When we think about fire safety in buildings, our minds often jump to alarms, extinguishers, and sprinklers. However, one of the most crucial yet underrated heroes in fire safety is fire doors. These doors are more than just access points; they are vital safety features designed to save lives and property.
What is a Fire Door?
At its core, a fire door is a specially constructed door that is designed to withstand fire and prevent it from spreading. They are a crucial part of a building’s regulations and a significant aspect of fire safety.
The Role of Fire Doors:
The primary function of a fire door is to classify a building, slowing the spread of fire and smoke from one area to another. This containment is crucial for several reasons:
- Safety of Occupants
- Protection of Property
- Aid to Firefighters
The Anatomy of a Fire Door
A fire door is not just about the door itself; it includes several components that work together:
- Door Leaf: The actual door, made from fire-resistant materials.
- Door Frame: Also made from fire-resistant materials, it is crucial to the integrity of the door.
- Seals: Intumescent seals expand in heat, sealing the gap between the door and frame to prevent smoke and fire spread.
- Hardware: This includes hinges, handles, and closers that are all designed to withstand high temperatures.
Installation and Maintenance: A Key to Effectiveness
Proper installation and regular maintenance are critical for fire doors to function correctly. Even a small gap or a faulty closer can compromise the door's reliability. Therefore, it’s vital to have them installed by professionals and regularly inspected.
Fire Door Ratings
Fire doors are rated by how long they can withstand fire. Common ratings include FD30 (30 minutes) and FD60 (60 minutes). The choice of rating depends on the building’s design and regulatory requirements. At SWD, we can also produce FD90 and FD120 doors which are more suited to commercial properties.
Design Meets Safety
Nowadays fire doors blend safety with style. Fire doors come in various designs and finishes, proving that safety features can enhance the aesthetic appeal of a building. These features include spyholes, leather panels, solid brass door furniture and more.
SWD Bespoke
At SWD we have had all our internal door models tested to be fire rated for 30 minutes to achieve an FD30 rating. ALL of the doors we make and supply are fire rated and often are 2.7m tall or more.
We understand the aesthetics of a door is just as important as the fire rating, so we included all of the below specifications in our testing:
- Leather Panels
- Metal Inlays
- Recessed Beading
- Glazing
- Height up to 2900mm
Please contact us today if you would like to enquire about a project or have questions about our fire testing, we’d be very happy to assist you.
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