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With wildfire seasons getting longer and more intense, it is more important than ever to ensure that communities, job sites, and other structures are as protected as possible when the threat of fire is looming. Rooftop sprinkler systems for fire prevention are an indispensable tool when it comes to wildfire defense. Rooftop sprinklers help keep structures wet and less likely to ignite, which means that installing a rooftop sprinkler could mean the difference between losing your home completely and coming back after an evacuation to find nothing damaged.
How do Rooftop Sprinkler Systems for Fire Prevention Work?
Rooftop sprinklers are a part of a wildfire protection strategy known as “ember defense.” During a wildfire, embers can be carried by the wind over long distances, potentially landing on rooftops and other vulnerable areas. These embers can ignite structures and other flammable materials, leading to the spread of fire. Rooftop sprinkler systems are designed to address this specific threat by providing a continuous moisture barrier.
Here is how rooftop sprinklers help protect structures from the threat of wildfire:
The primary purpose of rooftop sprinklers is to create a wet zone on the roof of a structure that prevents embers from igniting any flammable material. Embers can be small, fiery particles carried by wind that can easily find their way into nooks and crannies around a building. The continuous spray of water from the sprinklers helps to extinguish these embers as they hit the structure.
The water from the sprinklers wets the roof surface, making it less susceptible to ignition. This is particularly important because many roofs are made of flammable materials such as wood or asphalt shingles. By keeping the roof damp, the sprinklers reduce the likelihood of embers finding dry, combustible materials to ignite.
Rooftop sprinkler systems are often part of a broader strategy to create a defensible perimeter around a structure. This involves clearing away flammable vegetation, creating firebreaks, and employing various fire-resistant landscaping techniques. The combination of these measures with a rooftop sprinkler system helps reduce the overall risk of a wildfire reaching and impacting the structure.
Some rooftop sprinkler systems are designed to operate continuously during a wildfire threat, even when the structure has been left alone. This continuous operation ensures that the roof remains wet even if embers are continuously falling. It provides a proactive defense mechanism rather than relying on intermittent manual activation.
Rooftop sprinkler systems can also enhance the ability of firefighters to access and defend a structure. Wet roofs are safer for firefighters to navigate, and the reduced risk of ember ignition makes it easier for them to focus on other aspects of fire suppression and structure protection.
Rooftop Sprinkler System for Fire Prevention
SPIEDR is proud to provide rooftop sprinkler systems designed to help protect homes, job sites, and other structures from wildfire activity. We carry a variety of sprinklers and sprinkler kits, including the RAINMAKER sprinkler.
The RAINMAKER sprinkler can be utilized either seasonally or installed permanently on rooftops. It is adaptable for placement along the perimeter of a camp or site facility to dampen fuels in the event of a wildland fire threat. This sprinkler system is fully customizable to accommodate any roof pitch or surface, with the capability to raise up to 6 feet in height to prevent water entry into HVAC systems. The RAINMAKER sprinkler features a continuous 360-degree rotation, offering coverage ranging from 240 to 620 feet in diameter, depending on the specified sprinkler head.
To combat high winds from an active head fire, the sprinkler nozzle is adjustable to various angles for discharge. Additionally, the nozzle produces a diffusion pattern optimized for atomizing water droplets, ensuring even coverage of areas within the sprinkler’s reach.
Enhancing site safety and preparing for the potential threat of wildfire is crucial for operational productivity. The installation of a RAINMAKER sprinkler system, whether permanent or seasonal, establishes a robust fire protection defense mechanism against the destructive forces of wildfires, contributing to the overall safety of everyone on site.
Rainmaker
Designed for Oil and Gas Industry to protect key infrastructure such as Operations Buildings during wildland fire events.
It is important to note that, while rooftop sprinklers can be effective, they are just one component of a comprehensive wildfire protection plan. Combining multiple strategies, including creating defensible space, using fire-resistant materials, and following local building codes and regulations, enhances the overall resilience of structures against wildfires. Additionally, the effectiveness of rooftop sprinklers can depend on factors such as water availability, system design, and maintenance. SPIEDR contributes to the safety of communities by providing fire fighting equipment rentals, wildland fire suppression training, and consulting services.
