Fire Protection Archives - Davis Ulmer Fire Protection

Key Considerations for Retrofitting Fire Sprinkler Systems

Retrofitting an existing fire sprinkler system is one of the most effective ways to strengthen a building’s fire protection. Whether you’re renovating an older property, changing how a space is used, or updating your building to meet current codes, understanding the retrofit process helps you plan with confidence.

This guide outlines the essentials of fire sprinkler retrofits—helping property owners, facility managers, and industry professionals make informed decisions that improve safety and ensure compliance.

Understanding Fire Safety Retrofitting

Retrofitting means adding or upgrading a fire sprinkler system in an existing building. Many older structures were not built with modern sprinkler requirements in mind, and changes in occupancy or layout often require updates. The goal is simple: improve life safety, protect property, and meet today’s building and fire code standards.

Retrofitting plays a critical role in high-rise buildings, historic properties, and any structure that houses large groups of people. In these settings, reliable fire protection is both a safety responsibility and a regulatory requirement.

Why Sprinkler Retrofitting Is Crucial

Improve Life Safety
Sprinklers control fires early, giving occupants more time to escape and increasing survival rates—especially in buildings built before sprinkler systems were common.

Protect Property
A well-designed sprinkler system detects and suppresses fires before they spread, reducing damage and helping preserve valuable assets.

Ensure Code Compliance
Retrofitted systems help building owners meet current fire safety standards and reduce legal and regulatory risks.

Lower Insurance Costs
Many insurers offer reduced premiums for buildings with compliant sprinkler protection.

Preserve Historical Structures
Modern sprinkler designs blend into historic architecture, protecting buildings without damaging their character.

Support Community Safety
Widespread sprinkler use helps prevent fire spread beyond the building of origin, protecting neighboring properties.

The Sprinkler Retrofitting Process: Step-by-Step

Initial Assessment & Water Supply Analysis
Hire a fire protection engineer to inspect the building and identify gaps in fire protection by reviewing layout, occupancy, hazards, and existing systems. They will also evaluate the water supply to ensure it can support the new system, recommending upgrades to pumps or piping if needed.

Design and Planning
Create a tailored sprinkler design based on occupancy type, structural conditions, and code requirements. Finalize drawings and project specifications.

Regulatory Compliance
Submit plans to the appropriate authorities. Secure all needed permits before work begins.

Installation
Install piping, sprinkler heads, valves, and supporting components according to approved plans.

Testing
Perform flow, pressure, and operational tests to confirm that the system works as designed.

Commissioning
Place the system into service after verifying compliance with codes and regulatory requirements.

Documentation
Maintain accurate records, including as-built drawings, inspection results, and equipment specifications.

How to Future-Proof Your Sprinkler Retrofit

Planning ahead can save time, money, and disruptions later.

Plan for Growth
Choose a layout that allows for future expansion. This makes it easier to add sprinkler heads or zones if your occupancy or layout changes.

Ensure Accessibility
Install piping and components where technicians can easily reach them. Accessible systems simplify maintenance and reduce downtime during future upgrades.

Final Thoughts

Retrofitting an existing fire sprinkler system is more than a code requirement—it’s a long-term investment in the safety and resilience of your building. With thoughtful planning and professional guidance, you can enhance protection, reduce risk, and create a safer environment for everyone.

If you need support with sprinkler system retrofits, contact us for expert assistance and solutions. https://www.davisulmer.com/contact-us/

For even more information, check out this Retrofit Guide from NFSA: https://nfsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2021.10-Retrofit-Guide-4th-Ed.pdf

Celebrating 20 Years of Growth in Life Safety with APi Group

A Milestone Anniversary

September 30, 2025, marks 20 years since Davis-Ulmer Sprinkler Co. joined APi Group Inc., a nationwide network of fire protection and specialty construction companies. At the time, Davis-Ulmer operated four branches in Western New York and had already earned a reputation for industry leadership, having expanded in 1996 to include top-tier fire suppression and alarm brands and its own Special Hazard Alarm and Detection division.

A Legacy of Expertise

That milestone is built on over a century of expertise. Founded in Buffalo in 1923 by Herman Ulmer and Joseph Davis, Davis-Ulmer Sprinkler Co. grew from a local sprinkler provider into a trusted leader in life safety. Under the leadership of the Ulmer family, the company steadily broadened its capabilities, diversifying into fire protection, suppression, and alarm solutions. (View a list of all current services.)

