
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Whether part of a new system or replacing old or damaged heads, sprinkler head effectiveness and reliability often come down to proper installation. Our team of fire system experts has put together a general overview on how to properly install fire sprinkler heads with BlazeMaster® CPVC. The following steps will ensure leak-free, reliable, and properly positioned sprinkler heads. It is important to note that the following are general guidelines. BlazeMaster Fire Sprinkler Systems advises contractors review manufacturer instructions before installation.
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The following is an excerpt from The Complete Guide To Solvent Cement & CPVC Fire Protection Systems. Download the full guide to discover more on what solvent cement is, how it works, the process for utilizing it in fire sprinkler applications and special considerations for successful installation.
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Millions of homeowners across the United States have come to rely on Ron Hazelton for down-to-earth, practical advice. As the on-air Home Improvement Editor for ABC TV’s Good Morning America and star of the hit syndicated show HouseCalls, Hazelton has guided do-it-yourselfers for years through the ins and outs of countless home renovation and maintenance projects.
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A simple cut-and-join process is one of the many advantages of BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems. By following a few simple steps, installers can cut CPVC piping to the desired length in just a few minutes and ensure a clean, straight edge every time.
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For years, building owners and contractors have relied on steel as the standard material for fire sprinkler systems. After all, steel is strong, durable, and stands up well to intense heat.
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When Lee Miller returned to the University of Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio, for his 25th year class reunion in 1987, he was dismayed to find his old Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity house in shambles.
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It wasn’t that many years ago that codes first started mandating the practice of firestopping in various commercial applications. As a result, firestopping is still a relatively new service area offered by contractors who have chosen to expand their expertise.
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BlazeMaster vs. Generic | Listings and Innovations
CPVC broke into the plumbing and industrial piping industry in the late 1950’s, but it took a couple of decades to reach the highly regulated fire protection segment.
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CPVC installation is quick, easy, and cost-effective. Installation of CPVC piping is done through a simple one-step joining system so no torches or heat-fusion techniques are needed. Additionally, because CPVC is lightweight, installations in hard-to-reach places are completed more easily. Whether you’ve used BlazeMaster® Pipe and Fittings before or if this is your first time, following best practices will ensure proper installation and a reliable, long-lasting fire sprinkler system.
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Like many campuses across the country, Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas (about one hour north of Kansas City), not long ago found itself in need of additional student housing due to an increase in its student population. The administration first turned its attention to its old Freshman Hall (now called Ferrell Hall), which had remained empty since the 1970s.
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While steel fire protection systems have been the traditional choice for retrofits and residential applications, CPVC, or chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, has a proven track record of cost-effective and time-saving installations. With 600 million meters (1,968 feet) of piping system installed in more than 60 countries, BlazeMaster® CPVC Fire Protection Systems has become a safe, secure and reliable alternative material to steel in fire sprinkler systems.
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The Tyco® Rapid Seal Adapter is the newest addition to its BlazeMaster® Fire Protection offering. Made with BlazeMaster CPVC, this all-CPVC fitting simplifies the way sprinkler heads are installed into fire protection systems.
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Proper fire sprinkler system installation is crucial to its long-term success and reliability. For this reason, BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems has developed a free online training program covering installation best practices and sharing valuable resources. At your own pace, work through the course material, and upon completion (and at Lubrizol’s discretion), you will receive a BlazeMaster online installation training card and certificate.
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What started as routine maintenance at a Jamestown, North Carolina multi-family complex turned into a dangerous, life-threatening situation for a construction team member of LEC Properties Incorporated. The team member was cleaning the weeks-old, 460-unit luxury Crowne Lake Two when fuel used to refill a pressure washer in the breezeway spilled onto the already hot exhaust system, igniting into a blazing fire.
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Largest dorm in North America completes fire sprinkler retrofit in record 11 months without displacing students With 3,000 beds inside and one-million+ square feet of housing comprising an entire city block, Jester Center at the University of Texas Austin was recognized as the largest dormitory in North America when it was built.
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BlazeMaster vs. Steel | Case Studies
Thirty-four years ago the fire sprinkler industry witnessed something never seen before – the first commercial installation of a CPVC fire sprinkler system. The system was a BlazeMaster® CPVC fire protection system. The installation was at the world renowned Fontainebleau Hilton Resort, which has often been described as the crown jewel of Millionaire’s Row on Miami Beach with its 920 grand rooms and more than 50 suites. Over the years, the Fontainebleau has been home to movie stars and has been visited by every American president since Eisenhower. Films shot on location include Goldfinger, Scarface and The Bodyguard. Its magnificent image is enhanced with such special attractions like a 7,000 square-foot Octopus pool with its 240-foot water slide. Other amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, three whirlpool baths, a shopping arcade, business center and 190,000 square feet of meeting space.
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BlazeMaster vs. Steel | Case Studies
Conversion to BlazeMaster® CPVC Pipe Allows Leading Southeast Sprinkler Contractor To Meet Schedules Not Possible With Steel Affordable Fire Protection, Inc. (AFP), one of the largest fire sprinkler contractors in the Southeast, promotes itself as having been an early adopter of BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems, and for good reason. With more than 200 employees installing, on average, 200,000 sprinklers each year, the rapidly growing company has its hands full with a broad range of multi-family, high-rise and light hazard projects – each with its own tight construction schedule.
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When five students died tragically in a fire at the University of North Carolina, Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C., embarked on an ambitious program to retrofit all campus housing with fire sprinkler systems. The university was limited to working on the project from mid-May to mid-August, when the number of students requiring campus housing was greatly reduced. Two buildings were completed during the first summer, then four in the summer of 1998, and six in 1999.
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