Jackson Bean 
Fire sprinkler systems are a great way to protect your home from fire. Depending on the size of your home, you can choose a multi-use or stand-alone system. Multi-use systems rely on the home’s water supply to keep fires contained, while stand-alone systems use separate piping to do the same job. Some systems are designed to be installed directly on the house’s foundation, while others require you to install a storage tank to hold water for fire suppression. These systems also come with a variety of options for tying into your home’s alarm system.
Fire sprinklers are recommended for all new homes, according to the International Residential Code and National Fire Protection Association model codes. However, many communities have not yet implemented this requirement due to concerns about the cost. This is a shame because fires are more dangerous than ever and can kill more people than ever before. Home fires cost an estimated $6.1 billion a year and result in the loss of nearly two thousand lives, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Fortunately, a residential fire sprinkler system can significantly reduce property damage and save lives.
While fire sprinklers are not a requirement in residential construction, they are increasingly popular for their protective benefits. Installed properly, they can prevent extensive damage, which gives your family more time to get out of the house safely. In fact, the NFSA reports that sprinklers installed in homes reduce the risk of death by up to 81% and significantly reduce property damage by up to 70 percent.
Fire sprinklers come in two basic styles: pendent and upright. Pendent sprinklers are usually located in the ceiling and use a defector that sprays water in a circular pattern. On the other hand, upright sprinklers sit up on a supply pipe. They are more common in commercial applications but can be installed in homes, too.
The design of a fire sprinkler system depends on the type of water meter installed in the home. There are two different categories of water meters used for sprinklers: continuous flow and maximum intermittent flow. For residential fire sprinklers, the former is the most common type of residential water meter, while electromagnetic and ultrasonic meters are becoming more popular due to their improved durability and accuracy.
A fire sprinkler system is an affordable and effective way to protect your home from fire. Most residential systems are easy to install and operate, and you can even have a multi-use system installed for the home. However, you must have a qualified fire sprinkler contractor to install the system in your home. He or she should know the local codes and laws and be familiar with NFPA 13D.
Choosing a sprinkler system for your home is an important investment for your home’s safety and your family’s. An average sprinkler system can cost about $1.35 per square foot, while the cost of installing a stand-alone system for a new home can cost about $1,25 per square foot. The cost of installing a sprinkler system in a home can also be cheaper if you opt for a retrofit. Some insurance companies also offer a discount to homeowners who install a sprinkler system in their home.