A Mission That Endures

Guided by its mission—to be the leading single-source fire protection company in the Northeast by providing quality products and services at fair and equitable rates—Davis-Ulmer has maintained a reputation for excellence and integrity for more than 100 years.

A Transformative Partnership

Building on its strong foundation and reputation for excellence, Davis-Ulmer’s partnership with APi marked the start of a transformative era.

Growth Through Collaboration

Joining APi opened new doors—connecting Davis-Ulmer to a powerful network of like-minded companies, resources, and expertise. Over the past two decades, this collaboration has transformed Davis-Ulmer into the DU Family of Companies with more than 18 valued local brands and 33 branch locations across the East Coast and Midwest, offering comprehensive fire protection, alarm, suppression, and security solutions to customers of all sizes. The DU Family of Companies shares decades of expertise, a commitment to safety, and a shared purpose: protecting what people value most.

Leadership-Driven Culture

A cornerstone of this growth is APi Group’s leadership-driven culture. Guided by its central premise—success happens only when our branches and field leaders are successful—APi invests deeply in leadership development at every level. This philosophy has created an entrepreneurial environment where innovation thrives, teams collaborate across brands, and customer service reaches new heights.

Voices of Leadership

Former Davis-Ulmer President Steve Ulmer, now Senior Vice President of Safety Service at APi Group Inc., reflects:

“One of the greatest impacts APi has had on Davis-Ulmer is in leadership. The knowledge and training around leading teams and leading yourself has been invaluable. APi’s commitment to building great leaders has paralleled our success as a company.”

As we celebrate this 20-year milestone, we’re proud of the journey that brought us here: from a four-branch sprinkler company in Western New York to a trusted life safety leader with a national presence. (View all our current locations.)

Ulmer adds:

“I couldn’t be more proud of how Davis-Ulmer has evolved, and it’s all thanks to our team members. We started with four branches in New York and have grown into a leading fire protection service provider across the East Coast and Midwest. And yet, the camaraderie and spirit still feel like a family-owned business. My father and grandfather could never have imagined what this would become—and we’re not done yet. The best is still to come.”

Looking Ahead

Here’s to the next chapter of protecting lives and property, together.

Bi-Directional Amplifiers: A Lifeline to Emergency Services

A Bi-Directional Amplifier, or BDA system, is an essential life safety system that makes sure first responders can send and receive crucial radio messages during an emergency. But it’s one that many people have never heard of. Davis-Ulmer Fire Protection Alarm & Detection Manager Jerrad Carpenter explains the ABCs of BDAs.

Q: What is a Bi-Directional Amplifier?

A: A BDA system broadcasts communication signals through a system of amplifiers strategically located inside large buildings. It’s a crucial system that enhances wireless communication between individual emergency personnel inside the structure, support vehicles positioned outside, 911 call centers, and backup recorders that document communications for use in training later on. These systems prevent any delays, interference, or signal loss that can compromise the lives and safety of first responders and building occupants during an emergency.

Q: In what kinds of buildings are BDA systems necessary?

A: BDA systems are essential in structures with physical features that radio signals might struggle to penetrate, like underground areas or buildings with thick walls. For example, a warehouse that is five stories tall and four million square feet of steel and concrete with very few egress points would need a BDA system to ensure that first responders inside the building could communicate with each other from different areas of the warehouse and with trucks stationed outside.

Q: What happens when a building doesn’t have a working BDA?

A: The most infamous example where the presence of a BDA may have saved hundreds of lives is during the aftermath of the September 11 terrorists attacks. At the time, fire codes didn’t require BDA systems, and the World Trade Center towers did not have an adequate system in place. As a result, first responders could only communicate radio to radio—and never heard warnings from the ground that the buildings were about to fall. The National Fire Protection Association has enacted ordinances requiring minimums levels of coverage for Public Safety communication within new buildings as a result of this tragedy.

Q: How often does a BDA system need to be inspected?

A: BDA systems need to be inspected every year to stay up to code.

Q: Who performs the inspection?

A: Professional inspectors are required to be licensed by the FCC in order to perform annual BDA inspections or to re-certify a system every five years. BDA equipment is proprietary, and inspectors have to be certified to work on that particular manufacturer. These pros undergo annual training and work closely with the local jurisdiction to build relationships with the first responders whose communications systems need to work inside the building.

Q: What happens during a BDA system inspection?

A: During a BDA inspection, the system is assessed, tested, and certified to ensure they comply with safety standards and effectively improve in-building wireless communication for emergency services, first responders, and occupants during critical situations.

