How Much Does a Fire Sprinkler System Cost?
No one wants to dwell on the damage a fire can do and what the costs to the owner of a building might be. Depending on your industry and the kind of building you have, you might want to look into fire suppression systems outside of fire extinguishers. Liberty Fire Solutions is here to serve your Central/Eastern Pennsylvania business better understand your fire protection equipment.
What Does a Fire Sprinkler System Cost?
The price of a fire sprinkler system varies based on the size and type of fire sprinklers you install. In general, here are the costs you can expect:
- $1 to $2 per sprinklered square foot for new construction projects
- $2 to $7 per sprinklered square foot for retrofitting existing homes and businesses
- $2 to $4 per sprinklered square foot for retrofitting high-rise buildings
- Up to $10 per sprinklered square foot for retrofitting historic buildings
Other Factors to Consider That Impact Cost
Your sprinkler installation cost may vary based on these factors:
- Pipe material: Plastic is the most affordable type of piping. Use it wherever possible to keep costs down. In some places, such as the garage or unfinished basement, you may need more expensive copper piping, which will increase the installation cost.
- System features: Most businesses have access to the municipal water supply. This may require you to install a backflow preventer, especially if your system runs on an antifreeze solution. On the other hand, if your building gets water from a well or another private water source, your sprinkler system may require a water storage tank and booster pump. These features add to the overall installation cost.
- System design: Most fire sprinklers use standalone pipes with a dedicated water supply. Others are multipurpose, meaning they combine pipes for domestic use and the fire sprinklers. A standalone system usually costs more than a multipurpose one, at least when installed in new construction projects.
- Lifetime costs: As you calculate the long-term investment required to install a sprinkler system, consider that many insurance companies offer premium discounts for buildings with automatic fire sprinklers. Be sure to factor in these savings to determine the true lifetime cost of the installation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Sprinklers
At Liberty Fire Solutions, we strive to provide our customers with the best information possible about our products and services. Here are answers to some of the most frequent questions we receive about fire sprinkler systems:
Is a Fire Sprinkler System Worth the Cost?
For most commercial properties, the amount that fire sprinkler systems cost is minimal compared to the damages they can prevent. A working, well-maintained fire sprinkler system can limit the spread of a fire significantly or even extinguish it completely. Plus, they protect your property 24/7, even when no one is there.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), commercial properties with fire sprinklers receive an average of 50% less property damage during a fire than those without.
More importantly, civilian deaths are reduced substantially, with a 60% average reduction at manufacturing facilities between 1989 and 1998, a nearly 75% reduction at stores, offices, or nursing homes, and a 91% reduction at hotels.
Can Fire Sprinklers Cause Water Damage?
Yes, fire sprinkler systems can cause water damage if they are activated, but the damage will typically be far less than a fire would cause, and it is easier to repair. Plus, fire sprinklers activate as soon as the heat from a fire is detected, and they supply less water than emergency services will when they respond. Sprinklers can provide about 28 gallons per minute compared to the 60 gallons per minute or more from the fire hoses.
Do All the Sprinklers Activate Simultaneously?
Typically, no. In most systems, the sprinkler heads respond to heat, so only the sprinklers in the area affected by the fire will activate. This reduces both water damage during a fire and the recovery costs afterward. For properties with flammable materials, chemicals, or other dangers, deluge systems can be installed that activate all sprinklers at once.
Will Smoke or Cooking Odors Set Off the Sprinklers?
No, smoke or odors will not accidentally activate the sprinklers. The sprinkler heads respond only to heat, and the activation temperature can be adjusted by installing different sprinkler heads according to the environment they will operate in and the hazards expected.
Do you have a question about fire sprinkler systems that is not covered here? Call us today at 844-291-9856 or contact us online to speak with one of our fire safety experts.
Fire Sprinkler System Services in Central Pennsylvania and Western Maryland
Liberty Fire Solutions has been serving the Central Pennsylvania and Western Maryland area for over 40 years. We provide our customers with expert knowledge, commitment to safety, and respect for their time. We arrive on time and get the job done on time.
If you’re ready to look closer at servicing your fire sprinkler system for your business in Central Pennsylvania and Western Maryland, please contact Liberty Fire Solutions today. Get fire sprinkler services now by calling 844-291-9856.
Category: Fire Sprinklers
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