Fire Rated Doors
Purpose
A fire-rated door is designed to slow the spread of fire and smoke, helping to contain a fire to one area of a building. This gives occupants more time to safely exit and allows firefighters time to respond, while also reducing damage to the property.
What We
Offer
Fire Rated Door Inspections
Fire rated door inspections are critical for ensuring the safety compliance of buildings. These inspections involve checking the integrity of fire doors to make sure they safety standards and function properly in case of a fire. Inspectors evaluate components such as door itself, frames, seals, and hardware to ensure are in good condition and free from damage. Regular inspections help maintain fire safety and protect lives and property.
Where are Fire Rated Doors Required?
Fire-rated doors are required in specific locations to help contain fire and smoke and protect occupants and exit routes. Requirements are established by the International Building Code (IBC) and NFPA 101 – Life Safety Code, and enforced by local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs).
Common locations where fire-rated doors are required include:
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Stairwells and exit enclosures to protect primary evacuation routes
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Corridors and fire-rated hallways serving as means of egress
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Between occupancies or tenant spaces with different fire-resistance ratings
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Mechanical and electrical rooms containing high-risk equipment
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Boiler rooms and furnace rooms
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Commercial kitchens and areas with elevated fire hazards
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Hazardous storage rooms (flammable liquids, chemicals, or combustible materials)
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Garages and parking structures, especially where connected to occupied spaces
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Elevator lobbies and hoistway openings, where required by code
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Openings in fire-rated walls or partitions of any type
The required fire-resistance rating of the door (20, 45, 60, 90, or 180 minutes) depends on the wall rating, occupancy type, and building design.
Fire Rated Door Installation
Applicable NFPA & IBC Codes
Fire-rated door installations are governed by nationally recognized fire and building codes to ensure proper performance during a fire event. Key codes include:
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NFPA 80 – Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives
Establishes requirements for the installation, inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire-rated door assemblies. NFPA 80 requires doors to be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s listing and prohibits field modifications that could compromise the door’s fire rating. -
NFPA 101 – Life Safety Code
Addresses fire-rated doors as part of the means of egress, ensuring doors protect exit pathways and life safety features. -
International Building Code (IBC)
Defines where fire-rated doors are required, specifies fire-resistance ratings, and references NFPA 80 for installation and maintenance criteria.
Compliance with these codes is required by most Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs).
oor Inspections