Choosing the right fire door for your business
Fire doors are a lifesaver, so you must ensure your business is sufficiently equipped. This keeps everyone in the premises safe in the event of a fire and prevents structural damage. These doors are designed to delay the spread of fire and dangerous fumes produced, acting as a barrier and providing a means of escape for those inside the building.
What are the different types of fire door?
There are various types of fire doors. Regardless of the size and layout of your premises, there’s a design to suit any building. Each will carry its specific level of protection, with FD30 fire doors being built to withstand fire for 30 minutes, whereas FD60 fire doors stop the spread of fire for 60 minutes.
Steel fire door
Alongside providing your building with incomparable levels of security, industrial doors, such as steel hinged doors, can offer up to four hours of fire protection. These are the ideal protective solutions for larger buildings with a higher footfall. They work by containing fire and thick smoke, ensuring that everyone inside can exit safely.
Single internal wooden fire door
Single internal wooden fire doors are most suitable for smaller environments, such as retail or office settings. They usually have a fire resistance rating of 30 minutes. Most doors are constructed with a solid core, which can be customised with paints or stains to suit your business’s desired aesthetic when not in use. So, as long as your building has a smaller footfall, this is a suitable option.
Glass fire doors
This aesthetically pleasing option, constructed from fire rated glass, is able to withstand temperatures above 120°C – which should be tested and approved to ensure that it can contain flames and smoke. Certain designs will also provide a heat barrier to further protect your building in the event of a fire.
Fire shutters
Fire shutters are another protective method that operates automatically. They are triggered by either your building’s separate fire alarm system or fitted with its own smoke or heat detector. They’re designed to drop slowly and controlled (if installed correctly) to allow everyone to make a safe exit. Not only this, but their discrete design won’t affect your business’s aesthetic when they’re not in use.
Fire curtains
Another discrete method, fire curtains, controls the spread of flames and smoke. They protect the building from damage by acting as a flexible barrier. They’re constructed from lightweight reinforced stainless steel wire, meaning that they can be hidden discreetly above the ceiling line when they’re not needed – making them practically invisible. When the fire alarm system activates them, the curtain will drop down automatically in a controlled manner.
Fire door installation and maintenance
Regardless of your sector, our team of experts are here to help secure your premises with the installation of manual and automatic door systems. We also provide 24/7 maintenance contracts, to ensure that your doors, gates and barriers are always working as they should be. Get in touch with us today to find out more!