Fire doors are a safety code requirement in all states. The type of fire rating required, which is dependent on the doors' ability to withstand certain temperatures for a set period of time, is based on the application. The requirement in residential homes is generally much less than in that of commercial buildings. The fire rating of the door is determined by the function of the wall that the door is installed into and its fire rating requirement. Fire doors must have a label attached to identify them.
History
Fire doors have been a safety requirement for quite some time. Originally, fire doors were typically made with asbestos, due to the mineral's exceptional flame-retardant properties. Amid health concerns, fire doors are now made of a combination of materials such as wood, steel, vermiculite, gypsum and glass.
Function
Fire doors are designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke between sections of a building. In residential homes, fire doors are required between living quarters and attached garages. The general requirement in that application is a 20-minute fire rating. Fire doors are meant to allow people within homes and buildings time to access alternative escape routes while the fire is contained by the wall and door(s). The rating is the amount of time the door is designed to offer protection for.
Identification
Fire doors do not usually look significantly different than other doors. They are required to be labeled as fire doors, including the time rating. This label is usually found on the hinge side of the door. In commercial building, fire doors are sometimes required to bear signage as such.
Hardware
Although not always required by code, special hardware (including hinges and handles) are manufactured for fire doors. Many municipalities also require that fire doors be equipped with a self-closing apparatus to ensure that the door can not be accidentally left open, thereby eliminating its usefulness. Doors may also be designed to close automatically when fire is detected. It is important in this case that nothing be obstructing the action of the door.
Installation
Fire doors should be installed so that there are no air gaps around the door. While common doors are often installed so that they have a space between the bottom of the door and the floor, for ventilation purposes, this would significantly decrease the effectiveness of a fire door. Some doors are tested with a maximum of 3/4-inch space at the bottom; however, these are usually doors intended primarily to restrict smoke movement.
Warning
Fire doors are intended to be a part of an overall fire safety system. This system should include smoke and fire detectors, at a minimum. Walls must also be fire resistant.
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