Building fire doors are necessary for any building that is supposed to be fire safe. These doors are a major part of a passive fire protection system. It is crucial to have a plan for building fire doors in place before you install them. They are made to resist fire for the longest possible time. 

Key factors to consider when it comes to the safety infrastructure of a building include configuration and materials. In this blog, we’re going to explore that further.

Available Configurations Of Fire Doors

As previously mentioned, fire doors are vital for the safety infrastructure of buildings. That means a wide range of industries are involved and, in turn, varying building layouts and aspects. Fire-rated doors can come in configurations such as:

• Double Action Fire Doors – Best for buildings where bi-directional traffic is the norm, it allows more room for people to pass through.
• Hinged Fire Doors – These are easily the most common ones that most residential and commercial properties have. The doors have a standard hinged fitting, ideal for general use both in the residential and commercial sense. 
• Sliding Fire Doors – Smoke and flame are compartmentalized well by this. High-risk industries tend to use this more than the other available ones.

Available Materials For Fire Doors

Plenty of materials can be chosen from when constructing fire doors. Popular choices include glass, gypsum, MDF, metal and timber. Several factors have to be considered before making a final material selection, including:

• Design Choices – Functionality is the most important factor. However, design can still be considered. Just how much creativity a designer can get into will depend on the materials chosen. That way, the fire doors can better sync with the external and internal look of the building or structure in question.
• Door Thickness – Some materials can’t get as thick as others. Certain materials will only earn fire door certification if a particular thickness is reached.
• Fire Door Ratings – These can be anywhere from an hour all the way to 4 hours. This depends, however, on the kind of door. The building type has to be considered also, alongside the fire-resistance rating that has to be met.
• Strength and Durability – When it comes to fire doors, these are easily the most vital features. When at a high traffic area or exposed to the elements, it will wear considerably over time. Resiliency is necessary here.

Conclusion

Fire doors are necessary for safety in any structure, especially commercial buildings. It’s vital for the infrastructure in particular. The main things to consider before getting fire doors include configurations and materials. 

Need help preparing for a fire door inspection? Check out All Things Inspector today! We have a fire door inspection checklist, door inspection tool kits and more.