Base Fire Sprinklers are specialists in fire sprinkler systems for new build homes.
Base Fire Sprinklers are a leading provider of fire sprinkler systems for new homes.
Our team of experts works closely with new home builders, developers, and independent builders to provide comprehensive fire protection services for new build construction projects.
Whether you're building a single dwelling or a number of houses we have the experience and expertise to ensure that your fire sprinkler systems meet all the latest regulations for your project.
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Our goal is to work closely with you, ensuring that our fire sprinkler systems are seamlessly integrated into your construction project, delivering the peace of mind you need to focus on building your dream homes.
Let us help you bring your residential housing project to life with our reliable and efficient fire protection services.
I would like to compliment the engineers that we have met on site who have completed the servicing and repair works on the systems....I cannot find one area where I would be unhappy with the service we have received.
Jack Newell, Weaver Vale Housing Trust
New Build Sprinkler Systems
All new residential properties and new-build estates can benefit from the installation of fire sprinkler systems. In some parts of the UK, this is a legal requirement, while in others it is an excellent way to protect the future occupants of the property.
Whether you are self-building your dream home, building a single house to sell or rent, or working on a new development of detached or semi-detached houses, terraced properties or apartments, we would urge you to consider installing sprinklers as an automatic first line of defence against any outbreak of fire.
The precise legislation that applies to your development will depend on where it is located in the UK, the type of development (e.g. owner-occupied or landlord rented, plus specific arrangements like social housing and sheltered accommodation) and in some cases, the size or height of the property.
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As a new home builder, including a fire sprinkler system in your properties can be a unique selling point for prospective buyers. A developer that demonstrates a commitment to the highest standards of safety is likely to gain the trust and satisfaction of their clients. A sprinkler system is a priceless feature that adds immeasurable value to the home and could potentially reduce insurance costs for the owner too. Fire sprinkler systems in new build homes are a premium feature at the moment, but are likely to be a requirement in the near future.
Base Fire Sprinklers can help you stay ahead of the curve, and distinguish yourselves from the competition by building in this added layer of protection, value and peace of mind to all your new homes now.
Contact a member of our friendly team for assistance with design and installation today.
Do new homes need sprinklers by law?
The rules on sprinklers in new homes depend on your location. Always seek legal advice if you're not sure of the legislation that applies to you. We have summarised some of the main legislation on UK sprinkler systems below.
Sprinklers Legislation in Wales
Wales has some of the strictest legislation on sprinkler systems in new-build properties. All new homes and converted residential properties should have automated water suppression systems (AWSS) installed.
If modifying an existing property e.g. by extension, loft conversion or installing new interior walls, you should assess the coverage of the AWSS and, if necessary, install additional sprinkler heads to maintain the same level of fire protection throughout the property.
An exemption exists for attached garages, providing the wall between the garage and the rest of the property meets certain fire resistance characteristics. However, it may still be sensible to install fire sprinklers in garages, especially if you plan to convert the garage into an additional bedroom or other habitable space in the future.
Sprinklers Legislation in Scotland
Scottish Building Standards require an automatic fire suppression system (i.e. sprinklers) to be installed in a variety of domestic properties, including sheltered housing and residential care homes, social housing, shared multiple-occupancy residences and "a building containing a flat or maisonette".
The Scottish sprinklers legislation does not impose a height threshold for blocks of flats; regardless of the height of the building, "in buildings containing flats and maisonettes, every flat and maisonette and any ancillary room should be provided with an automatic fire suppression system".
Like in Wales, the sprinklers legislation in Scotland also applies to converted properties, which should meet the same standards as if they were new-build.
Sprinklers Legislation in England
England sprinkler legislation is more relaxed, even in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. For high-rise residential buildings, Approved Document B of the Building Regulations now requires sprinklers to be installed in towers over 11m in height, a reduction from 18m in previous years.
There are also guidelines for 'dwellinghouses' with at least two storeys more than 4.5m above ground level. In these, the upper storeys should have access to at least two stairways, or one fire-protected stairway and a sprinkler system.
Sprinklers legislation in England is likely to become stricter in the coming years, and it may be sensible to equip current new properties with sprinkler systems that go beyond the bare minimum required by the legislation.
BAFSA, the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association, says: "The guidance issued to interpret the Building Regulations now recognises the use of sprinklers for life safety and it is clear that future legislation will call for the increased use of sprinklers."
What triggers fire sprinklers?
Fire sprinklers are triggered by an increase in the air temperature in their vicinity. False alarms are very rare and your sprinklers will not, for example, be triggered if you burn the toast.
Generally speaking, an air temperature of 57-68 Celsius is needed before sprinklers will activate. That means small amounts of steam or smoke from cooking, and even the hottest of summer days, should not get close to triggering your sprinklers.
Overall, fire sprinkler systems activate correctly 94% of the time and, when they do, they are 99% effective at controlling fires. These are very high reliability statistics and highlight why sprinkler systems provide significant peace of mind for homeowners and tenants.
Maintaining domestic sprinkler systems
Domestic sprinkler system maintenance is not expensive. In most cases, an annual check-up by a qualified individual is enough to verify that the sprinkler system is in good working order for the next 12 months.
Some parts of the system that a qualified installer may check as part of your annual sprinkler service include:
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The water pump (on tank-fed sprinkler systems)
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Visual check for signs of leaks
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Visual inspection of sprinkler heads
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Check functionality of fire sprinkler alarm
At the end of the annual sprinkler service, you should get the appropriate paperwork to show that your system has been inspected by a competent person, which you should store in a safe place as you may need it if making an insurance claim in the next 12 months.
Base Fire Sprinklers offer annual services and repairs to domestic and commercial customers alike, with the option of ongoing maintenance contracts. Find out more about annual sprinkler services by qualified engineers.
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How to keep my sprinklers working?
Between annual inspections, there are some simple measures you can take to keep your sprinkler system in good working order:
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Get your sprinkler system maintained at least annually
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Don't paint over concealed sprinkler heads/plates
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Don't turn off the sprinkler water supply stop valve
You should also avoid blocking or cluttering your sprinkler heads e.g. by hanging Christmas decorations too close to them on the ceiling.
Make sure you keep your sprinklers in mind when making changes to the layout of your rooms. Don't put tall furniture (e.g. bookcases and wardrobes) in a position that will block the coverage of your sprinkler heads.
Get in touch
If you're planning a residential property development, either as a self-builder, a construction company or converting an existing dwelling, contact Base Fire Sprinklers today to arrange the installation and/or maintenance of a domestic sprinkler system that complies with the current legislation in your part of the UK.
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We are proud to have provided exceptional service and support to clients in Stockport, Manchester, Warrington, Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield and beyond. Our team's extensive industry experience and commitment to safety have earned us a reputation as a reliable and trustworthy partner for all new build property fire sprinkler needs.
Whether you are a residential property developer, a care home provider, a facilities management company, or a homeowner, our systems are designed and installed to BS9251:2021 standards using only approved materials and fully qualified installation engineers.