Fire Retrofits
Ottawa Fire Safety has relieved hundreds of clients of the Fire Orders put on their buildings in Ottawa and Ontario by bringing them up to Fire Code.
Firecode retrofitting is the process of upgrading and modifying existing buildings to meet the latest fire safety regulations and code compliance standards. As fire safety codes evolve, buildings that were originally constructed under older regulations may not meet the current standards, which can pose risks in the event of a fire emergency.
Experience with all types of buildings
Over the span of 30+ years, we have alleviated fire orders on our clients older buildings located all around Ottawa and Ontario. We have encountered every problem and have resolved all of them.
The Fire Department is very familiar with us.
Elements of Fire Code Retrofits
Upgrading Fire Separations
Fire separations such as fire-rated walls, floors, and ceilings—are key to ensuring fire compartmentalization, allowing a fire to be contained in one area long enough to ensure the safety of building occupants and provide time for emergency response teams.
NOT Fire Rated
Fire Rated
Upgrading Structural Components Fire Rating
Structural columns and beams bear the weight of the building, and if they fail due to fire exposure, it can cause the building to collapse.
Fire-rated columns and beams maintain their load-bearing capacity during a fire.
Closing openings that are deemed unsafe
Certain openings can also present significant safety risks, particularly if they are improperly sealed or if their location or construction does not comply with current fire and safety regulations.
Common Types of Unsafe Openings
-
Fire-rated Door Gaps:
-
Damaged or Non-compliant Windows
-
Unprotected Ductwork and Vents
-
Unsealed Penetrations in Fire-Rated Walls
-
Vents in Critical Areas
Providing Fire Rated Closures
Fire-rated closures prevent the spread of fire and smoke throughout a building. By compartmentalizing the structure, they limit the area that can be affected, providing crucial time for evacuation and emergency response.
Venetian Fire Shutters
Venetian style fire rated closures are equipped with fire-resistant slats and an automatic closing mechanism that deploys in the event of a fire.
Roller Fire Shutters
Roller Steel Closures are typically installed in larger openings such as patio doors, windows, loading bays, or passageways.
Fire Rated Windows
specialized types of windows designed to withstand the extreme temperatures of a fire for a specified period
Ottawa Fire Safety has proudly provided and installed all three (3) closures for over 4 decades.
Upgrading Fire Alarm Systems
Retrofitting the fire alarm system can involve updating or installing:
-
smoke detectors,
-
heat detectors,
-
manual call points,
-
alarm signals, and
-
integrating the system with modern building management systems or emergency communication systems.