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Last Updated: Jul 2nd, 2008 - 21:15:22 |
(NewsUSA) - Popular myth suggests that constructing buildings with maximized protection against fire is an expensive task to undertake. But experts at the National Concrete Masonry Association say that maximum fire protection can be both affordable and simple, as long as it involves a concept of balanced design.
According to Harry Junk, residential markets manager at the NCMA, balanced design requires three components: detection, suppression and containment.
Detection is provided by an alarm system that senses smoke and alerts occupants; suppression is provided by a sprinkler system that serves to extinguish flames; and, finally, containment is provided by concrete masonry wall systems that prevent fire from spreading to adjoining rooms or buildings.
Taking any of these components out of the mix leaves occupants of a building at significant risk, Junk says.
According to Junk, many home builders feel that using concrete masonry is often cost-prohibitive, but results from a recent study conducted by the Fire Safety Construction Advisory Councils of Pennsylvania, New England, New York and Mid Atlantic demonstrate that this is often not the case. The study revealed that, in many cases, the difference in cost between concrete masonry construction and using combustible materials was between 3 percent and 5 percent, and in one instance the cost for noncombustible concrete masonry construction was actually less.
Balanced design for maximum fire safety is especially important in structures where large numbers of people share walls, such as town houses, dormitories and assisted-living facilities.
Fire safety information and report summaries are available through the Fire Safety Construction Advisory Council by calling 866-723-3623 or visiting www.firesafeconstruction.org.
For additional information about concrete masonry, visit the NCMA's Web site at www.ncma.org.
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