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11 Jun A Low-Down on Fire-Rated Commercial Doors
Good quality commercial doors are an excellent investment for your business, for a lot of different reasons. If you’ve decided that it’s time to install a new commercial door, it’s important that you choose the right one. Not only is your commercial door an essential for obvious safety reasons, but it also creates a great impression of your business on you, your employees, and your customers.
In this article, we will discuss all the things you need to know about fire-rated commercial doors.
What is a Fire-Rated Door?
By definition, fire-rated commercial doors are specially designed to withstand extreme fires and heat. These hollow doors and frames are made of metal and must have a closing device and latch attached. Fail-safe emergency locks and panic hardware are also typical features of such doors.
Unless these commercial doors are used in establishments with particular applications that allow controlled or delayed egress, they should allow free egress. Fire doors are required to meet specific safety standards but they may also be installed for daily use at interior locations or exterior entry points within the commercial property.
Why it’s Required in Commercial Buildings
Interior fire doors work by blocking or delaying the spread of heat, flames, and smoke throughout the building. Fire-rated commercial doors are also installed in corridors passing through fire barrier walls.
Fire doors are required on most commercial buildings not only to protect occupants but also prevent the spread of smoke and flames. They also minimize the overall damage to the property in case of a fire.
Because these doors automatically close when a fire in the building is detected, they are a key aspect of the passive fire protection system of an establishment.
When to Replace Fire-Rated Commercial Doors
How often a door will need replacing will be based on the wear and tear it experiences every day. Another important thing to consider before replacing your fire-rated door is its age, as the fire rating and resistance of a fire door can deteriorate over time,
In order to be sure that it stays well-maintained and continuously provide enough protection, you’re required to have these doors inspected annually. Business owners should also remember to always follow the recommended commercial door repair and maintenance schedule.
Should Fire-Rated Doors be Locked?
Never lock or block fire-rated commercial doors. Blocking or chaining them can be dangerous to anyone inside the facility. It may also be considered a violation of fire safety codes.
Using hardware that isn’t fail-safe and fire-rated can result in an injury or worse of all, loss of life in the event of an emergency that requires fast evacuation. Realizing the commercial doors are blocked can be a significant safety hazard and cause more panic to an already terrified crowd.
Frontier Pacific has been in the commercial door and dock industry for a long time now. With the right experience and expertise, our team is prepared and equipped to cater to your commercial door needs. Let us help you elevate your business operations–call us today to find out how we can install, upgrade, repair or maintain your commercial doors.