As the saying goes, “When one door closes, another opens.” But what if that door is not equipped to protect you in the event of a fire? When it comes to building safety, deciding between fire-rated doors and conventional doors is something to consider.
Regular doors are normally meant for everyday usage, whereas fire-rated doors are designed to withstand the spread of flames and smoke in the case of a fire. So, which one should you go with?
In this blog, we will explore the differences between fire-rated and regular doors and discuss which type of door to use.
What Are Fire-Rated Doors?
Fire-rated doors are doors built to withstand the spread of fire and smoke for a certain period of time. This gives occupants enough time to safely evacuate in the event of a fire.
These doors are made of materials that can withstand high temperatures and come with specialized seals that prevent smoke from passing through them.
The materials used to make fire-rated wood doors depend on their classification but typically include steel, gypsum, or timber. These doors are featured with an extra latch to prevent them from opening under intense flame pressure.
Depending on their individual ratings, fire-rated doors can contain a fire for varied periods of time. The ability of fire-resistant doors to contain fire increases with their rating. In other words, the higher the rating of a fire-rated door, the longer it can withstand a fire.
While fire-rated doors can only resist fire for a limited time, they are a crucial component of a building’s fire safety system as they can help slow the spread of fire and smoke, potentially saving lives.
What Are Regular Doors?
Regular doors are standard doors commonly found in residential and commercial buildings. They’re not specifically designed to resist the spread of fire and smoke and are not part of a building’s fire safety system.
Regular doors can be made from various materials such as wood, glass, aluminum, or PVC, and their primary function is to provide privacy, security, and accessibility between rooms and areas within a building.
While regular doors may have some insulation properties, they do not have the same fire-resistant properties as fire-rated doors and can easily catch fire and contribute to the spread of flames and smoke.
Which One Should You Choose: Fire-Rated Doors vs. Regular Doors?
When deciding between fire-rated wood doors and regular doors, consider the specific needs and requirements of your building. Fire-rated doors are necessary for buildings with high fire risks or high occupancy, as they provide crucial time for occupants to evacuate safely and meet building codes and regulations.
Fire-rated doors are not usually required in houses, but they are necessary for commercial and public locations such as research facilities, schools, hospitals, offices, cinemas, and hotels.
Regular doors may suffice in buildings with a low fire risk. Furthermore, while regular doors are less expensive and have more design options, they do not provide the same level of protection as fire-rated doors and may not meet building code standards.
Protect Your Property With Apple Ply’s Fire-Rated Doors
The choice between fire-rated doors and regular doors depends on the specific needs and requirements of a building. Take into account the occupancy of the structure, the risk of a fire, and compliance with building rules and regulations.
If you’re unsure about which type of door is best for your building, consult with a professional who can provide expert guidance on the appropriate type of door.
If you’re looking for reliable and high-quality fire-rated doors, consider AK Apple Ply. Our team of experts can guide you through the selection process and provide you with the best fire-rated doors for your building. Contact us today to learn more.
