A Simple Checklist for Purchasing a Fire-Rated Door

Fire-rated doorsets play a major role in securing commercial and special properties and safeguarding people during fire accidents. Unlike normal doors, fire-rated doorsets come with a sophisticated composition to ensure optimal fire-resistance. In domestic properties, it is wise to install fire-rated doorsets in areas such as a kitchen where there is a higher probability of fire accidents. Not all fire-resistant doorsets are made alike; to select the best fire-rated doorsets for the desired application, it is essential to equip yourself with a basic understanding of what goes into making a high-quality fire-rated doorsets. Continuing on the subject, we present a simple checklist to help you purchase a fire-rated doorsets that is ideal for both commercial and residential properties. Read on.

  1. Look for Fire Safety Certification
    All fire-rated doorsets come with a certification to authenticate that they meet the necessary fire-resistance standards. A few common certification standards include BS 476 Part 22, BM Trada and Q-Mark certifications. A label indicating the certification of the door can be found on either the top or the side of the door. Also, you have several fire-resistance standards such as FD30 and FD60 that stand for fire-resistance of 30 minutes and 60 minutes, respectively.  
  2. Check for Gaps Around the Door
    A fire-resistant doorsets should be able to contain both fire and smoke without allowing it to escape the room. For that reason, the gaps around the top, as well as the sides of the door, must be less than 4mm when closed. When it comes to the bottom of the door, the gap between the door and floor must not be more than 8mm and you must also not be able to see light under the door when it closed.  
  3. Intumescent Seals must be Intact
    Intumescent seals expand when subjected to extreme temperatures during a fire preventing smoke and fire from escaping the room. A fire-resistant doorset is handicapped without an intumescent seal. When shopping for a fire-proof doorset, check along the corners of the doors to see if the intumescent seal is properly intact without any signs of damage. Pay special attention to the edges.  
  4. See if the Door Hinges are Perfectly Fixed
    Door must ideally come with three or more hinges that are perfectly installed and firmly fitted. Look for any broken or missing screws. When installing the door, make sure that the opening and closing mechanism works flawlessly and evaluate whether or not it can withstand the intensity of a fire accident. It is wise to buy fire-proof doorsets which include a factory finished pair of a door and door frame. 
  5. Close and See if it Fits the Frame Perfectly
    As mentioned previously, it is highly recommended to buy a factory finished set of a door and a door frame. This way, you can be sure that the door will fit the frame perfectly. After installing a fire-resistant doorset, check if the door fits the frame perfectly and closes fully. In the wake of a fire accident, your door must close completely for optimal fire protection. To check the effectiveness of a door, open it halfway through and let go; see if it closes properly by itself. 

Wrap Up
Fire accidents are devastating and wreak havoc by causing loss of life, property, and money. Installing fire-rated doorsets can help you combat fire accidents and improve the overall safety and security of your property. To get real value for your money, it is wise to invest in a good quality doorset that includes a factory finished door and door frame. Reach out to India’s top manufacturer of wooden fire resistant doorsets offering a door and door frame as a factory finished doorset

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