During a BDA inspection, specialists evaluate the BDA system’s installation, performance, and adherence to regulatory requirements. They conduct tests to verify signal strength, coverage, and reliability across different frequencies to ensure seamless communication for emergency responders within the building. Inspections may also involve confirming compliance with local fire codes and regulations to guarantee the system’s functionality during emergencies. Regular BDA inspections are crucial to maintain the system’s efficacy and ensure it meets the necessary standards for emergency communication.

Q: Does Davis-Ulmer Fire Protection install and service BDA systems?

A: Yes. We consider flawless emergency communication to be an essential part of a comprehensive safety system along with fire alarms and sprinklers. When companies hire us to do all three, we can make sure all three systems work in tandem to provide optimal protection for the building and the people who live or work within it.

For more information about Bi-Directional Amplifiers and how we can help, contact Chuck Keating at [email protected] or Sean Phillips at [email protected]

Foam Fire Suppression for Aircraft Hangars

Fire protection systems are necessary to protect many types of buildings, and aircraft hangars are no exception. Aircraft hangars need fire suppression, typically foam fire suppression, to protect both the hangar and the valuable equipment inside of it.

Aircraft Hangars: A Unique Fire Protection Challenge

Aircraft hangars pose a unique challenge from a fire protection standpoint. Hangars often have large quantities of highly flammable fuel that is at risk of igniting. Also, the airplanes with large bodies and wings create obstructions that make typical fire protection systems inadequate at putting out fires. The challenge with aircraft hangar fire protection systems is to design a system that will work around the obstructions and quickly put out a fire to protect the expensive airplanes and the lives of people.

Aircraft Hangar Fire Code

NFPA 409, the standard on fire protection for aircraft hangars, divides aircraft hangars into 4 groups. Aircraft hangars are classified based on building dimensions, construction, door height, and the types of hazardous materials present. NFPA 409 specifies the types of fire protection systems that should be used for an aircraft hangar, depending on the group it falls under.

In addition to NFPA 409, there may be additional requirements a hangar has to comply with such as insurance company requirements or local fire code. Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy facilities have additional standards for aircraft hangar fire protection.

Foam Fire Suppression Systems

Although there is no one size fits all system for aircraft hangar fire protection, many aircraft hangars use foam fire suppression systems. Foam fire suppression is an effective choice for many aircraft hangars because when these systems are activated, they release a blanket of foam that protects the flammable fuel from combusting.

Fire suppression foam is made up of foam concentrate, water, and air that mixes together to create a blanket of foam. Foam puts out fires through cooling the flame, suppressing vapors, and smothering.

Install a Foam System

At Davis-Ulmer, we can design and install foam fire suppression systems to meet the needs of your facility. We can install a system that complies with NFPA 409 and will protect your facility the most effectively. Davis-Ulmer has technicians that inspect, test, and repair foam fire suppression systems. If you are unsure if foam fire suppression is right for your facility, contact Davis-Ulmer today and we can determine which system will work best for you.

Inspecting Your Fire Protection System

Maintaining and inspecting your fire protection system are two of the most important things you can do right next to installing one when it comes to protecting your facility in the event of a fire. Having inspections done on a regular basis is critical to the functionality of your system. Having a company that is familiar with many types of systems from fire sprinkler systems to fire suppression systems to fire detection systems is also a must. They have to be able to work with you to maintain your trust that your system will work as well as it was designed to from the beginning.

Inspections are done in a variety of ways. Different systems require different inspection frequencies for any type of fire protection system you have whether it be a kitchen hood fire suppression system, fire sprinkler system, or fire suppression system for a special hazard. This is very important because there are many factors into why these systems can fail. Grease build up, dust, corrosion of your pipes or sprinkler heads, the age of the system, and or damage could lead to your fire protection system to not work as designed. These inspections can be done monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, and or annually. Most fire codes require some type of frequency for inspections so staying up-to-date on these in highly important.

Having a company that has a 24/7 emergency response team available is also critical in the case of damage to the system or some other type of disaster that requires professional help immediately. These types of things happen to systems over their lifetime so having a company ready to assist you in maintaining your investment in both your employees, customers, residents, and facility is highly important.

