Fire doors can help reduce the spread of fire and smoke. They can also help people safely exit structures. There are several factors to consider when purchasing and installing these doors. These include the building’s structure, the materials it is made of, and the certification and testing it has undergone. Once you know these factors, you can begin the process of purchasing a fire door.
Components of a fire door
A fire door is a type of door that is made to withstand a fire. This feature helps contain the fire and smoke and allows people to exit a structure safely. It’s also important to know the proper fire resistance rating of a fire door.
Testing
Testing fire doors is an important aspect of a fire safety plan. This process is carried out when a door has been damaged and needs to be repaired. If the fire door has been damaged and is not operable, the testing process will not be successful. If you notice that the fire door is not operable, it is important to take care of the problem before carrying out testing.
Certification
Certification of fire doors is an important part of building code compliance. It ensures that a door can withstand a fire and stay open for at least 30 minutes. Tests are performed in a controlled environment with oak fire doors strict timing and safety measures. The goal is to obtain a fire rating, usually expressed in minutes. In the case of a fire door, the most common rating is FD30 (30 minutes), followed by FD60 (60 minutes). Certification of fire doors is an important step in building code compliance, and it is vital for architects and building professionals to select products that have achieved this status.
Installation
The first step in installing a fire door is to install the frame. It must be wide enough to accommodate the fire door and fitted with full-length screws. It should also be installed in the existing door recess. It may be necessary to trim the door’s edges to make it fit in the recess. Once the door is in place, the hinges should be fitted. Once the door is secure, test its operation by swinging it open and closing it.
Warping
Warping of fire doors can occur for a variety of reasons. The most common cause is unequal stresses within the door. These stresses are exacerbated by changes in temperature and humidity. Because of this, buildings need to be carefully controlled to prevent warping. The required conditions are between 25 and 55% relative humidity and 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Other causes of warping include improper handling and storage. To prevent warping, doors should be stored on level surfaces with cross supports.
Latchbolts
Fire doors with latchbolts are designed to allow the door to be closed during a fire. They are typically made of steel or a steel alloy with a high melting point. The latch bolts are generally designed to survive a three-hour fire test conducted by the Underwriters Laboratories.
Frames
Fire doors require fire-rated frames to meet certain requirements. The steel door industry makes fire-rated frames using special glazing compounds and ceramic glass. For example, Technical Glass Product uses FireLite(r) fire-rated glass. There are different limitations based on the type of glass used, so it’s important to consult the manufacturer’s specifications. Additionally, the jamb depth of the fire-rated frame is related to the thickness of the building’s walls.
Glass
Glass fire doors have the advantage of being non-framed and fire-resistant. They meet basic requirements set forth by NFPA 80 and NFPA 101, the International Building Code (IBC), and the International Fire Code (IFC). In addition, these doors must pass smoke and air leakage tests, be self-closing, and feature positive latching mechanisms. They should also meet the requirements for signage and lighting.