A cost comparison study of fire suppression systems for a hypothetical new build construction.

1. A COST COMPARISON
STUDY OF
FIRE
SUPPRESSION
SYSTEMS
LUBRIZOL ADVANCED MATERIALS INC.
01ST MARCH 2020
BLAZEMASTER CPVC
VS GENERIC STEEL

2. 1 Executive Summary
1.1 Overview
1.2 Approach to the study
1.3 Limitations of Analysis
2 Summary of Findings
2.1 Summary Cost Comparison
3 What is CPVC?
CONTENTS

3. 4 Commercial Comparison
4.1 Summary Cost Comparison
4.2 Commercial Review Detailed
4.2.1 Materials Cost Summary
4.2.2 Table – Material Value Summary Comparison
4.3 Labour / Installation Requirements
4.4 Labour Cost / Time Summary
4.4.1 Table – Labour Cost / Time Summary Comparison
4.5 Plant Cost
5 Conclusion
6 References

4. 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1.1 OVERVIEW
Lubrizol Advanced Materials have commissioned this study to compare the cost and programme
implications of using BlazeMaster CPVC fire suppression system as an alternative to traditional
steel systems in United Kingdom retrofit and new-build construction.
It is assumed for the purpose of this study that BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems offer
significant commercial benefit to both installer and investor without compromising on quality,
design-life or regulatory compliance.
The methodology outlined hereunder was followed to challenge the assumption by providing
a like-for-like cost and programme comparison between BlazeMaster CPVC and generic steel
systems. The study explores the primary cost drivers of each material solution whilst also
considering local influences and factors (eg. availability and cost of labour, impact of local
regulatory frameworks etc).

5. 1.2 APPROACH TO THE STUDY
The methodology outlined hereunder was followed to provide a like-for-like cost and programme
comparison between BlazeMaster CPVC fire suppression system and generic steel fire
suppression system:
• A multi-occupancy building of 11 storeys was used as a representative sample.
• The building housed 88 number one and two bedroom tenement units.
• The fire suppression systems are “designed-in” the build.
• Tendered unit rates for BlazeMaster CPVC and Steel were obtained from Contract
Bills of Quantities (BoQ) and used as a basis for pricing and comparison.
• UK Sprinklers Limited were engaged by Lubrizol to establish the productivity and
programme implications for steel which was derived from their previous project
experience and in-house benchmark data.
• A total cost was calculated which included the supply and installation of the sprinkler
systems as well as the potential cost implications for Main Contractor Time Related
Preliminaries if fire suppression works were on the critical path.

6. 1.3 LIMITATIONS OF ANALYSIS
This evaluation methodology has its limitations and does not take into consideration the
uniqueness of the construction project, which will impact the findings of this report and affect
the direct comparison between BlazeMaster CPVC and generic steel fire suppression system.
This may include but is not limited to the following:
• Location
• Number of crews deployed for fire suppression system installation
• Magnitude, shape, buildability and complexity of the building project
• Access constraints
• Supply chain capacity and availability of labour, plant and materials
• Skills of available labour
• Programming and critical path
• Structural design – Frame and floor cassettes

7. This study has been based on data and information specific to the United Kingdom (UK) which
was current at Q4 2019. Our analysis does not consider any future inflationary pressures, changes
in legislation, changes in manufacturing costs, regional price variances or the like which may have
an impact on the supply and installation of BlazeMaster CPVC or generic steel systems.
No specific consideration is given to the life cycle costs of each material component.
Our analysis does not consider the cost and / or the programme impact for associated trades for
example decoration, joinery, final fix electrical. This report provides a direct comparison against
BlazeMaster CPVC and generic steel as fire suppression only.

