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. 

Answering All the FAQs About Fire Rated Doorsets

When it comes to protecting residential or working space and the occupants from the dangers of fires, you simply cannot rely on normal wooden doors. Normal doors and windows used in residential homes and commercial buildings are typically made of wood, plastic or other light materials and are not able to withstand the extreme temperatures in a fire emergency. A fire door comes up with a fire-resistance rating used as part of a passive fire protection system to reduce the spread of fire and smoke between separate compartments of a structure. Their simple purpose in everyday use is just like any other door. A fire door, unlike any other door, must perform its prime purpose – to protect lives and offer protection to the remainder of the building and to other buildings mainly by retarding the spread of fire and fumes. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about fire rated or fire resistant doorsets. Have a look.

How are fire-rated doorsets different from standard doors?

Fire rated doorsets are manufactured to withstand the spread of fire for a given period of time, normally a minimum of 30 minutes. This allows time for occupants of the building to escape. They are available in options of FD30, FD60, FD90 and FD120 with a resistance of 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes, respectively. They mostly work as regular doors but act as a safeguard in case fire break out.

How are fire-rated doors constructed?

Although there is no universal way of manufacturing fire rated doorsets, the main objective of every manufacturing process is to achieve the desired fire rating that can be FD30, FD60, FD90, or FD120. The door frame is made using hardwood or LVL core depending upon the desired fire rating and is pre-matched with the doors at the time of manufacturing, ensuring you get simply flawless fit and finish. The doorsets also feature an intumescent strip which works to seal the gap between the door and the frame, delaying/preventing the spread of fumes and fire.

How are fire doors tested?

There is a legal requirement for fire door manufacturers to prove that their doors perform as claimed. This is usually done with the help of an independent third party testing company. A ‘door set’ is built into a suitable construction on a furnace and a real fire test is conducted to determine the period of resistance, whether 30 minutes, etc. This test provides evidence for the ‘door set’ fire rating.

Is there anything different about installing a fire door?

A fire door is a life-saving product and must be fitted correctly. The installation is critical to the door’s performance in the event of a fire. Fitting instructions would normally be supplied with the door and it is essential to follow these instructions and to check that any elements used are compatible including the correct seals and ironmongery.

Wrap Up

These are some frequently asked question about wooden fire rated doors. If you are looking to install high-quality fire doorsets in your commercial or residential property, search for a reputable manufacturer’s that has just the solutions you need.  You can also choose your desired finish for fire rated doorsets from the extensive range of decorative veneers, decorative laminates, and paint. Just install a fire rated door in your workplace or home and be assured of safety in case of an emergency.

3 Surfacing Solutions to Shortlist When Looking For Wooden Doors

In the absence of additional covering, wooden doors are highly sensitive and can break easily. In addition, they have low-resistance against external damage, which makes surface solutions necessary. Surfacing solutions help in increasing the durability, reliability, lifespan and aesthetic appeal of wooden doors. When it comes to choosing the ideal surfacing solution for exterior solid wood doors, be it for a laboratory, university, or shopping mall, there are three categories that deserve your consideration. To help guide you gravitate in the right direction, this blog covers the three surfacing solutions you need to consider when shopping for exterior solid wood doors.

Decorative Laminates

Laminates are manufactured using multiple layers of special paper to give you enhanced strength, durability, stability and aesthetic appeal. Decorative laminates are primarily used for wall panelling and furniture surfacing. Available in a number of styles, such as solid colors, metallic finishes, textures and wooden patterns, they are a great surfacing solution if you’re looking to surface a solid core door.

Decorative Veneers

Wood veneers are thin slices of wood that measure about 3 mm in thickness. Decorative veneers render aesthetic appeal, are easy to install and maintain. Veneers are available in a number of textures, styles, grains, patterns and wood species to meet specific requirement and excite your creative juices. if you wish to identify the ideal surfacing solution when choosing exterior solid wood doors, decorative veneers are a great one-time investment.

Paint Finishes

Another basic but effective surfacing solution when looking for exterior or interior wooden doors is paint finishing. Available in a number of colors, textures, and effects, paint finishes give residential or commercial spaces a vibrant yet classy look. Browse the web and shortlist a few reputable wooden door suppliers that offer high-quality paint finishes.

Wrap Up

Quality, aesthetics, and longevity are important considerations when choosing wooden doors. It is important to choose an ideal surfacing solution depending on your requirement and other crucial factors such as style and budget. Premium wooden door prices in India will vary depending on customization options and the materials used. Keeping the three types of surface solutions in mind, browse and shortlist a few reputable wooden doors suppliers online. Go through the customer feedback and ratings to make an informed decision. To learn more about our solid core doors, write to us at info@greenlam.com or simply call +91 11-4279-1399.

3 Materials to Consider When Choosing Interior Doors

When choosing interior doors, there are a number of aspects you need to consider, such as material, color, texture, shape, and size. Unlike other considerations, choosing the right material for your custom door frame not only gives your home a complete look, but also protects your home from external factors, such as the weather. If you’re in the market for high quality door options, go through this blog to discover three materials that you need to consider when choosing or designing custom interior doors.

Wood

Elegant and classy, wooden doors are timeless and a popular choice. Although wooden doors are high maintenance, repairing scratches or dents is easier as compared to steel doors. Available in a variety of colors, species, and textures, if you’re on the hunt for highly customizable doors, wooden doors are the way to go. Newer options available in the market use a veneer finish over special engineered wood, making it resistant to extreme weather conditions while preventing degradation issues. Do research, shortlist a few styles, and choose custom wood doors that meet your requirements and make your home look antique and elegant.

Steel

Steel doors come with foam insulation that ensures strength and durability. Comparing steel doors to wooden options, the former offers better heat retention, making it a great choice for people looking for long-lasting doors. Although an affordable option, the maintenance and repair costs of steel doors is fairly high as compared to the other options. That is why most people prefer replacing as opposed to repairing them. Available in various colors, the doors are customization to your liking to meet your requirements.

Fiberglass

Most people prefer doors made of fiberglass as they are highly resistant to extreme weather conditions, such as humidity, temperature changes, and dryness. Fiberglass doors are low maintenance and dent-resistant, making them a little more expensive than other materials. If you’re looking to make a one time investment in custom interior doors, choose fiberglass as it is highly durable and low maintenance.

Wrap Up

Remember the three materials mentioned in this blog and weigh their pros and cons when choosing custom interior doors for a residential property. Browse the web and shortlist a few reputable companies that offer premium doors and installation services. Set a budget and stick to it when deciding on the best material for your door. Check out different options and go through customer feedback. Compare the feedback and prices of the shortlisted options to make an informed buying decision.