Fire doors are an important feature for any residential property, as they provide protection from potential fire hazards. They are often used in the home to keep occupants safe and limit the spread of smoke and heat should a fire occur – but what exactly is a fire door and how can it benefit you?
What Is a Fire Door?
A fire door is a special kind of door that is designed to resist the spread of fire and smoke. Fire doors are made from metal or timber and have a solid core that is filled with material such as mineral wool or rock wool to provide insulation. The surface of the door will often be covered with a layer of intumescent paint which swells up when exposed to heat, closing any gaps in the door and further limiting the spread of fire and smoke.
Fire doors are rated according to their level of protection, ranging from a 20-minute rating (which is sufficient for residences) up to a 90-minute rating. Doors with a higher rating will provide more protection in the event of a fire. If you’ve been wondering what is a fire door, we hope this quick summary has helped!
Benefits of Fire Doors
Here are the main benefits of having fire doors in your home:
1. Protection from Fire Hazards
Fire doors can help limit the spread of smoke and heat should a fire occur, potentially saving lives and reducing damage to property.
2. Enhanced Safety
Installing fire doors also helps prevent any unauthorised access or exit points within your home.
3. Improved Efficiency
Fire doors are also designed to be energy efficient, helping keep your heating bills down.
4. Increased Peace of Mind
Knowing that you have an extra layer of protection against potential fires can provide peace of mind for you and your family.
5. Cost Savings
Fire doors are a relatively inexpensive way to increase safety in your home.
6. Easy Maintenance
Fire doors are also easy to maintain and can typically be wiped down with a damp cloth.
7. Aesthetic Appeal
Installing fire doors can also add a touch of style to your home.
8. Improved Fire Ratings
Having fire doors installed can also help improve the fire rating of your home, which may be beneficial when it comes to insurance costs.
9. Increased Home Value
Having fire doors installed in your home can also improve its overall value.
10. Increased Home Security
Fire doors can also act as a barrier to unwanted visitors, providing an extra layer of home security.
What Are Fire Door Requirements?
When it comes to installing fire doors in your home, there are certain requirements you must meet. First and foremost, the door needs to be fire-rated so that it can provide adequate protection against potential fires. Additionally, all hardware on the door (hinges, handles, etc.) must also be fire rated. Furthermore, the door should have a minimum gap of 3mm around the frame to maintain its fire rating. Lastly, the door should be installed correctly and checked for any damages before use.
A certified fire door installer can help you ensure that all of the requirements are met and that your fire doors are up to code. Having the correct type of fire door installed in your home is essential for safety, so it’s important to make sure that you get the right one.
Fire Door Maintenance
Fire doors are designed to last a long time, however, they should be inspected regularly and maintained properly in order to ensure that they continue to perform their intended function. This includes checking the door for any damage such as cracks or warping, closing gaps around the door frame, lubricating hinges and ensuring that all of the hardware is secure.
It is also important to check that the door is correctly fitted into its frame and is not allowing any smoke or heat to escape. It is recommended that a professional inspect your fire doors every two years to ensure that they are in good working condition.
In conclusion
Having fire doors installed in your home can provide added protection from potential fire hazards and provide peace of mind knowing that you are better protected. They are especially useful if you have a garage that connects directly to your home for example. My dad fitted a 30-minute fire door in the family home between his workshop/garage and the rest of the house due to the number of flammable items in there.
Fire doors are also relatively inexpensive, easy to maintain and can add a touch of style to your home. It is important to ensure that they are regularly inspected and maintained in order to ensure their effectiveness. So make sure you keep up with regular maintenance of your fire doors and be sure to have them inspected by a professional every two years to ensure that they are working properly. Doing so may save your life and the lives of your loved ones in the event of an emergency.
