All buildings, both residential and commercial, will contain certain doors that are installed to protect occupants and visitors from the risk of a fire outbreak. The primary reason for a fire door is to help save lives and damage to the properties and it is essential that these doors are constructed in such a manner and to a certain standard that they perform by slowing the progress of any fire outbreak within the building.

These fire doors can vary greatly in design and appearance, so long as they are functional

Here are some key facts about fire doors:

Where fire doors are required

This may seem obvious but, it is advisable to fit a fire door anywhere where there is a risk of a fire outbreak! Some environments carry a higher fire risk than others, of course – kitchen areas, lounges that contain fireplaces and rooms that contain any electrical equipment or devices – doors allowing access to these rooms should be fire resistant.

While fire-rated doors are commonly installed at  industrial or commercial facility, residential premises too can benefit from them. To maximize your fire protection strategy, you must choose the right location for installation – one that provides optimum protection without hindering a quick exit.

• Entrances and exit ways that provide access to corridors.
• Doorways that divide two separate buildings.
• Exits that open to elevator shafts and stairwells.
• Between hazardous and non-hazardous areas in factories.

Fire door construction

Different standard fire doors provide different levels of protection fire doors are usually 44/45 mm thick as opposed to a standard, non-fire door of 35/40 mm. The doors most commonly used in commercial buildings are constructed as 54mm thick.

Fire doors have a solid core construction made from different materials such as flaxboard, particleboard and solid timber and their assembly can vary greatly. Many will have timber framing around the chosen core with a laminated veneer finish, whilst others may be composed of a 5-20mm lipping around the core with a veneer on top.

The actual construction materials may differ providing the desired and required fire protection rating is achieved.

How fire doors work

Fire doors hold back smoke and fire by utilizing intumescent strips. These strips must be installed either around the door or around the inside of the frame. When the strips are heated to a certain temperature they expand to seal the gap between the door and the frame, preventing smoke from travelling. Fire-rated hardware, like the aforementioned hinges, and fire-rated handles should all be included to ensure the fire door will work as expected.

EPEE FIRE Doors

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