Comments on: Home Fire Loss – Jungels Family – Case Study

By: Rick

Rick — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:32:57 +0000

First…please note that there is a difference between manufactured and modular construction; they are not interchangeable! Modular construction is built to the same codes as onsite construction,including the fire code requirements of a rated wall system and door between garage and living space. If this was not completed, it is typically because it was not done when the garage was added on to the home at a later time by the homeowner or another contractor and/or the job was not inspected properly by local building officials. Most manufacturers of modular houses are regulated by the States for which they build with 3rd party agencies both reviewing and inspecting the design and actual structures for shipment to the job site. It is the local builder and inspectors who are responsible for compliance to codes after it is set on the foundation. The new IRC code (2009) requires sprinklers for residential structures but keep in mind that it is yet another cost that will eliminate a sector of the population who can qualify for financing to buy a home. And yes, the rural issue does have an effect on price and performance of a system but they are available. I also have not worked with a modular manufacturer yet (East Coast) who would not arrange for or pre-install a portion of a fire protection system as long as the customer is willing to pay!

By: Todd

Todd — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 20:12:21 +0000

Another thing to consider is to have the well/water supply on a separate electrical service, after the meter, to eliminate loss of power due to damage of the house system.

By: Residential Fire Sprinklers .com

Residential Fire Sprinklers .com — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:09:07 +0000

Heather, according to the USFA, many manufactured home suppliers offer fire sprinklers as an option, but we don’t have any specific details on which companies at this time. The following link is the fact sheet from USFA on Fire Sprinklers for Manufactured Homes. In this particular case study example, the Jungels’ had to have a fire sprinkler contractor install the fire sprinkler system during the modular home installation. See Installing Residential Fire Sprinklers – Jungels Family – Case Study.

By: Heather

Heather — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 04:32:47 +0000

I’m wondering if fire sprinklers were even available for a modular home. My husband works in fire protection and he is adamant about having fire sprinklers when we build. We’ve been looking in to modular as a cost savings (looking to build a house about this size in SC). I don’t see any info about fire sprinklers on the builders’ websites. We were looking at modular as a cost saving feature, but if they don’t offer the sprinklers, it won’t be an option for us.

By: Ryan Smith

Ryan Smith — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:33:09 +0000

With no fire barrier between the garage and the main home and no fire sprinklers, this fire spread too fast to control. It is surprising that a modular home would not have the fireproof sheetrock and automatic closing fire rated door between the garage and the home that is typical in standard home construction. This is certainly something to check if you live in a modular built home.

By: Ron Greenman

Ron Greenman — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:54:23 +0000

Isn’t this one of the new, modern homes that NAHB and BIA say can’t burn? I’m confused.

By: hook

hook — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 08:07:09 +0000

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