Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 104 THE door industry journal winter 2023 Doorsets, Fire Doors, Safety & Security How a Door Becomes a Fire Door: A Technical Guide Working fire doors are a prerequisite for fire safety, but what differentiates them from regular doors? Kirk Smith of Allegion UK outlines the technical features that form fire-rated doors as we know them. Research indicates there may be around 42 billion doors found throughout the world’s built environment. Every day, each of those doors plays a purposeful role towards the accessibility, safety and security of buildings and their occupants - but how many people truly recognise what they are using? Doorsets are assembled in a variety of configurations and sizes, but more often than not, they are used without a second thought. Yet, there are stark differences between regular door and fire door classifications, and where fire safety is concerned, it’s critical for users and responsible persons alike to be able to differentiate between the two. Despite their similar appearance, regular doors serve as interior and exterior access points only and are usually thinner at 35mm, while fire doors aim to protect buildings and their occupants in the event of a fire and are either 44mm or 54mm thick depending on its fire rating. As a key element in a building’s passive fire protection system, fire doors and their hardware components are often the first line of defence against fire, and as such, require detailed engineering and testing. Kirk Smith of Allegion UK explains: “From components and construction to features and function, there are several clear distinctions between regular doors and fire doors. Whereas regular doors are often placed throughout a building on accessibility or aesthetic merit, fire doors are strategically positioned to compartmentalise areas of the structure - such as hallways and stairwells - and are designed to help direct occupants through safe escape routes whilst also providing them with valuable time to make their way out of the building. “When opened, fire doors provide a means of escape. When closed, they form a barrier to stop the spread of fire and smoke. To be able to do this, the main panel of the door (also known as the door leaf) is constructed from fire-resistant materials that help to prevent the door from warping or collapsing when exposed to high temperatures. Conversely, regular doors without these materials are highly vulnerable. Nonetheless, for a fire door to become effective, it must comprise more than just the leaf, and will include: • The frame • Intumescent fire - and if required for certification - smoke seals
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