Do you need information on whether your door is fire-rated or not? This is a serious question for ensuring the security and compliance of your home, office, and property.
Knowing the fire rating of your doors can have a profound impact during an emergency. In this blog, we will cover the key indicators that will better equip you to enhance the fire safety of your property and take compulsory precautions in case of any mishap or an emergency.
So, let’s get into the basics to ensure your peace of mind regarding the fire safety of your doors.
Knowing the basics of fire ratings
Knowing the basics of fire ratings is vital in building and property management. A fire-rated door is manufactured to hold fire for a specified period, such as 20, 30, 60, and even 90 minutes. The main purpose of these unique-featured doors is to absorb and hold fire, heat, and smoke, thus giving residents and occupants additional time to run away and evacuate during an emergency and minimize the risk of property damage.
These doors’ resistance to fire is made possible through special methods, construction, tactics, and materials. They are designed to withstand heat, flames, and high temperatures, and help contain the fire within a specific area, preventing its rapid spread into the building. This extraordinary feature can be a life-saving measure during an emergency when the only thought is to save lives at any cost.
Understanding the basics of fireproof doors installation and fire rating duration is crucial. It indicates how long the door can withstand fire flames and exposure under testing conditions. Having a basic knowledge of the fire rating of doors on your property empowers you to implement the right safety measures and ensure compliance with fire safety rules and regulations.
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Tips for checking if your door is fire rated doors
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Checkout the certification or a label on your door:
The first and the most direct way to check if your door is fire-rated is to look out for a label or marking on your door by yourself. As building codes require, putting a fire-rated label on a door is compulsory. It’s a stand on a door from a testing laboratory. The most common labels on the door you might find include:
- UL (Underwriters Laboratories)
- WH (Warnock Hersey)
- FM (Factory Mutual)
- S (Swinging fire door)
- A number indicating the fire rating duration (e.g., 20, 30, 60, 90)
These fire-rated labels on your doors are generally located on the side edge or the top of the door. If you see a label with one of these markings or stampings and a specific fire rating is mentioned along with its duration, then congrats—your door is fire-rated, and you don’t need to panic.
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Examine the construction of the door:
Due to their specialized construction, fire-rated doors are generally thicker and heavier than normal doors. You need to check the door’s thickness. Most of these fire-rated doors are at least 1¾ inches thick. Also, you need to examine the doors for solid cores or fire-resistant materials.
- Checking out the door hardware and frame:
Fire-rated doors are installed in your property with fire-rated frames and hardware, such as hinges, closers, and locks. Look for any labels or stamping that indicate fire resistance on the frames and hardware of fire-rated doors.
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Consult Building Plans or Management or builder:
You need to check thoroughly the building plans and documents provided during the construction or renovation of your property. These important documents often specify the type of door they are installing at that time, including fire rating.
Double Checking the Door Documentation:
If the door doesn’t have a visible label, don’t worry. Check any documentation related to your property, such as building plans, security monitoring documents, inspection reports, or purchase records. Fire-rated doors are often specified in architectural drawings and documented during inspections.
You need to contact the original builder, architect, or management if you still require clarification or have doubts about it.
Contact the original builder, architect, or property management if you need clarification.
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Want to avoid getting in trouble during a fire emergency? Don’t worry. We are here to help!
If you need clarification about your doors’ fire rating after conducting a few checks, ask for advice from qualified professionals in the city. Expert locksmiths like iGuard Locksmith can assess your situation and confirm your door’s fire rating as soon as possible. So, make sure to address this necessary aspect of fire safety.
So, contact us today to schedule a fire safety consultation and fortify your property against potential fire emergencies.