8. 2 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
The evaluation contained within the body of this report demonstrates that BlazeMaster CPVC
is considerably quicker and easier to install compared to generic steel. Time on site is heavily
reduced and workmanship errors largely eradicated.
BlazeMaster CPVC hence provides a more cost-effective alternative to traditional steel.
The magnitude of the potential saving is largely driven by a consolidation of shorter overall
installation duration and lower cost per linear metre of product. The reduced plant requirements for
installing BlazeMaster CPVC also contributes to a reduction in cost however this is less significant.
In summary, the BlazeMaster CPVC sprinkler solution offers a cost saving £37,400 or 25% less
than the equivalent generic steel system. Both systems fully comply to BS 9251: 2005; Sprinkler
systems for residential and domestic occupancies.

9. 150,000
0
15,000
75,000
BlazeMaster
CPVC
Steel
2,871.75
86,355.38
60,572.87
400.00
66,090.96
45.909.04
105,000
45,000
Plant (£)
Labour (£)
Product (£)
37,400.00
Difference (£)
-25.00%
Difference (%)
2.1 SUMMARY COST COMPARISON Reduction in product
costs of £14,663.83 or
24.3% (equivalent to a
reduction per tenement
unit of average £166.62
including public and
service areas).
•
•
Reduction in product
cost is a significant
contribution to total savings.
General product cost
of BlazeMaster CPVC
is cheaper however the
components of note
include; Rapid Seal (Tyco)
and Insta Seal (Viking).

10. Reduction in labour costs of £20,264.42 or 24.50% (equivalent to reduction in required installation
time of 325 man hours or 2.7 weeks assuming an installation team of 3 operatives).
• Reduction in labour costs is a primary driver.
• Reduction in labour cost due to reduction in installation times.
Solvent welding techniques contribute significant time savings.
Reduction in plant costs of £2,472.75 or 82.10%
• Reduction in plant cost associated with BlazeMaster CPVC installation techniques
(solvent welds removes the need for welding and pneumatic thread / grooving
machinery).
• Reduction in material handling equipment costs, due to reduced weight of the
BlazeMaster CPVC system over the traditional steel equivalent (no need for pipe
trolleys and winches / rigging equipment).
• Elimination of work face access equipment associated with traditional steel
pipework finishing e.g. surface priming and painting.

11. Does not require electricity
during installation process
Improved sustainability scores
(cradle to cradle recyclability)
Reduction of noise on site
Optimum hydraulic capability
allows reduced pipe diameter
Reduction of embodied carbon
during production cycle
Health and Safety benefits
associated to plant, lifting
and hot-works
Occupied buildings can be retrofitted
without the need to decant occupants
Furthermore, based upon the research conducted for this report, the following arise as additional
key project benefits by using BlazeMaster CPVC:

12. 3 WHAT IS CPVC?
Chlorinated PolyVinyl Chloride technology was pioneered by Lubrizol Corporation (the
manufacturers of BlazeMaster CPVC used in this study). BlazeMaster CPVC is reliable and offers
the user a series of perceived benefits when compared to the generic steel systems available.
BlazeMaster CPVC is widely regarded as a domestic and residential product. The quick and low
disruption installation makes BlazeMaster CPVC a cost-effective system that can be adopted for
both new-build and retrofit projects.
BlazeMaster CPVC is non-corrosive and is recognised as environmentally superior to the generic
steel alternatives.
Since 1984, BlazeMaster CPVC has continued to impact the fire suppression industry. Fully
accordance with BS 9251: 2014 the BlazeMaster CPVC is certified for use across all domestic and
residential hazard categories (in addition to selected commercial categories of NFPA 13 – National
Fire Protection Association), BlazeMaster CPVC systems are becoming the “go-to” fire sprinkler
system for specifiers and installers.

13. TABLE 1 CATEGORY OF SYSTEM
CATEGORY OF SYSTEM DESCRIPTION OF BUILDING / OCCUPANCY
Single family dwellings such as: A)
• Individual dwelling house
• Individual flat
• Individual maisonette
• Transportable home
Houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) A) B)
Bed and Breakfast accomodation A) B)
Boarding houses A) B)
Blocks of flats 18m or less in height and with
a maximum total floor area of 2,400m2 A) B)
Blocks of flats greater than 18m in height D)
Small residential care premises with ten residents or fewer
Sheltered and extra care housing D)
Residential care premises with more than ten residents
Dormitories (e.g. attached to educational establishments)
Hostels
A) If any of these buildings permanently house vulnerable people (see 3.31), this should be taken into account in determining the building category (see 4.5).
B) Buildings with more than two floors and five or more lettable bedrooms should be treated as Category 2.
C) Where the fire strategy requires the commnal rooms and corridors to be sprinkler protected, or where the total floor area is greater than 2,400 m2, then
the building should be treated as Category 2.
D) Where the fire strategy requires the communcal rooms and corridors to be sprinkler protected, then the building should be treated as Category 3.