At Davis-Ulmer Sprinkler Company, we have been providing full-service fire protection services for the Northeast since 1946. Our highly skilled and trained team is ready to help you ensure the integrity of your fire protection systems. Over time, moving parts wear, screens get plugged, and batteries fail, having us by your side will help avoid these types of issues by being proactive with your inspections and maintenance. With offices in New York, northern Pennsylvania, and New England, our 24/7 emergency response team can get to even the most remote locations in the Northeast. Contact us today to set up your maintenance and inspection schedule or give us a call at 716-691-3200

Putting Out Your Bonfires Safely

As the weather continues to get warmer and warmer, bonfire season will soon be upon us. Sure, there’s nothing like gathering around a bonfire with friends and family bundled up on a cool summer night while enjoying the outdoors, but if proper safety precautions aren’t taken, that once seemingly peaceful and innocent bonfire could turn dangerous.

By not extinguishing a bonfire properly, you can not only potentially injure yourself or others, but also the fire could potentially spread creating a larger fire or a wildfire.

In fact, 2 million acres were burned and destroyed in 2015 from 58,916 wildfires all caused by humans, according to the Smokey Bear Wildfire Prevention campaign.

Don’t be another statistic. Avoid having to think of the what-if’s altogether by familiarizing yourself with proper safety guidelines for putting out bonfires.

How to Put Out a Bonfire

Here are a few easy-to-follow tips to keep in mind the next time you have a bonfire:

Always be mindful of your personal safety when handling the bonfire. Be careful not to touch anything hot and use proper precautions not to get burned while putting the fire out.

Until the hissing stops, drench the fire with as much water, dirt or sand is needed.

Inspect the ash and bonfire site for any leftover sticks or logs. Stir everything together to make sure all embers have been extinguished.
Give yourself a half an hour buffer between when you put out the fire and when you plan on leaving, allowing for time to make sure the fire is actually out. It’s best to follow one simple rule in terms of knowing when it’s OK to leave: “If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave,” according to a wildfire prevention campaign.

For more fire safety tips, visit Davis-Ulmer Fire Protection Systems.

Davis-Ulmer is your full-service fire protection contractor serving New York and surrounding states in the Northeast region of the United States.

Importance of Owning a Fire Extinguisher

The large majority of people do not have fire extinguishers in their home regardless of the fact that house fires happen on a daily basis.

However, owning a fire extinguisher can save your life and your property from an accidental house fire.

Although a fire extinguisher might not be able to put a house fire out but it can at least control the flames enough to give you time to get out. Household fire extinguishers are typically classified as an A, B, C, or a combination of the three letters. They are labeled to indicate what type of fire they are meant to put out such as ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, or electrical.

However, many fire extinguishers are a combination and will put out multiple kinds of fires.

The size of a fire extinguisher matters. A bigger fire extinguisher is going to be capable of putting out a larger fire. However, large fire extinguishers can be heavy, making them difficult for many people to lift and use. If you are going to purchase a fire extinguisher for your home, it’s important to have one that you’re able to maneuver.

A 5-pound fire extinguisher works well in a kitchen where you’ll likely notice the fire immediately. However, a 10-pound extinguisher is best for a garage or workshop where the fire might become large before becoming noticeable.

The National Fire Protection Association does suggest having a fire extinguisher on every floor of your home.

Many people don’t have a fire extinguisher because they aren’t sure how to operate one, therefore, they can’t justify owning it. However, fire extinguishers come equipped with detailed instructions no how to operate them. You can also typically find instructional videos online or you can give your local fire department a call with questions you might have.

If you want to ensure that you’re protecting your family against a house fire, contact Davis Ulmer to get a residential sprinkler system installed. We are your local fire protection company that can help you get the fire protection you need for your peace of mind. We work with customers in the Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and surrounding areas. Contact us today for more info.

Staying Safe with Space Heaters

During the winter months, we are all desperate to stay as warm and cozy as we can. In order to stay warm in winter months, you might need something more than your standard home heating system. Many people use a variety of heating units in winter months, including space heaters. Space heaters are a convenient heating unit that provides plenty of warmth in small spaces.

Most space heaters run on electricity while others are fuel-fired. Regardless of the type of space heater, the large majority of them can get extremely hot. You should always have your space he heater on a flat surface, primarily on the ground, and far from anything that could catch fire easily.

Unfortunately, fires happen frequently during winter months and many of them are due to the improper use of space heaters. There are several different ways to safely utilize the convenient heat from a space heater:

Keep the Little Ones Clear

First and foremost, keep children away from the space heater. You should be teaching young children about the dangers of space heaters as soon as they are old enough to understand. Educating children on fire safety is very important.

