Choosing the Right Water Storage Tank for Your FireRoofs Exterior Sprinklers

At FireRoofs, we’re committed to helping you protect your home from wildfires with our innovative exterior sprinkler systems. One question we often get from customers is about water storage tanks—specifically, what’s needed to keep your FireRoofs system running effectively, especially if the city water supply shuts off during an emergency. Today, we’re diving into this topic to give you the information you need to make an informed decision.

Partnering with Local Experts for Your Water Storage Tank

When it comes to selecting and installing a water storage tank, the process can get a bit complex. That’s why we recommend working with local specialists who know the ins and outs of water storage solutions. Here are a few trusted resources in the Santa Cruz and Los Gatos Mountains area to get you started:

• Santa Cruz CA Plumber – Water Storage Tanks

• National Storage Tank – Santa Cruz Contacts

• Pioneer Water Tanks America – Fire Protection Tanks

These experts can guide you through the options and ensure your tank meets both your needs and local regulations.

Sizing Your Water Storage Tank: What to Consider

Determining the right size for your water storage tank depends on several factors, especially when it’s powering your FireRoofs exterior sprinklers during a wildfire. Our systems are designed to keep your property safe by maintaining a moist environment that prevents ember ignition—but that requires a reliable water supply. Here’s how we break it down:

1. Sprinkler Water Demand Our FireRoofs systems are built for efficiency. When all sprinklers run at once, on an average 2000 square

   ft. Home, we estimate a maximum flow rate of 27 gallons per minute (gpm). However, we don’t just turn everything on full blast. Instead, our systems cycle through valves, with each valve controlling separate sprinkler lines limited to 10 gpm. This cycling approach keeps your roof and exterior damp, boosts humidity, and prevents embers from catching fire—all while conserving water.

2. Recommended Tank Size Based on water demand alone (not accounting for additional factors like refilling options or fire duration), we recommend a 1200-gallon tank paired with a program controller. Why 1200 gallons? Let’s look at the math for a worst-case scenario—say, a 4-hour period without city water:

   • 4 hours = 240 minutes (4 × 60)

   • At 10 gpm × 240 minutes = 2400 gallons total volume

   A 1200-gallon tank covers half that demand, but here’s where our smart design comes in. With features like cycle soak-pause-cycle soak, we can stretch your water supply further. The controller alternates watering zones, pausing between cycles to let moisture soak in, effectively doubling the time your tank’s capacity lasts.

3. Customization for Efficiency Every property is unique, and variables like roof size, landscaping, and local fire risk can influence your needs. Our team programs the system to optimize water use, ensuring your tank keeps your home protected for as long as possible during an emergency.

Next Steps

If you’re ready to add a water storage tank to your FireRoofs system, reach out to one of the specialists linked above. They’ll help you select the perfect tank and handle installation details. Once you’ve got your tank in place, we’ll work with you to integrate it seamlessly with your sprinklers and program the controller for maximum wildfire defense.

Have questions about your setup or want to explore other options?

Contact us at FireRoofs—we’re here to help you stay safe and prepared!