3 Things You Need to Know Before Getting a Fire Door Installation
Posted on: 25 June 2021
In the event of a fire, a fire door could be the difference between life and death. Fire doors are designed to be a barrier that resists fire for a distinct length of time. A high-quality door is a standard and crucial feature for any building's safety structure and thus helps stifle the spread of fire in a building. Before considering a fire door installation, here are three things you should know.
The material
Fire doors can be constructed from a wide array of materials. Metal, glass, timber, gypsum and MDF are just some of the options available to you for your fire door installation. Before choosing a material to work with, there are a couple of factors to consider. Durability is one. If the fire door is exposed to the elements or located in an area with a lot of foot traffic, choosing a material that is strong and resilient is the right choice. Secondly, while a fire door should be primarily functional, some materials give an interior designer the freedom to match the door to the interior and exterior theme of the building. Finally, you need to consider the fire-resistance rating required for the building. This will inform the type of material you can use for your fire door.
The configurations
Fire doors exist in a variety of configurations. This is because they are installed throughout a host of industries and thus need to be adapted to fit different layouts and aspects of a building. The most common is the hinged configuration. The fire door installation is done with a hinged fitting and is perfect for residential or commercial application. The double-action configuration is most suitable for buildings with bi-directional traffic. The sliding fire door configuration, on the other hand, is effective for the compartmentalization of fire and smoke and is thus best applied in high-risk industries.
Hardware and components
Several integral parts make up the fire door. Aside from the material that makes up the door, the different components such as the frames, handles and hinges are also important. A fire door installation should be fitted with panic bars, especially where several people might be forced to exit simultaneously. Automatic door closers are also an excellent addition. They ensure that the fire door always remains closed to prevent fire and smoke from spreading from room to room. Intumescent seals are another standard component for a satisfactory fire door installation. When exposed to a temperature of over 200°C, it expands forming an effective seal around the frame and edges of the door. This helps limit the smoke and flames from spreading to other parts of the building.
Fire door installation is a legal requirement in most buildings as a safety measure. Make sure you speak to a certified professional for expert installation and overall satisfaction.
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