Set Up is Important

Make sure that you keep your space heater at least three feet away from flammable materials such as curtains, bedding, toilet paper, towels, and other flammable items.

Let It Be Alone

You should not plug a space heater into an outlet where other electrical appliances are plugged in. Too many appliances plugged into one outlet result in overheating which can also result in electrical fires.

Turn It Off

You should never leave a space heater running while you are asleep or while you are not home. It is important that you focus on turning it off whenever necessary or purchase one with one safety features such as an automatic shut-off option.

If you want to protect your residential or commercial space from fires, contact Davis-Ulmer Fire Protection Systems. We are your full-service fire protection company serving New York and surrounding states.

Fire Companies Set Controlled Fires for National Fire Prevention Month

October is National Fire Prevention Month and many fire companies educated their local communities on fire safety throughout the month. It is great to see people making fire safety a focus in their communities and fire companies in Illinois focused specifically on sprinkler systems.

Various fire departments in Northern Illinois educated the public on fire safety and fire prevention in a unique way this October. Fire companies in Northern Illinois actually set controlled fires as demonstrations so the public could understand the benefits of fire sprinklers.

Sprinkled Rooms vs. Non-Sprinkled Rooms

The fires were set outside in two staged rooms that were totally furnished like a living room. One of the rooms had sprinklers installed and the other room did not. People were able to feel the level of heat coming from the room and how quickly it spread in the room without the fire sprinklers installed. They were able to see how quickly the room with the sprinklers controlled and cooled the fire where the other room quickly got out of control.

fire prevention month

Fire Protection Systems Save Lives

The demonstrations were made possible with the help of the Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board, a nonprofit organization that focuses on the proven performance of fire sprinklers. They helped local fire companies host a variety of fire and sprinkler demonstrations throughout the month of October. They plan to assist with a total of 53 demonstrations in 2016, driving attention to the important of sprinkler systems and the roles they play in fire safety.

These demonstrations gave the local fire departments a chance to talk to the public about preventing fires, the benefits of smoke alarms, the advantages of sprinkler systems, and fire evacuation methods.

In Illinois, one hundred communities actually require fire sprinklers in new homes that are being built. Illinois has made fire safety a focus in their communities and have established the benefits of sprinkler systems in not just businesses, but homes as well. If you’re looking to install sprinkler systems in your business or your home, contact Davis-Ulmer Fire Protection Systems, we can help. We are your full-service fire protection company and work with customers in New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and New York.

Choosing Fire Suppression Systems, Fire Alarms, and Sprinkler Systems

Dependable Fire Prevention and Protection

A benefit to owning a business is the wide array of choices to work with; you ensure that each aspect of your establishment is customized to send the right message to visitors. Through all of decision-making, you’ll find that a few things are not simply black or white; there’s a lot of gray area to fill. This is especially true when lives or company assets are in your hands. With three helpful tips below, you can be meticulous when planning your fire prevention and recovery efforts.

According to the NFPA, unexpected fires are down significantly from the early 90’s, but still very common. Last year, 1,137,500 fires broke out across the United States, with a cumulative total reaching almost $13 million in damages.

The Fire Extinguisher vs. The Fire Suppression System

Many people inquire if they need both, a fire extinguisher and a suppression system, in place (and vice versa). The answer? Yes. Of course, it’s always best to have both, but if you ARE deciding between the two, then think about it like this: who will use the extinguisher when the office is vacant? You need a strong, high quality sprinkler or suppression system to system that works 24/7 to protect your building.

Is the Prevention System Inspection Current?

Another crucial factor is the amount of time since anyone’s touched your sprinkler system. Like all technology, your system needs attention and updating every so often. If you can’t remember or don’t know when your current system was installed, it’s important to make sure it’s up to the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) standards; don’t wait until the life you’ve just built burns down in front of you.

Who will Install the Fire Prevention System?

Finally, doing a little bit of research is worth the time. Instead of hiring an “expert” friend, or a mutual acquaintance, consider the risks of hiring individuals over companies. Always look into whom you plan to work with, for example, Davis-Ulmer has an esteemed reputation throughout the Buffalo, New York community.

Davis-Ulmer Sprinkler Company has installed fire sprinkler systems in the New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Connecticut area since 1946. We are your local full-service fire protection company that will help you design, install, and maintain a fire protection system that will give you the protection you want and need. Our NICET certified technicians will work with you every step of the way to ensure that your system will give you the maximum fire protection possible. Contact us today for more information.