Structure fires can do massive damage to any building. Many people might assume that fires are not common in businesses, but that is not the case.
The National Fire Protection Association reports that an average of 3,340 fires happen in office buildings each year. In industrial and manufacturing buildings, the yearly average is 37,910 fires. Commercial fire-rated doors can make a difference in the outcome of a building fire.
What are Commercial Fire-Rated Doors
A commercial fire-rated door is a door that, when it is properly installed, will not catch fire for a limited amount of time. The average time range of a fire-rated door is 20-90 minutes. Some doors can withstand fire for three hours. There are specific requirements for a door to be fire-rated.
Fire-rated doors can be made from steel, aluminum, or gypsum. Some doors will have an intumescent seal around the edges. This seal will expand when the temperature is hotter than 392 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). This seals the gap between the door and the frame.
What is the Difference Between a Fire-Rated Door and a Fire Exit Door?
A commercial fire-rated door is made of material to stop the spread of a fire for a certain amount of time. A fire exit door is designed to allow people to quickly exit from a building. In some places, a fire exit door can be fire-rated, but that is not always the case.
Where Should Fire-Rated Doors be Placed?
There are specific spots in a building that should have commercial fire-rated doors in place. Doorways that divide two buildings should have a fire-rated door. Doors that go to stairwells and elevator shafts should be fire-rated.
Fire-rated doors should also separate non-hazardous areas from hazardous sections of a factory. Any flammable or dangerous chemicals should be kept out of the non-hazardous area. This would include any building that has both a manufacturing area and an office area.
If a building has a research area with a lab or testing area that uses flammable materials, a fire-rated door should separate those areas from the rest of the building. Fire-rated doors should be inspected every year to make sure they are in proper working condition.
The Benefits of a Fire-Rated Door
Commercial fire-rated doors can save lives and protect property from fire damage. The fire-rated door will slow the spread of a fire so that people can safely exit the building. This also allows time for emergency service to arrive and start to put out the fire before it spreads to other parts of the building. Fire-rated doors also slow the spread of smoke or any toxic gases the fire may produce.
Commercial Fire-Rated Doors are a Good Investment for Your Business
No one wants to experience a fire in their building, but it happens, and you should be prepared. Commercial fire-rated doors slow down the spread of fire and smoke. This gives people time to get out of the building and reduces fire damage. Keep your building safer with fire-rated doors.