The Ultimate Guide to Fire Doors: Fire Rating, Purpose & More

Fire doors are an essential part of fire safety measures in the UK. They are designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke throughout a building, giving occupants more time to evacuate safely in case of a fire. Fire doors are made of fire-resistant materials and are designed to withstand high temperatures and pressures, giving them the ability to contain a fire for a certain period.

One of the main purposes of fire doors is to compartmentalize a building, which means dividing it into smaller sections or compartments that can be sealed off in case of a fire. This prevents the spread of fire and smoke from one section to another, which can help to limit the damage caused by a fire and prevent it from spreading to other areas of the building.

Fire doors are also designed to provide a barrier between different parts of a building, such as between a garage and a living area, or between a commercial kitchen and a dining area. This helps to prevent the spread of smoke and flames from one area to another, which can be especially important in multi-story buildings. Fire doors in the UK are rated based on their ability to withstand fire and smoke. There are several different ratings, including FD30, FD60, and FD90. FD30 doors are designed to withstand fire and smoke for 30 minutes, while FD60 and FD90 doors are designed to withstand fire and smoke for 60 and 90 minutes, respectively. The rating of a fire door will depend on its location and the requirements of the building code.

In addition to their fire rating, fire doors must also meet certain other requirements, such as being self-closing and having intumescent strips around the edges of the door. These strips expand when exposed to heat, helping to seal the gap between the door and the frame and prevent the spread of smoke and flames. In conclusion, fire doors are an essential part of fire safety measures in the UK. They help to prevent the spread of fire and smoke, giving occupants more time to evacuate safely in case of a fire. Fire doors are rated based on their ability to withstand fire and smoke, and must meet certain other requirements to ensure their effectiveness in case of a fire. It is important to ensure that fire doors are installed and maintained properly to ensure their effectiveness in case of a fire.

Get in touch with our Exeter fire safety specialists today for more information!