Defending Rooftops: The Sprinkler Apex Mount Advantage
In an era where wildfires are becoming increasingly frequent and intense, safeguarding properties in fire-prone areas demands innovative solutions. A standout in this field is the Sprinkler Apex Mount, which is the essential element of the Valkyrie, Skadi, and Odin wildfire structure protection kits developed by B&T Wildfire Technologies Inc. Our Sprinkler Apex Mounts are specifically designed to sit atop the apex of a structure's roof, creating a protective humidity bubble around the structure. This key feature mitigates the risk of embers from wildfires igniting the roof, a common initial point of contact for fires to invade and destroy homes and businesses.
A significant challenge in wildfire defense is the ability of burning embers to travel considerable distances through the air, landing on and igniting the roofs of structures. In fast moving and destructive wildfires like that seen in Alberta, British Columbia and the Northwest Territories in the summer of 2023, it was not uncommon for embers the size of large branches to be uplifted by convective currents generated by wildfires and move kilometres in advance of the flame front, landing and starting new spot fires.
This mode of fire spread is particularly dangerous for buildings with wooden shingled or asphalt shingled roofs, which are far more susceptible to ignition compared to metal or clay tiles. The Sprinkler Apex Mount system directly combats this vulnerability by wetting the roof and generating a surrounding humidity bubble that lowers the chance of embers setting the roofing materials alight, in addition to other combustible materials on and surrounding the structure.
The principle behind the Sprinkler Apex Mount system is straightforward yet effective. By placing the sprinkler at the roof's highest point, it ensures a comprehensive distribution of water, enveloping the roof's surface and the adjacent air with moisture. This creates a microclimate that is inhospitable to fire ignition. The humidity bubble acts as a protective barrier, thwarting embers from finding dry, flammable materials to ignite.
Traditional methods of fire prevention, such as clearing vegetation and employing fire-resistant building materials, while still essential, may not be sufficient on their own. The Roof Apex Mount system complements these measures by addressing the airborne threat of embers, which can easily bypass ground-based defenses.
Understanding the importance of such a system is critical, especially in light of the common misconception regarding how wildfires typically ignite structures. Many homeowners assume that the direct flame front of a wildfire is what sets structures ablaze. In reality, ember ignition on roofs, well in advance of the flame front, is a common initiator of structure loss. B&T Wildfire’s management team witnessed this first hand in their time working in wildland firefighting. This underscores the significance of the Sprinkler Apex Mount system, which addresses the airborne threat of embers, a factor that ground or gutter based fire prevention strategies often overlook.
Moreover, the Sprinkler Apex Mounts in our structure protection kits are designed for quick deployment. Using our arborist rope and custom-made throw bags, a homeowner can install the system without travelling onto the roof. No nails, no ladders. Quick deployment can mean the difference between preservation and devastation.
The Sprinkler Apex Mount also works with the roof's slope to shed water effectively, lowering the risk of water accumulation. Unlike ground-based systems that can lead to moisture issues by spraying water onto the sides of a structure, the Sprinkler Apex Mount causes water from the sprinkler to flow off as it would during rainfall, offering fire protection while minimizing water damage risks. This is particularly important given the potential for evacuations of properties after structure protection system deployment.
In summary, the Sprinkler Apex Mount designed by B&T Wildfire Technologies Inc. represents a significant advancement in the fight against wildfires. By specifically targeting the challenge of ember-induced roof ignitions, it offers a focused solution that enhances the resilience of structures against wildfires. This technology is particularly beneficial for buildings with high-risk roofing materials, making it a prudent investment in wildfire-vulnerable areas of Alberta, British Columbia, and elsewhere. As we continue to face the challenges posed by the increasing prevalence of wildfires, innovations like the Sprinkler Apex Mount is a tool that puts the power of structure protection back into the hands of homeowners.