New building codes to require fire sprinkler systems in homes. Which
material will you choose?
All newly constructed one- and two-family homes will soon
have to include automatic fire sprinkler systems, according to a recent ruling
by the International Code Council, which develops model building codes and
standards in the U.S. The “burning” question for builders and buyers of those
homes, beginning in January 2011, is whether they would rather be protected by
plastic, steel or copper - the three principal piping materials used in today’s
sprinkler systems. All are approved for use in both commercial and residential
structures.
Threaded steel pipe was for many years
preferred for sprinkler systems in commercial facilities. Steel pipe is
inexpensive and easy to install in open, accessible areas, and where its bulky,
rough-looking appearance is not objectionable to occupants.
But appearance matters to homeowners,
and rigid steel pipe is hard to work with in confined spaces and especially
difficult to accommodate in design-conscious residential interiors. Another
drawback is that in “wet” (water-filled) fire sprinkler systems, rusted or
discolored discharge water from steel pipe can multiply the damage caused by
fire.
When copper tubing was introduced around
1930, it captured a major share of the fire sprinkler market. Unlike steel,
lightweight copper tubing can be formed to match difficult structures such as
archways, is easily and quickly cut to length, and copper joints don’t require
labor-intensive threading. Instead, soldered or brazed joints can be made on
the spot using equally lightweight copper fittings. Copper tube also offers a
slimmer profile, which is easier to hide and install, and discharge water from
copper systems is typically free of rust or sediment.
Copper-tube fire sprinklers are
frequently specified to protect irreplaceable buildings and collections. This
includes the Library of Congress, Pennsylvania’s State Capitol, Independence
Hall in Philadelphia, and other structures where aesthetics of the exposed
system and potential water damage to priceless interiors and documents are
prime concerns.
While copper systems may have a higher
initial materials cost, this is offset by the significant advantages copper
offers, including lower maintenance and long-term performance. In addition,
copper’s high recycled content and limitless recyclability support green
construction practices, according toAndy Kireta Jr., vice
president of building and construction forCDA.
In recent years, two types of plastic
pipe and fittings have been approved for fire sprinkler systems: rigid CPVC and
flexible PEX. Their advantages are ease of installation (CPVC joints are glued
together; PEX uses compression fittings), and relatively lower materials cost.
Because many home buyers face budget constraints, the ICC ruling mandating
residential sprinklers would seem to favor plastic systems.
However, homeowners may be concerned
about entrusting their families’ safety to all-plastic fire suppression systems
that are inherently vulnerable to fire. Unlike steel and copper tubing, which
easily withstand extreme temperatures, plastic quickly loses strength when exposed
to even moderate heat. In a fire, plastic can melt, and many plastics release
toxic fumes when exposed to flame. Plastic pipe also has far lower pressure
ratings, flow rates and burst strength compared to the same size copper
tube.
Although it is far from certain that the
regulation requiring fire sprinkler systems in homes will ever actually go into
effect - opponents like the National Association of Home Builders and homeowner
groups have two years to contest the ruling - proponents argue that sprinkler systems
save lives and are worth any additional cost.