Base Fire Sprinklers work with architects and building designers to provide essential consultancy services across a range of fire safety issues.
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In addition to sharing our expertise in the form of specialist advice, we can also conduct building surveys and investigations as a precursor to installing, upgrading or replacing a fire sprinkler system.
The increasing inclusion of fire sprinkler systems in new developments - particularly in Wales, where sprinklers are mandatory in new-builds, conversions and extensions - has made it more important for architects to consider sprinklers from the initial planning stage.
Spatial planning is crucial, especially when it comes to accommodating sprinkler water storage requirements. It's not uncommon for projects to face unexpected challenges when the tank size is revealed late in the game, causing site constraints.
In areas classified as “ordinary hazard” such as plant rooms, bin stores, commercial units, and internal car parks exceeding 100m2, a BSEN12845 commercial system is required. The tank size in this scenario can range from 105m2 to over 300m2.
Engaging with a sprinkler specialist at an early stage of the design process can guarantee that the building's design allocates enough space for sprinkler plant, reducing potential complications later in the process
Sprinkler heads also need to be aesthetically pleasing, for example by using concealed sprinkler heads placed in line with downlights and other ceiling elements, and should be clearly labelled to prevent overpainting during the final decorating phase of the development.
Base Fire Sprinklers' experts can advise on all of these practical issues, as well as the legislation and building regulations that apply to your development, allowing architects to get sprinkler system design right first time.
Why Install Domestic Fire Sprinklers?
Even in parts of the UK where installing domestic fire sprinklers is not mandatory, it still makes good sense to consider this extra layer of fire protection, for a number of significant reasons.
Occupant/Resident Safety
First and foremost, fire sprinklers provide automatic protection against the spread of fire and suffocating smoke. Triggered without manual intervention, only the sprinkler heads in the immediate vicinity of the fire will descend from their concealed position and dispense a water mist to prevent the blaze from taking hold.
Improved Building Design
Fire sprinklers open up many related possibilities in building design, providing effective, reliable safety in enclosed rooms and open-plan areas alike. Base Fire Sprinklers can advise on sprinkler head numbers and positions in different spaces, including in challenging L-shaped rooms.
Reduced Passive Protection Demand
Building regulations allow for fewer passive fire protection features in buildings with sprinkler systems, for example a single staircase in tall buildings, more beds in residential care homes, no need for self-closing fire doors and/or decreased distances between boundaries.
Installing Fire Sprinklers in New Developments
Designed-in fire sprinklers can be installed easily as part of the first-fix stage, with Base Fire Sprinklers working alongside trades including plumbers and electricians.
There are few specific requirements - a typical modern ceiling with conventional joists should be able to accommodate fire sprinklers and their water supply pipes, providing that the recess is deep enough.
Base Fire Sprinklers can survey your building and/or advise on architect plans, in order to ensure that an adequate sprinkler system can be installed as part of the initial development without any changes needing to be made.
The result is a more streamlined and cost-optimised installation process, giving you a new-build property fully protected by fire sprinklers, without facing the cost to retrofit sprinklers at a later date.
How Fire Sprinklers Overcome Design Challenges
Because fire sprinklers provide targeted, automatic protection, they can help to contain the outbreak of fire, allowing for much more 'open' designs and giving architects the freedom to innovate.
Examples of this include open staircases to upper levels and fully open-plan ground floors, compartmentalising premises to mitigate adjacent fire risks, and more flexible designs in tall buildings without alternative escape routes.
Sprinklers are highly reliable and minimise damage to the property by activating only where necessary, so that in case of any future incident, repair costs and disruption can be effectively minimised too.
All developments are subject to restrictions on budget, and by designing-in fire sprinkler systems, architects can cater to those pressures without compromising on occupant safety in the future.
Water Tank Capacity Calculator
Our Online Water Tank Size Calculator provides a free estimate of tank size requirements for a residential fire sprinkler system. This easy-to-use online tool will help you determine the right sizing for your water tank needs.
Choose Base Fire Sprinklers
Base Fire Sprinkler provides first class service to architects. We ensure the compliance and safety of buildings across the UK, with projects in areas such as Stockport, Manchester, Warrington, Liverpool, Leeds and Sheffield.
We are renowned for our knowledge, experience and dedication to fire safety with expert spatial planning vital to architects. Base Fire Sprinklers is your trusted partner for all your fire safety needs, from design and installation to repairs and inspection of fire sprinklers. We use only the highest quality materials and equipment to ensure that your system is operating at its optimal performance.
Additionally, our maintenance programs offer peace of mind, knowing that your system is being regularly checked and maintained. We are here to provide you with a fire sprinkler solution that meets your needs.
Contact us today to learn more about our services or visit our design, installation, servicing & repair pages to see how we can assist you with each step of the process.