Fire Sprinkler Design Estimating

What is fire sprinkler design estimating and what things should you look for when choosing an estimator? If you want to install new or improve your home or office’s fire security system, you should start by installing a fire sprinkler system. A functional and high-quality fire sprinkler system offers 24-hour protection against fires and prevents property damage.

Fire sprinkler systems come with numerous benefits. To reduce damage and loss of life, you need to make sure that the fire sprinkler system design is functional and placed strategically. Perhaps, you want to install a fire sprinkler system in your home but the installation cost is preventing you from making a decision. According to National Fire Protection Association, the estimated average cost of a fire sprinkler system is $1.35 per square foot.

Fire Sprinkler Design Estimating Services NY

(Source)

Factors Affecting Fire Sprinkler Design Estimate

Now that you know the average cost of a fire sprinkler system, it is essential to estimate the complete cost of the design. But, before that, you need to understand which factors influence a fire sprinkler design estimate. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Building Type

New Construction

The initial construction phase is the best time to install the fire sprinklers. During this condition, the estimation falls between $1 and $2 per square foot. The estimated cost includes installation and equipment expenses.

Retrofits

Installing sprinklers in an existing building increases the cost to an estimate of $2 to $7 per square foot. The cost of a retrofitted high-rise would be $2 to $4 per square foot.

Historic Building

Installing a sprinkler system in a historic place can be costly. Because of the strict design standards, sprinklers will cost you more than $10 per square foot.

Pipe Material

Plastic

Plastic is the most affordable material for sprinkler systems. If you want to keep the fire sprinklers design estimate at a minimum, you should install plastic pipes.

Metal

Attics, garages, and unfinished basements require expensive metal piping. For instance, copper is one of the most expensive materials for a fire sprinkler system.

2. System Features

Water Storage Tank and Booster Pump

Many sprinklered businesses and properties use municipal water supply. However, if you use any other water source, you must use a booster and tank pump to build pressure. Installing a booster pump will increase the average cost of fire sprinkler installation by 22%

Backflow Preventer

A backflow preventer device prevents contamination in the municipal water supply. Many jurisdictions don’t require this sprinkler system. But, if your system contains an antifreeze solution, you need a backflow preventer. If you have a typical residential fire sprinkler, the backflow preventer will cost up to $750 to $350. For larger commercial systems, you can expect the cost to go higher.

3. Piping Design

Standalone

Standalone systems are common in New York City. These systems come with pipes that supply water to sprinkler heads.

Multipurpose

This type of sprinkler system helps with a sprinkler water supply. Installing this type of piping system will cost less.

4. Levels in Building

While installing the fire sprinkler system, you need to determine the facility’s hazard levels. By determining the level, you can identify the type of fire sprinkler you need. Here are five major categories of hazard levels:

Extra hazard group 1
Extra hazard group 2
Ordinary hazard group 1
Ordinary hazard group 2
Light hazard

To determine the hazard level, you need to consider various factors, such as construction material, number of people, and amount of materials stored in the building. Furthermore, you can determine things such as the number of floors and rooms, ease of egress, and ceiling heights.

Fire Sprinkler Design Estimating Information NYC

(Source)

5. Design Area and Density

After identifying the building’s hazard level, you need to figure out the design area. This is where fire can possibly break out and cause the most damage. Determine the risk on this level and apply the same level to the entire building. Now determine the amount of water required in the design area to put out the fire. Use this information to find a suitable sprinkler head. While purchasing, check the amount of pressure it can handle.

6. Type of Fire Sprinklers

It is highly important to choose a fire sprinkle design that delivers a sufficient amount of water. Remember: the goal is to extinguish the fire. Now, as you know the hazard level and area of the building, you can expect how big of a fire can attack it and how much water you’ll need to put it out. At F2M Fire and Drafting Inc., we offer one of the best fire sprinkler design estimators that carefully estimate the amount. This estimator takes into account the initial water pressure as well as momentum, friction, and elevation changes.