Fire Sprinkler Basics: New, Retrofit, and Renovation Installations

  • January 20, 2023
Commercial Fire Sprinkler companies near me

When protecting your property, you never want to cut corners with a fire sprinkler system. If your system is broken, outdated, ineffective, or nonexistent, your property is much more vulnerable to fire damage. As such, updating your system with a retrofit, renovation, or new installation is essential to ensure reliable fire sprinklers protect your property. 

Here’s everything to know about the basics of fire sprinkler systems:

Who Should Install Fire Sprinklers? 

It’s common to see fire sprinklers installed in all types of buildings across North and South Carolina, including commercial, industrial, and residential establishments. No matter what kind of property you own, installing a fire sprinkler system is always a good idea. Depending on where you live, it may even be a legal requirement.

Most building and fire codes stipulate when and where you must install fire sprinklers. However, building and fire codes vary from one jurisdiction to another, so you should consult local experts to ensure your property complies with all regulations. 

Dry vs. Wet Fire Sprinkler Systems

One of the first things to decide when installing fire sprinklers is the type of system to set up. For property owners, there are two primary fire sprinkler systems to know about: dry fire and wet fire. 

Wet fire sprinkler systems are the most common, consisting of a pipe network filled with water throughout a building. When a fire is detected, the system activates, and water is released from the pipes through sprinkler heads to extinguish the fire.

Dry fire sprinkler systems are similar to wet systems, with their primary exception being that there is no water in the pipes. Instead, the pipes pressurize with gas, usually nitrogen, to keep the sprinkler valve closed. In the event of a fire, air pressure drops, and the valve opens, allowing water to flow through the system.

Dry sprinkler systems are ideal in colder climates where the water in wet sprinkler system pipes is at a higher risk of freezing. Otherwise, wet systems are generally most people’s first choice. 

New Fire Sprinkler Installations

A new sprinkler installation may be your best option if you don’t have a system in place or your current system is beyond repair. As a general rule of thumb, if repair costs are more than half the price of a new system, opt for a new system altogether. Although new installations are more involved, they can help give you peace of mind, knowing that your property is safe with modern and reliable fire sprinklers. 

Fire Sprinkler Retrofits 

You may need a retrofit if your current fire sprinkler system only needs repairs or updates. Retrofits bring outdated (but still functional) systems out of the past and into the modern day by replacing broken components, adding innovative technology, or upgrading certain parts. Sprinkler retrofits are a cost-effective way to improve the effectiveness of your sprinkler system without starting from square one. 

Fire Sprinkler Renovations 

Fire sprinkler renovations involve major repairs and significant changes to your current system. Still, they may be necessary due to normal wear or to accommodate other building renovations. Fire sprinkler renovations may include replacing a large portion of piping, tweaking the layout or design of the system, or adding new components.

Protect Your Property with Reliable Fire Sprinklers 

If you’re serious about protecting your property with reliable fire sprinklers, contact A&A Fire Protection. Our team can help you design a sprinkler system that meets your building’s unique needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our fire protection experts to get started.