When installed correctly, internal fire doors are vital to the safety of your home. When closed, they stop smoke and fire from spreading throughout the house, and they are also an important part of marking fire exits. They provide a reliable solution in the event of a fire, allowing the emergency services to fight the fire while restricting its spread. If properly installed, internal fire doors can protect your family and home’s contents for several hours.
Intumescent (heat-activated) and smoke seals
Intumescent (heat-activation) and smoke seals are important components for fire doors, which are used in places where smoke is a significant contributor to the spread of fire. These seals are effective in expanding five to ten times their original size and provide protection from fire. The type of fire door that your business needs will depend on your fire risk assessment and local building regulations.
Active latchbolt
An active latchbolt is an integral part of any fire-rated door. The latch bolt releases under pressure to prevent the door from swinging open. This is particularly important for fire doors, as most egress doors must be unlatched with one motion. An active latchbolt provides a better seal than a traditional door latch, which can become rusted after prolonged use. If you need to install a new door for a fire-rated building, an active latchbolt will provide greater protection than a standard latchbolt.
Self-closing
Self-closing internal fire doors have many benefits. They are highly effective in preventing fire spread and protect exit areas in the event of an emergency. Leaving fire doors open is hazardous and affects foot traffic during an emergency. These fire doors close securely against the internal fire doors door frame and can be installed on any type of building. They are suitable for any type of building, including private residences, office buildings and public buildings.
Positive latching
In addition to fire escape hardware, corridor doors must have positive latching. Positive latching requires the door to latch when closed, and remain latched during a fire. Positive latching can be accomplished with 2-point latches or automatic flush bolts, although manual latches are acceptable when a hazard to life safety is not present. Positive latching hardware must be used in all corridor doors, regardless of their type.
Frame system
When replacing an internal fire door, the first thing to remember is the legal position. If the fire door is not in a private dwelling, the owner and operator of the building have a legal obligation to keep it in good condition and efficient working order. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety Order) 2005 sets out the criteria for fire door maintenance. Fire doors must be in good repair and condition and incorporated with the correct intumescents.