When it comes to fire safety in buildings, doors play a crucial role in preventing the spread of flames and smoke. Two types of doors that are commonly used for this purpose are commercial fire-rated doors and fire exit doors. While both types of doors are designed to protect against fire, they have distinct differences in terms of their purpose, installation requirements, and code compliance.
Purpose of Commercial Fire-Rated Doors
Commercial fire-rated doors, also known as fire-resistant doors, are designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke through the building. These doors are typically installed in walls that separate different areas of a building, such as between a stairwell and an office space.
The purpose of commercial fire-rated doors is to create a barrier that will slow down the spread of fire, giving people more time to evacuate the building and allowing firefighters to contain the fire.
Purpose of Fire Exit Doors
Fire exit doors, also known as egress doors, are designed to provide a means of escape in case of a fire. These doors are typically installed in walls that lead to the outside of a building or to a safe area within the building, such as a stairwell. The purpose of fire exit doors is to provide a clear and easy-to-use path for people to evacuate the building in case of an emergency.
Key Differences between Commercial Fire-Rated Doors and Fire Exit Doors
While both commercial fire-rated doors and fire exit doors are designed to protect against fire, there are some key differences between the two. The main difference is in their purpose, with commercial fire-rated doors being designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke, and fire exit doors being designed to provide a means of escape.
Additionally, commercial fire-rated doors are typically installed in walls that separate different areas of a building, while fire exit doors are installed in walls that lead to the outside of a building or to a safe area within the building.
Another key difference is in their code compliance, with both types of doors being required to meet different standards set by organizations such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the International Building Code (IBC).
Protect Your Business with Commercial Fire-Rated Doors
When it comes to fire safety in buildings, commercial fire-rated doors play a crucial role in preventing the spread of fire and smoke, and protecting the people and property within the building.
It is important for businesses to ensure that they have these doors installed and maintained in compliance with relevant codes and standards. This includes regular inspections and testing of the doors to ensure that they are functioning correctly and are able to provide the level of protection they are designed for.
Authority Dock & Door has experienced commercial door professionals ready to help with any questions you may have about commercial fire-rated doors. Reach out to them today to get the right door for your facility. And be sure to check out their Facebook page for more commercial door and loading dock info!
