What is a Fire Rated Door?

A fire rated door is a very heavy door made of materials like metal or gypsum. Its main purpose is to hold back smoke and to contain fire. The term fire rated means that the door, when installed properly, is not supposed to combust during a certain time period in the average fire. Time ratings vary and some standard ratings include 20-90 minute doors. Depending upon area small companies or government agencies may determine fire ratings. Certain buildings or remodeling jobs might require a fire rated door. They are often installed in public buildings, in office buildings and in places like dormitories. Another frequent use of these doors is in exit stairwells. Sometimes a residence may require a fire rated door, but this is less common. Doors for the home can be found, but if they are not installed and used correctly they won’t be effective. One thing that renders a fire door ineffective is propping it open. If the door is not shut, it can’t hold back smoke or contain fire. In large ...  more

A fire rated door is one part of an assembly that makes up a fire rated door opening. This assembly includes a fire rated steel frame, fire rated door, ball bearing hinges, self closing device, and a positive latch. How can I make sure that my fire doors meet code? In order to meet code you must first have all of the products required in a fire rated door assembly. Secondly the door must self close and positively latch any time that it is opened. Can I have glass in a fire door? Yes. There are limitations on the size and type of glass you can use. Typically you are allowed up to 100 square inches of glass in fire doors rated 90 minutes or less. Please contact us regarding special glazing products that allow you to increase the size.  more

A door that will hold back a fire for a certain length of time, residential code generally calls for a 20 minute fire door between the garage and the home. A steel door without any glass will usually met this requirement, but does need to have the fire rating certified. Some commercial applications call for 90 minute rating, need to have a steel frame to meet that requirement.  more