Insulate Fire Sprinkler Pipes In The Attic

When sprinkler pipe is run in an attic certain precautions must be taken.

Insulate fire sprinkler pipes in the attic.

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. 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. Pipe run horizontally should be covered by two layers of insulation. When foam cannot be used other insulative material takes its place.

In attics piping should be as close to the ceiling as possible with insulation placed over the sprinkler pipe. 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. 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. Necessary to run pipe in the attic.

On the other hand a dry pipe system uses pressurized air or nitrogen gas to keep the pipes clear of water until a sprinkler head activates at. Most sprinklers are wet pipe systems meaning they contain water at all times. Insulation shall follow the guidelines of the insulation manufacturer. A 8 16 4 1 6 wet pipe systems covered by 8 16 4 1 6 have water filled pipes up to the sprinklers.

This will make the job of insulating the pipe much easier. If you can safely inspect your sprinkler pipes in the attic and you can see exposed. 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. If your fire sprinkler pipes are exposed to cold exterior temperatures they are more likely to freeze.