Important Facts about a Fire Rated Door

A fire-rated door is simply a massive or a heavy door made from natural metals such as steel and aluminum and whose primary purpose is to contain a fire. They are mainly constructed with a fire-resistance core primarily gypsum or a related mineral product. Though the doors will eventually combust, it will offer significant resistance to fire by slowing down smoke and heat for a particular period giving the occupants a chance to exit the premises.

Steel is a common material for making fire rated steel doors. There are certain specifications on the hardware and sealants that must be adhered to when making such an entry to maintain the fire ratings. For example, the door shutter is made from a double skin panel from galvanized steel. It should have most preferably, door closers that are automatic. The door frame should be made from a 2mm steel sheet pressed to a single or double rebate profile, and the vision panel should be fitted with thick glass. It should have approved locks which are dual operational, and the handles should be made of pure steel on both sides.

The doors are fitted inside a fire-resistance wall rated by the amount of time in which it can contain a fire from spreading. For instance, a three-hour wall will contain a fire from spreading to other parts of the building for three full hours. The door should have a fire rating that is equivalent to 75 percent of the wall rating. For example, a door fitted in a one-hour wall should have at least a rating of 45 minutes.

The door is commonly installed within the inner parts of a building but can also be installed outwards when the building's proximity is very near to another structure. The fire door is likely to fall within a couple of minutes if the wall is not fire-resistant. The doors are mainly installed in public buildings, dormitories and also in exit stairwells. There is also a private demand for such doors although it's not that common.

The door is considered to be ineffective if it fails to contain a fire. This happens when the door is not shut properly, and it falls short in holding back excessive heat and smoke. This is avoided by the door automatic shut response in the event of fire detection. This way, the doors can be kept opened most of the time and will close when the need arises.

People behind a fire-rated door are, however, not entirely safe from the perils of fire and should exit the building fast instead of hiding behind the door. This is because time rating is not known and also it's difficult to determine the amount of time the fire has been burning out.

To ensure that the fire door function properly, they are thoroughly regulated by a governing body. The doors must be constructed, installed and tested according to the standards set by the regulatory authorities all over the world.

A fire rated door is a great way of securing your premises. It prevents the fire and smoke from spreading across the building. They keep the fire contained and give a longer time for the trapped people to escape. They are important as they prevent your building properties from being lost.