Avid A Vision In Design

By Scott Lee McElyea

The International Code Council passed a new fire sprinkler mandate this September in an overwhelming vote of 1,283 in favor of the mandate compared to 470 against. The new fire sprinkler mandate will require all one and two family homes built on or after January 1, 2011 to include a home fire sprinkler system. This new code is accompanied by many mixed feelings and opinions.

Supporters of home sprinkler systems stress that in the event of a house fire, these sprinklers will allow people more time to evacuate their homes during a fire by preventing flashover. Flashover occurs when the temperature in a room reaches a point where all combustible materials burst into flames. They also point out that many homes and the property within them will be saved.

Those against the mandates question the sprinkler systems themselves. At an additional cost, averaging about $1.50 per square foot, it would cost about $3,750 to install a sprinkler system in a 2,500 square foot home. Also, many home builders are concerned as to whether or not the homeowner would perform the necessary maintenance and testing the sprinkler system requires to ensure proper operation. Another concern is the possible damage that could occur if the system were faulty or was triggered accidentally.

Even with mixed opinions, residential fire sprinklers will become mandatory in 2011. Learn more about how fire sprinklers operate by visiting www.homefiresprinkler.org . This is a website produced by the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, a non-profit organization to educate the public about home fire sprinklers or call AVID Home Studios at 1-888-280- AVID (2843).

About Scott Lee McElyea

Scott Lee McElyea is a Senior Designer and Autodesk Specialist for AVID Home Studios. His favorite style of house plans would be either Craftsman, or Arts and Crafts. Both styles lead themselves easily to smaller, efficient design without losing details. Scott can be reached at 1-888-280-AVID or scottmcelyea @ avid home studios.com

Tags: international code council

This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 28th, 2008 at 10:30 am and is filed under Building Code.
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