Think of a fire door as a barrier. It saves lives and prevents property damage by stopping the progress of fire. It also helps occupants escape, and firefighters do their job. Fire doors can provide a crucial time buffer, such as 30 minutes, to allow people to get out.
Fire doors are a necessity in many environments. This includes commercial buildings, public spaces (hospitals, malls, or schools), and multi-occupancy residences.
If you’re looking to install a fire door in your building, but aren’t sure where to begin, this guide is for you. Here are five questions you should ask a fire door manufacturing company to ensure protection:
1. Can You Provide the Full Test Certificate?
Here’s the thing: Not all fire door manufacturing companies are the same. This is why you should ask the company to show certifications. And make sure they meet international standards.
For instance, in the UK, a compliant fire door must be tested to a recognised standard, typically BS 476-22 (British Standard) or BS EN 1634-1 (European Standard). Moreover, the certificate should clearly show:
- The testing laboratory
- The test reference number
- The date of the test
- The fire resistance achieved (for example, FD30 or FD60)
Remember that reputable suppliers of fire doors are willing to explain the certificate and demonstrate their compliance without hesitation.
2. What Fire Ratings are Available for Your Doors?
As hinted earlier, you should always inquire about a fire door’s exact rating. The following fire ratings are common:
FD30 – fire resistance for 30 minutes. It is suitable for domestic, flat, and internal doors in commercial buildings.
FD60 – fire resistance for 60 minutes. It is suitable for fire doors made for commercial, industrial, and higher-risk buildings.
FD90 – fire resistance for 90 minutes. It is typically required in high-risk or large buildings, such as factories.
3. What Materials Are Used?
Inquire about the materials used in fire doors. They are typically made with wood, steel, glass, and composite materials. While all of these materials ensure protection, steel is the most durable. It offers excellent resistance against high temperatures, protecting individuals and properties.
4. Do You Provide Customised Fire Doors?
With fire doors, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. This is why it’s important to choose a provider that can customise the door to suit your building and its needs.
You can choose vision panels, panic escape hardware, electronic access control, and powder coating. Moreover, you can add perimeter seals for enhanced weather protection and soundproofing. Whether you need a single or double doorset, reputable fire door companies offer numerous options to protect your building.
5. What Maintenance is Required
Next, inquire if the fire doors need maintenance and whether the company offer ongoing support.
Generally speaking, fire doors need regular inspection to address minor issues before they compromise the equipment’s functionality. Issues include seal leaks and worn-out hinges.
Most companies offer services such as visual inspection, hardware checking, and gap inspection. They will also conduct testing to ensure the door is working correctly and can safeguard against fires.
