The threat of a structural fire is a pressing safety concern for all homeowners, but it can be particularly devastating for historic homes. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, over 340,000 residential fires occur annually, resulting in over $11 billion in financial loss—not to mention more than 10,000 injuries and nearly 3,000 fatalities.
Although automatic fire sprinkler systems were invented in 1872, only two states—California and Maryland—require new home constructions to include fire sprinklers. So, if this isn’t a mandate for newly built structures, just imagine how uncommon fire sprinklers are in many historic home designs. Even so, there’s tremendous value in installing sprinklers to safeguard your loved ones (and protect the investment) if you own a historic structure.
How can homeowners implement these critical safety features without unduly impacting the aesthetic of historic home designs? Here’s what to know about fire sprinkler retrofits that will ensure code compliance, while preserving your structure’s original charm.
Respecting Historic Home Designs
Installing a residential fire protection system doesn’t have to be an eyesore, whether your home is historic or modern. Experienced fire safety professionals know the importance of balancing both function and aesthetics. The process has three key components:
- Assessment
- Design
- Installation
First, your home will be thoroughly evaluated to assess the fire safety needs and architectural traits. Next, skilled interior designers will collaborate on solutions to complement your historic home and suit your budget. With three-dimensional design capabilities, you can view and sign off on these plans before the installation begins.
Then, the installation technicians will obtain the right permits and retrofit your home for a fire sprinkler system, with careful attention to regulatory compliance. Reliable interior designers and technicians have the utmost respect for each unique home, and are aware of the delicate nature of retrofitting historic homes. As such, they maintain a collaborative dynamic, so homeowners know each stage of the plan in order to make informed, real-time decisions.
Preserving the Character of Historic Homes
Chances are, you’ve heard the phrase: “They don’t make ‘em like they used to.” Those who love historic homes are drawn to the character and charm of these structures because they feature unique architectural elements and beautiful handcrafted aesthetics. Preserving these valuable attributes is an integral part of historic home renovations.
There are several options for installing a modern fire sprinkler system without impacting the historic authenticity of a home—such as concealed sprinkler heads, for example. Technicians can hide the plumbing behind a wall, then flush-mount the sprinkler heads, so they’ll blend in with the surrounding area. These sprinkler head covers are heat-activated to break away from the device in a fire, allowing the sprinkler heads to release water.
If the plumbing can’t be easily concealed behind a wall, another option is to use copper fixtures, which will complement the historic architecture. You might also consider a low-pressure system with smaller diameter fixtures to reduce the visual impact and release less water. This will help minimize the risk of water damage to historic structures.
Prioritizing Fire Sprinkler Maintenance
Once you install the sprinklers, fix common fire code violations and follow best maintenance practices to ensure the system will protect your entire home if a fire ignites. Not only does this preserve historic home designs, but it keeps everyone safe inside.
As with HVAC components, water heaters, gutters, and roofs, fire sprinklers require consistent inspection and maintenance to ensure optimal function when it matters most. These inspections should take place at least once a year. Schedule this service around the spring or fall Daylight Saving Time, when most homeowners replace the batteries in smoke alarms.
You should also perform a manual inspection of the alarm sensors and other visible components twice a year—or even quarterly. But a more thorough annual system inspection will need to be done by a professional technician each year.
Reliable Fire Protection for Historic Home Renovations
Protecting your historic home doesn’t have to infringe on preservation efforts. Safety, function, and aesthetics can seamlessly coexist . With the right fire sprinkler system in place, you can maintain the character of your home, while keeping it safe from a catastrophic fire. interested in learning how A&A Fire Protection can help safeguard historic home designs? Contact us now, and let’s get started on this retrofit process.
