The Ins and Outs of Commercial Fire Sprinkler Systems

6/27/2019 (Permalink)

A fire sprinkler system can prevent much of the damage caused by fire

A fire in your Orlando, FL, business is a scary prospect. A fire sprinkler can provide you with peace of mind, but it’s important to understand how it works before selecting one for your business.

Types of Sprinkler Systems

There are several types of sprinklers available:

• Wet pipe
  
• Dry pipe
  
• Pre-action
  
• Deluge
  
  

Wet pipe sprinklers are the most common. In these systems, water stays in the pipes at all times, and when a fire is detected, the water is released. Dry pipe sprinklers work similarly, but the water is not stored in the pipes. This is good for colder areas where the water in pipes often freezes. In both of these types of systems, heat triggers one or more sprinkler heads, and the fire sprinkler is activated in that area.

Pre-action sprinklers, however, require two areas to be triggered — the sprinkler head and a pre-action valve that releases water into the pipes. This dual-trigger process decreases the chances of an accidental sprinkler activation, benefiting areas that store extremely valuable goods, such as electronics and antiques. Deluge sprinkler systems release more water than other sprinkler types, so they are ideal for fire suppression in open spaces where a fire can spread quickly or in areas that store highly flammable materials.

Fire Sprinkler Cleanup

Although a sprinkler system can prevent much of the damage caused by a fire, the sprinkler itself can cause water damage. However, immediately enlisting the help of professionals will minimize the damage. Depending on the amount of water present, some or all furniture and other goods may be removed from the premises to be treated and restored separately. Then, specialized equipment will be used to locate and remove the water from the building. If necessary, commercial-grade dehumidifiers and dryers or fans will be employed to dry out any remaining water. Finally, the surfaces will be cleaned and all necessary reconstruction and replacement will be completed.

A fire sprinkler system can prevent much of the damage caused by fire. If that happens, and the water used causes damage to your property, a team of restoration experts can get your business back to pre-fire condition in no time.