14. 4 COMMERCIAL COMPARISON
A commercial cost comparison was carried out between the cost of BlazeMaster CPVC and
generic steel fire suppression systems based on standard UK construction practices. The main
commercial factors have been calculated on a first principles basis (i.e. build-up of labour, plant
& materials costs etc.), whilst reflecting the additional impacts of working in the United Kingdom
(i.e. local market rates, local installation norms etc.).

15. As can be seen from the
table & graph the cost of
the BlazeMaster CPVC
solution (and associated
supports & consumables)
are £37,400 or 25.00%
less expensive than the
steel equivalent.
4.1 SUMMARY COST COMPARISON
The following table provides the summary of the key cost drivers:
150,000
0
15,000
75,000
BlazeMaster
CPVC
Steel
2,871.75
86,355.38
60,572.87
400.00
66,090.96
45.909.04
105,000
45,000
Plant (£)
Labour (£)
Product (£)
37,400.00
Difference (£)
25.00%
Difference (%)

16. BLAZEMASTER CPVC IS
THE MOST COST EFFECTIVE
AND COMMERCIALLY
ADVANTAGEOUS SYSTEM
FOR THE SAMPLE NEW BUILD.

17. 4.2 COMMERCIAL REVIEW DETAILED
The following sections identify the detailed cost analysis associated with the key cost drivers of
each system (materials, labour and plant).
4.2.1 MATERIALS COST SUMMARY
Local market quotations were acquired for both the BlazeMaster CPVC and steel pipework &
fittings. These material prices were combined with the respective material take offs as provided
by UK Sprinklers Limited. The costs for supports and miscellaneous consumables associated with
required installation procedures for each of the respective solutions are included.
The following table provides a summary of the respective direct material costs for each solution:

18. As can be seen from the
table the direct materials
cost ofd the BlazeMaster
CPVC solution (and
associated supports and
consumables) are
£14,663.83 or 24.30% less
expensive than the steel
equivalent.
4.2.2 MATERIALS VALUE
SUMMARY COMPARISON
0
15,000
75,000
BlazeMaster
CPVC
Steel
60,572.87
45.909.04
45,000
DIRECT MATERIALS COST (£)
34,663.83
Difference (£)
24.30%
Difference (%)

19. 4.3 LABOUR / INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
For the purpose of this comparison study the labour rates have been calculated from the basis of
local market practices/productivity rates.
The blended labour rates have been based upon typical installation crew costs (including site
supervision, skilled, semi-skilled, and non-skilled staff) divided by the productive ratio for the trade
concerned. The rate is inclusive of an allowance for general builder’s works required to complete
the install and for supervision staff that are not covered by any prelims.

20. REDUCED MATERIAL COSTS
ARE A PRIMARY DRIVER
CONTRIBUTING A SAVING
OF £14,663

21. 4.4 LABOUR COST / TIME SUMMARY
Labour rates / time allowances have been combined with the respective take-offs as provided
by UK Sprinklers Limited.
The following table provides a summary of the respective direct labour installation costs and
time for each solution:
4.4.1 LABOUR COST / TIME SUMMARY COMPARISON
0
15,000
75,000
BlazeMaster
CPVC
Steel
86,355.38
66,090.96
105,000
45,000
Labour (£)
20,264.42
Difference (£)
24.50%
Difference (%)

