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Our FAQ page provides answers to common questions about fire doors. Find expert insights about installation, maintenance, certification, and more. Couldn’t find what you were looking for? Do not hesitate to contact our team, we will be happy to help!
A fire door is a specially constructed door designed to withstand high temperatures and prevent the spread of fire and smoke. They form a crucial part of a building's passive fire protection system.
Fire doors contain fire and smoke within a compartment for a predetermined period. They are engineered with fire-resistant materials and seals to help maintain compartment integrity during an emergency, allowing more time for safe evacuation.
Key features include:
- Fire-resistant materials: Such as timber, steel, or composite panels.
- Intumescent seals: Expand in high heat to block gaps.
- Self-closing mechanisms: Ensure the door returns to its closed position after use.
- Certified ironmongery: Specialized fittings that contribute to the door’s performance.
Fire doors are rated based on the time they can withstand fire exposure, commonly ranging from 30 to 120 minutes.
- FD30: can hold fire for a minimum of 30 minutes.
- FD60: can hold fire for a minimum of 60 minutes.
- FD120: can hold fire for a minimum of 120 minutes.
When there is an “S” in front of the fire rating, it means the door can also hold the spread of smoke. For example, an FD30 fire door can withstand fire for 30 minutes, however, it doesn’t necessarily prevent the spread of smoke, while an FD30S will do both.
These ratings help determine the appropriate door for different building areas and fire risk levels.
Compliance is confirmed through certification and regular inspection. Ensure that the door, its installation, and associated hardware meet local and national fire safety standards. Certified documentation should be readily available from the supplier.
Regular inspections are crucial. It is recommended to have fire doors inspected at least annually, or more frequently in high-traffic or high-risk areas, to ensure they remain in optimal working condition.
Yes, many existing doors can be upgraded to improve fire resistance. However, retrofitting should be carried out by certified professionals to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.
Unlike standard doors, fire doors are designed to resist heat and flame, incorporate self-closing mechanisms, and use specialized materials and construction methods. Regular doors do not provide the same level of protection against fire and smoke.
When properly maintained and inspected, fire doors can last for decades. Lifespan may vary based on usage, environmental factors, and adherence to maintenance schedules.
Professional installation is critical because even a high-quality fire door can fail if not installed correctly. Certified installers ensure that all components – from the door frame to the hardware – meet the necessary fire safety standards and function as intended during an emergency.
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