The Importance of Properly Rated Fire Doors in Containing Fires

Fire doors are essential in protecting lives and property during a fire outbreak. However, not all fire doors are created equal. Understanding the importance of properly rated fire doors matters for building managers, property owners, and occupants alike.

This comprehensive guide will explore fire door ratings, their impact on building safety, and how to protect your premises. 

Understanding Fire Door Ratings

Fire door ratings are expressed in terms of time, often ranging from FD30 to FD240. According to the Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS), these ratings indicate the minimum time a door can withstand fire, smoke, and heat exposure.

For example, an FD30 door should maintain its integrity for at least 30 minutes, while an FD120 door should hold for at least 120 minutes. Our M2MFD range is the ideal fire door with ratings up to FD240, providing industry-leading protection for various applications.

How do Fire Doors Work?

Fire doors are created to contain and limit the spread of fire and smoke, give occupants time to evacuate, and allow emergency services to respond. Key components include:

• Intumescent seals that expand when exposed to heat, sealing gaps.
• Self-closing devices to ensure doors remain shut during a fire.
• Robust frames that maintain structural integrity.

Research shows that properly specified and installed fire doors can contain fires for significantly longer than their rated time, providing an extra margin of safety.

Choosing the Right Fire Rating

Selecting the best  fire door rating depends on several factors:

• Building regulations requirements based on the type and use of the building.
• Fire risk assessment findings, considering the building’s layout and contents.
• The door’s location within the building and its role in the fire strategy.

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) provides detailed guidance on specifying fire doors based on these factors. 

Testing and Certification

Fire door ratings are determined through rigorous testing procedures. Testing involves subjecting doors to intense heat and pressure, simulating real-world fire conditions. 

Third-party certification helps ensure that fire doors meet the required standards. Bradbury Group’s certified fire doors give our customers peace of mind that they invest in rigorously tested, high-performance products.

Installation and Maintenance

Even the highest-rated fire door will fail if improperly installed or maintained. It is vital to stress the importance of professional installation and regular maintenance for fire doors to work as intended.

Key maintenance tasks include:

• Inspecting seals and hinges for damage.
• Making sure self-closing devices work correctly.
• Checking for gaps between the door and frame.
• Keeping doors free from obstruction.

Common Misconceptions About Fire Doors

Despite their important role, fire doors are often misunderstood. Some common misconceptions include:

• Believing that any heavy door provides adequate fire protection
• Assuming that fire doors can be propped open without compromising safety
• Neglecting maintenance because doors appear to be in good condition
• Thinking that fire doors are only necessary in certain parts of a building

It’s essential to dispel these myths and educate building owners, managers, and occupants about the importance of properly rated and maintained fire doors throughout a building. 

Bradbury Group: Providing Safe and Reliable Fire Doors 

Properly rated fire doors are a core component of any comprehensive fire safety plan.  Building owners can enhance and improve occupant safety and property protection by understanding the role of fire door ratings, specifying appropriate products, and focusing on proper installation and maintenance.

Bradbury Group is committed to providing the highest-quality fire doors backed by expert guidance and support. Contact our team today to learn more about our range of fire-rated doors and how they can benefit your building.