22. As can be seen from the
table the labour installation
cost of the BlazeMaster
CPVC solution (and
associated supports) is
£20,264.42 or 24.50% less
expensive than the steel
equivalent and requires
580 or 33.7% less
man-hours to install.
Labour (Man Hrs)
0
BlazeMaster
CPVC
1140
2000
1000
Steel
1720
580.00
Difference (£)
32%
Difference (%)

23. REDUCED LABOUR COSTS
ARE A PRIMARY DRIVER
CONTRIBUTING A SAVING
OF £20,265

24. 4.5 PLANT COST
UK Sprinklers Limited has prepared plant cost allowances based on the requirements of the
associated installation practices for each solution and the requirements of installation crews.
These rates have been combined with the respective man-hour estimates from the above section
to calculate the required durations the items of plant are required for the installation procedures
of the respective material solutions, associated supports and other miscellaneous works (e.g.
painting).
The following table provides a summary of the respective direct plant costs and time for each
solution:

25. As can be seen from the
above table the associated
plant cost of the BlazeMaster
CPVC solution (and associated
supports) is £2,747.75
or 86.10% less expensive
than the steel equivalent.
Plant Cost (£)
0
BlazeMaster
CPVC
Steel
400
3,000
1,500
2871.75
2,474.75
Difference (£)
-86.10%
Difference (%)

26. REDUCED MATERIAL COSTS
ARE A PRIMARY DRIVER
CONTRIBUTING A SAVING
OF £14,663
BLAZEMASTER CPVC IS
PROVEN TO BE £37,400.00
CHEAPER THAN THE GENERIC
STEEL ALTERNATIVE.

27. 5. CONCLUSION
BlazeMaster CPVC fire suppression systems are understandably growing in popularity in the
UK. As the market is heavily weighted in favour of retrofit, the installation benefits of BlazeMaster
CPVC become a principle driver when specifying a system.
However, the findings of this report conclude that BlazeMaster CPVC also commercially
out-performs generic steel systems in new-build project environments. Delivering overall cost
savings in excess of 25%, BlazeMaster CPVC offers comparable quality, life expectancy and
performance to generic steel at a significantly lower price.
It is assumed that the percentage of commercial gain would increase proportionately on larger
schemes.
The following details the key drivers behind the commercial, technical and other associated
benefits for the use of BlazeMaster CPVC systems:

28. COMMERCIAL
• Reduced labour cost associated with the quicker installation time.
• Reduced product cost due to the cheaper manufacturing and
distribution costs and subsequently cheaper retail costs of
BlazeMaster CPVC.
• Reduction in consumables costs associated with BlazeMaster CPVC
“solvent-weld” jointing systems and innovations such as Rapid-Seal
and Insta Seal.
• Reduced plant and material handling costs.

29. OTHERS
• Reduced labour numbers required on site due to the reduced
complexity and time required.
• Health and safety benefits as there is less lifting and no
requirement for a hot works permit.
• Reduced pipework sizes due to the hydraulic performance or
“C” factor of the BlazeMaster CPVC system, this results in
savings from ancillary items such as values, plants and system
flushing / cleaning.

30. REFERENCES
The Building Regulations, 2000
Approved Document B, Fire Safety, volume 2, Buildings other than dwelling houses,
Department of Communities and Local Government, 2006
Fire Safety Rick Assessment
Sleeping Accommodation, Department for Communities and Local Government, 2006.
BS 9251
2014, Sprinkler systems for residential and domestic occupancies. Code of Practice BSI.
BS 9999
2008, Code of Practice for fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings, BSI
BS EN 12845
2009, Fixed Firefighting systems, Automatic sprinkler systems. Design, installation and
maintenance, BSI
Technical Guidance Note No 1
The design and installation of residential and domestic sprinkler systems. 3rd Edition,
BAFSA, 2012
Safer High-rise Living
The Callow Mount Sprinkler Retrofit Project, BAFSA 2014

31. Chaussée de Wavre, 1945
B-1160 Belgium
Email: BlazeMaster.emena@lubrizol.com
Phone: +4407710372281 (Will Robinson)
www.BlazeMaster.com
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TRUSTED FOR LIFE