The rise of fire sprinkler system installation projects in the UK is a welcome sign that the government, property owners and residents are taking fire safety much more seriously. However, managing a retrofit installation, particularly in a multifamily dwelling is a challenging task.
Retrofitting automatic fire suppression systems into large scale properties with BlazeMaster® CPVC is tried, tested and successful across a number of large communities in towns and cities across the UK thanks to its fast installation, design flexibility and minimal disruption.
Just one example of this is the recently completed fire sprinkler retrofitting project of 205 high rise blocks of flats in Birmingham, alongside Birmingham City Council.
If you are about to undergo a major fire sprinkler retrofit project, you will undoubtedly have challenges ahead.
How Do We Manage Resident Disruption?
This is the ultimate balance of priorities for your team:
- Install sprinklers quickly, causing minimal disruption
- Request temporary relocation of occupants as little as possible
- Complete site work as quietly as it is possible to do so
- Make sure installation is executed to the highest standards to protect life
To achieve all this, you need a specially engineered fire suppression system that is tried and tested in this environment and is proven capable of fast, safe and disruption free sprinkler installations.
BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems, as part of the Birmingham City high rise retrofit project, were installed in up to 70 flats a day. BlazeMaster CPVC is a fast, convenient material for the installation of sprinklers. Furthermore, it can be installed in a safe environment with minimal hazards.
Why CPVC for Retrofitting Sprinklers on Existing Structures?
CPVC is a key asset to retrofitting fire sprinkler systems because it is lightweight (much lighter than steel) which benefits installers during transportation, storage, handling and installation. Both the install speed and the savings generated by specifying CPVC are multiplied across large scale projects.
Installing CPVC is also much cleaner than steel, in that less is wasted, the environment is less hazardous and there is much less work involved in clearing up the installation site after the new sprinkler heads are in place.
"CPVC is excellent for use in most residential projects, if not all, but particularly retrofit as it's a lot cleaner than metal systems."
- Tristan Rhodes, Triangle Fire Systems
So Why BlazeMaster CPVC?
BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems are readily available through a trusted licensee network, which means the project is only as fast as your team. Saving crucial hours, even days by sourcing material that will not let you down, makes a significant difference to the residents' experience.
What's the Best Way to Deal With Detractors?
One of the key disruptors in a sprinkler system retrofit project can, in fact, be the residents themselves. In the UK, fire suppression systems in residential properties are still a relatively new concept to many; some are still not fully on board even with partial sprinkler coverage with alarm systems, so be prepared to answer any queries or concerns around fire sprinkler installation and the use of a full sprinkler system in their homes.
The most common example of this is dispelling the myth that their apartment or house will instantly flood with sprinkler activity, the moment a fire occurs. Fire sprinkler heads only activate individually, at the precise location of fire. Fire is controlled swiftly and accurately, leaving the rest of the property unaffected.
"Once they've seen the benefits of sprinklers, everybody is a hundred percent onboard, and sees how well they can protect not only themselves, but other people around them."
- Tristan Rhodes, Triangle Fire Systems
How Can We Best Work With Building Owners and Local Authorities?
Beyond the obvious safety benefits, BlazeMaster CPVC in retrofit applications, especially in high rise buildings, delivers financial benefits to social housing or sheltered housing providers and anyone who has an investment in assets involved in the project.
Compared to water discharged from the fire and rescue service at the scene of a fire, fire sprinklers deal significantly less water damage to property, thanks to their faster response and greater accuracy. Less water is therefore needed, which means cost effective control over damaged assets and far less replacement and repair costs to the owner.
BlazeMaster CPVC is favoured by local authorities as it is assessed to the highest British standard by accredited bodies including the NFPA, UL and ASTM. It meets modern building regulations and is approved for installation in all light hazard buildings including high rise residential buildings.
To find out more about how BlazeMaster CPVC helped deliver a major recent retrofitting project in one of the UK's biggest groups of high rises, listen to the podcast interview below and subscribe to our podcast channel.