How Long Do Fire Doors Last?
Fire safety is a critical aspect of any building’s design and maintenance. Among the various fire safety measures, the proper installation of fire doors is hugely important. These specialised doors act as barriers against the spread of fire and smoke, giving occupants much-needed time to evacuate.
Understanding how long fire doors last and their different ratings is vital for ensuring that your building has the correct fire safety measures in place. In this article, our experts will talk you through everything you need to know about fire doors so you can make an informed decision when it comes to your premises.
What are the different fire door ratings?
Fire doors are classified based on their ability to withstand fire for a specific duration of time. They are rated as follows:
- FD30 – 30 minutes protection
- FD60 – 60 minutes protection
- FD90 – 90 minutes protection
- FD120 – 120 minutes protection
Each rating shows the length of time the door can contain a fire and smoke, delaying it from spreading to other areas.
These ratings play an important role in determining which fire doors are most suitable in different buildings, taking into account any potential fire hazards and the time required for occupants to exit safely.
What is the importance of fire doors?
The importance of fire doors cannot be emphasised enough, as they play a vital role in fire safety strategies. It goes without saying that, in the event of a fire, the main objective is to protect the property and the lives of those inside. Fire doors serve this purpose in various types of buildings, including shops, offices, schools and factories.
Fire doors in commercial and educational settings
In offices, schools, hotels and other commercial settings, fire doors are strategically placed to create fire-resistant compartments throughout the building. This helps to prevent the fire from spreading so that occupants have sufficient time to evacuate.
Fire doors in industrial facilities
Industrial environments often deal with higher fire risks due to the hazardous materials and processes they encounter on a regular basis. Fire doors with higher ratings, such as FD90 or FD120, are commonly used in such settings to provide extended protection, allowing more time for emergency services to arrive.
Monitoring and maintenance of fire doors
Over time, general wear and tear and improper maintenance can cause the condition of the fire doors to deteriorate. To ensure their continued effectiveness and protection, regular inspections and maintenance are essential so fire doors remain fully functional and comply with safety standards.
Replacement of fire doors
Timely replacement of fire doors is also essential if they are damaged beyond repair, do not close properly or fail to meet safety regulations during inspections. It’s also worth bearing in mind that renovations or updates in fire safety regulations might also lead to the installation of new fire doors or the upgrading of existing ones.
For commercial fire protection 24 hours a day, 7 days a week throughout London, Birmingham and across the UK, look no further than City Fire. We specialise in a wide range of fire safety services, including external and internal fire doors and exits.
Contact us today to find out how we can help you.
