Insulate Fire Sprinkler Pipes In The Attic

Sprinkler system installers use a special foam insulation to wrap pipes when the pipes may be subject to freezing temperatures.

Insulate fire sprinkler pipes in the attic.

A 8 16 4 1 6 wet pipe systems covered by 8 16 4 1 6 have water filled pipes up to the sprinklers. Necessary to run pipe in the attic. Most sprinklers are wet pipe systems meaning they contain water at all times. A wet pipe system shall be permitted to be installed in unheated attic spaces in areas subject to freezing where sprinkler piping is completely covered with insulation.

Back to back v bb single directional v sd and attic upright models available in 5 6 and 8 0 k factors to protect various roof pitches. Insulation shall follow the guidelines of the insulation manufacturer. If your fire sprinkler pipes are exposed to cold exterior temperatures they are more likely to freeze. In attics piping should be as close to the ceiling as possible with insulation placed over the sprinkler pipe.

As much as possible the sprinkler contractor should try to run pipe in a single stud or joist space. Insulate unconditioned areas where sprinkler pipes travel to keep the space as warm as possible during freezing weather. If you can safely inspect your sprinkler pipes in the attic and you can see exposed. Compared to standard spray sprinklers viking s new attic sprinkler system requires fewer sprinklers and branch lines to protect most attic spaces providing significant material and labor savings.

When sprinkler pipe is run in an attic certain precautions must be taken. With no flow through the sprinkler piping under normal conditions insulating the piping in this manner can lead to freezing and subsequent water discharge from ruptured piping. When foam cannot be used other insulative material takes its place. All too often insulators accustomed to dealing with plumbing and heating systems wrap the sprinkler piping in insulation insulating it from the warm building envelope as well as the attic cold.