Fire-rated doors are a critical element of a building’s fire safety system, designed to contain and prevent the spread of fire and smoke. This guide covers everything you need to know about fire-rated doors, including their identification, labels, and maintenance.

What is a Fire-rated Door?

A fire-rated door, also known as a fire door, is a door with a fire-resistance rating used to reduce the spread of fire and smoke between compartments of a building. The door is constructed of materials that can withstand high temperatures and is designed to remain structurally intact for a specified period, typically ranging from 20 minutes to 3 hours, depending on its rating.

How Can I Tell if a Door is Fire-rated?

To determine if a door is fire-rated, look for:

1. Certification Labels or Markings: Fire-rated doors have a label or marking from a recognised testing and certification body (e.g. British Standards Institution (BSI)).

2. Construction: Fire-rated doors are usually thicker and heavier than standard doors and may have a solid core.

3. Intumescent Seals: These seals are strips of material that are fitted around a doorway. They expand when exposed to heat, providing a barrier to smoke and flames.

Can Glass Doors Be Fire-rated?

Yes, glass doors can be fire-rated. Fire-rated glass doors use specially treated glass that can withstand high temperatures and prevent the spread of fire and smoke. The glass is typically laminated or tempered and must meet specific fire resistance standards and be tested by the manufacturer.

What Are Fire-rated Door Labels and What Do They Mean?

Fire-rated door labels are metal tags or stickers affixed to the door by the manufacturer, indicating the door’s fire-resistance rating. The labels typically include the following information:

1. Certification Agency: The name or logo of the agency that certified the door.

2. Fire Rating: The duration (in minutes or hours) that the door can withstand fire conditions.

3. Standards Met: The specific fire testing standards the door complies with (e.g. BS 476).

Fire-rated Glass Door Labels

Fire-rated glass door labels provide similar information to those on solid fire doors. They indicate:

1. Fire Rating: The fire-resistance duration for the glass.

2. Type of Fire Protection: Whether the glass is designed for fire resistance (e.g., preventing the passage of fire and heat) or fire protection (e.g., reducing the spread of flames). 

3. Certifying Body: The organisation that tested and certified the fire resistance of the glass.

What is the Difference Between a Fire Protective Fire Door and a Fire Resistive Fire Door?

1. Fire Protective Fire Doors: These doors are designed to prevent the spread of flames and smoke. They often include features like intumescent seals that expand to fill gaps during a fire.

2. Fire Resistive Fire Doors: These doors provide a higher level of protection by not only containing flames and smoke but also reducing the heat transfer. They are often used in areas where higher fire resistance is needed, such as in stairways or areas with valuable equipment.

What is a Fire-rated Door Frame?

A fire-rated door frame is constructed to support the fire-rated door’s performance. It is made from materials like steel, hardwood, or composite materials, which can withstand high temperatures and maintain structural integrity during a fire. The frame must also be fitted with intumescent seals and other fire-resistant components.

Do You Need a Special Door Frame on a Fire Door?

Yes, a fire door must be installed with a fire-rated door frame that matches the door’s fire rating. Using a non-rated frame can compromise the door’s effectiveness in preventing the spread of fire and smoke.

Do Fire-rated Frames and Glass Carry the Same Fire-rating Classification?

Fire-rated frames and glass must individually meet the same fire-rating classification as the door itself. This ensures that all components work together to provide the specified level of fire resistance. For example, if a door has a 60-minute fire rating, both the frame and the glass must also be rated for 60 minutes.

What Tests Are Run on Glazed Fire-rated Doors?

A glazed door incorporates glass components within its structure. Glazed fire-rated doors undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet fire safety standards. Tests typically include:

1. Fire Endurance Testing: The door and glass are exposed to high temperatures to assess their ability to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.

2. Radiation Testing: Evaluates the door’s ability to reduce heat transfer.

3. Impact Testing: Ensures the glass can withstand impacts and remain intact during a fire.

4. Pressure Testing: Assesses the door’s ability to withstand pressure differences caused by fire.

Can Broken Fire Doors Be Repaired?

Broken fire doors can be repaired, but the repairs must be carried out by a competent professional to ensure the door’s fire-resistance properties are not compromised. 

A competent professional is defined by the Fire Safety Order as ‘someone with sufficient training and experience, qualifications and knowledge to be able to implement fire safety measures (some or all) in a building’.

Repairs might include replacing damaged seals, hinges, or glazing. It’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and standards for repairs.

Do Fire-rated Doors Need to Be Replaced?

Fire-rated doors need to be replaced if they are significantly damaged or if their fire-resistance properties are compromised. Regular inspections can help identify when a door needs replacement. If a fire door fails to meet the required standards during an inspection, it should be replaced promptly to maintain building safety.

Understanding the importance and functionality of fire-rated doors is crucial for ensuring fire safety in any building. By recognizing the features, standards, and maintenance requirements of fire-rated doors, you can better protect your property and its occupants from the dangers of fire.

Here at IMS, we understand that your building’s compliance and safety isn’t just necessary; it’s a fundamental aspect of a robust fire strategy. We specialise in providing high quality fire doors. Our fire doors are rigorously tested to ensure they deliver maximum protection in the event of a fire, helping to contain the spread of flames and smoke, safeguarding lives, and protecting property. With IMS, you’re not just installing a door; you’re investing in a critical line of defence that integrates seamlessly into your building’s overall safety plan.