Fire doors are an essential part of fire safety in many different environments. When things go wrong with a building during the outbreak of a fire, as we have seen with devastating effect with the Grenfell fire disaster for example, it can be really difficult to comprehend. The construction of fire doors when performed correctly will provide that extra layer of safety within a building, blocking a route for the fire and smoke and allowing time for people to get out of the building or to be saved before the fire can penetrate the door into that section of the building. Here, we take a look at how fire doors are constructed and what you need to look out for when purchasing and installing fire doors at a property that you are responsible for.
It is important to have the right type of fire door for a specific situation and location. FD30 fire doors are those that are built to withstand flames and smoke for at least 30 minutes, whilst an FD60 fire door will last for at least 60 minutes. The difference between these two is that the first is usually made with a thickness of 35-45mm and the latter a thickness of at least 54mm. Without the right type of fire door and the right thickness the fire safety of a building is called into question and it might be that a building is deemed unsafe for fire safety.
A fire door will be built with a solid core, using solid timber, chipboard, particle board or flax board but beyond that there is no strict hard and fast rule as to how it should be constructed. There are different ways to do it, but every fire door should have a few key components present in order to qualify and pass regulations. All fire doors must have intumescent strips that are important as, once they are exposed to heat, they expand and seal the gap around the door and the frame. It is this that helps protects those the other side of a door from a fire for as long as required.
The installation of a fire door must be conducted professionally, as it is not the same as fitting a regular door. A fire door must be installed in such a way that should a fire break out it will function correctly. This is especially the case with self-closing doors, where the mechanism must work promptly and effectively. Maintenance is also key, with regular inspections of fire doors an essential part of fire safety in any building.
Always look out for the key components and signs that demonstrate that a fire door has been constructed correctly. There are different types of fire doors that are a requirement depending on the type of building they are being installed in. If you are the person responsible for fire safety within a building, you’ll have to know what type of fire door is required for that specific setting. This is where it is best to look for suppliers of fire doors with vast experience. Then, you can gain access to specific fire safety advice and knowledge that helps you install the fire doors that are most effective for your building, and potentially save lives in the event of a fire.
Do you need quality internal fire doors for your home? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about these must-have fixtures. So, if you are interested, read on!
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