FAQ

Places like Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and Fountain Hills require fire sprinkler systems regardless of how big or small the house is. However in other municipalities like Phoenix, Chandler, Buckeye, and Goodyear it is based on an area “under roof.” In these areas fire sprinklers must be installed if the total covered area reaches 5,000 square feet or more. The computed area encompasses all habitable and incomplete areas, including attached garages, as well as concealed or accessible spaces designated for storage or potential future living areas. In addition to these residential buildings, commercial buildings are also required to have fire sprinklers.

Undoubtedly yes. Statistically, fire sprinklers are able to extinguish fires 96% of the time which greatly minimizes the likelihood of a total loss of property or an eleven greater loss of life and limb. Even if fire sprinklers aren’t required by law, we still recommend installing them.

For new construction projects, the cost of fire sprinkler systems typically ranges from $1 to $2 per square foot of coverage. In the case of apartment complexes, the expenses are higher, averaging between $2 and $4 per square foot of coverage. When retrofitting existing buildings, the costs can vary from $2 to $7 per square foot of coverage.

Fire sprinkler systems can last up to 50 years or even longer with proper maintenance.

This will depend on a number of factors such as who is insuring your home, your insurance history and a litany of other factors. However, many Phoenix homeowners find that having fire sprinklers lowers the premium associated with home insurance by up to 35%. Over the course of 50 years (the current lifespan of a sprinkler system) the reduction in premium alone could end up paying for the sprinkler system.

Fire sprinkler systems have advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, they can rapidly extinguish flaming fires and serve as compensatory measures for non-compliant buildings. Their larger droplet size allows for better fire penetration, and they can be used in areas with air movement. The drawbacks include potential water damage and the need for a good water supply. However, the damage caused by water is significantly less than the damage caused by an uncontrolled fire. Additionally, reliable water sources in metropolitan areas like Phoenix isn’t an issue.

Only heat can activate a fire sprinkler, and defective sprinkler heads are very rare. In 20 years of experience, we have never encountered this issue.

No. Smoke detectors work and are installed independently.

No. Only the fire sprinklers located near the source of heat will activate.

This is a common misconception. While water is used to extinguish a fire, the main design of a fire sprinkler system is to control a fire in its early stages with the least amount of water. Additionally, it is essential to remember that the damage from a fire in a house without a fire sprinkler system will most likely result in total loss.