Installation | BlazeMaster vs. Steel
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.
BlazeMaster CPVC Material Costs are More Stable Than Steel
The cost of steel is historically higher than BlazeMaster CPVC, and steel prices are fluctuating more and more, making for unpredictable material costs. There is great uncertainty around the future of steel as the US applies tariffs on imports. The U.S. has seen a 30-40% increase in the price of steel over the past 6 months, and another 10% increase could be on the way in the near future. This type of variability heavily impacts customers and the bottom line for contractors and installers.
In comparison, CPVC’s trend line in price is more gradual, rather than the day-to-day fluctuations of steel, making it a more stable material option both in the short- and long-term.
Lower Labor Costs with BlazeMaster CPVC
In any fire sprinkler system installation, a trained, skilled laborer is required for optimal results. However, with steel, extra precaution must be used. If a skilled laborer is not careful, beads could form around the inside of the pipe, which could lead to scale build up, constrict water flow and create opportunities for corrosion. This specialized labor does not come cheap.
Steel is a heavy material that takes a minimum of two installers, and depending on the project some fabrication may have to be done off-site with specialized machinery (i.e. a rigid 300 machine or a welding machine). The cost for these laborers, threading equipment, and potential sub-contracting of the welding process can add up quickly.
On the other hand, BlazeMaster CPVC is a lightweight material that can be joined using solvent cement welding. The training involved is concise and solvent cement welding requires only common hand tools, allowing the work to be handed off to any contractor on the job site. In addition, BlazeMaster CPVC can often be installed by just one person freeing your team to share the workload to get projects done faster and/or cheaper.
BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems offers a free online training program.
BlazeMaster CPVC Shortens Installation Time and Allows for Flexibility
Solvent cement welding is fast and effective. Steel requires hot welding machines or a third party that specializes in fabrication. In addition, it is typically kept off-site, which slows down the installation and scheduling process. If something goes wrong in the field or there are unanticipated changes, BlazeMaster CPVC pipe can be altered in real time without delay.
BlazeMaster CPVC’s durable yet lightweight structure also allows for a more flexible installation, even for a solo installer. It is the ideal material for installers working in tight, confined areas.
When repairs are necessary, BlazeMaster CPVC fire sprinkler systems can be fixed on an accelerated timeline. Eliminating the need for skilled laborers and expensive, heavy equipment required for steel systems makes for a simple repair process.
For more information on how BlazeMaster CPVC can help save you time and money on your next project, contact our team of piping systems consultants today.
