How Long Do Fire Doors Keep Fire Out & How Long Do They Last?

Fire Resistant Doors: The Role Fire Doors Play in The Event of a Fire

Fire doors are an important part of a building’s passive fire protection system. They are designed to inhibit, mitigate or slow down the spread of fire and smoke, thus providing occupants with more time to evacuate safely. Fire doors are usually installed in stairwells, corridors, and other compartments that form part of the escape route in a building.

By creating a barrier between the fire and the escape routes, fire doors help reduce property damage and can save lives. They are manufactured from various materials such as steel, vermiculite boards, and gypsum, each having distinct fire-resistant properties.

How Long Do Fire Doors Keep Fire Out?

The ability of a fire door to resist a fire is measured in terms of fire resistance rating. Fire doors are typically rated to withstand fire for 20, 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes. The actual duration a fire door can hold back a fire depends on its rating, the intensity of the fire, and the material used in its construction.

A door with a 20-minute rating is designed to resist a fire for a minimum of 20 minutes, while a 120-minute fire door is designed to withstand a fire for up to 2 hours. The choice of a fire door’s rating depends on the specific building regulations and the nature of the building where the door is installed.

How Long Do Fire Doors Last?

The longevity of fire doors varies widely depending on factors like the quality of the materials used, how well they are installed, and how regularly they are inspected and maintained. On average, a well-maintained fire door should last around 10 to 20 years.

However, the lifespan can be drastically reduced if the door is exposed to heavy traffic, physical damage, or harsh environmental conditions. Regular maintenance and repairs, like replacing worn-out components and re-painting, can help prolong the life of a fire door.

Signs You Need a New Fire Door

Like any piece of equipment, fire doors can degrade over time and may eventually need replacing. A damaged or defective fire door is much less capable of holding back fires, which makes it incredibly dangerous to rely on. So make sure that the fire doors are regularly inspected for any sign of damage or wear and tear. Signs that you may need a new fire door include:

• Visible damage like cracks, warping, or gaps around the door.
• The door is difficult to open or close, or it does not close fully.
• The door’s seals are worn out or missing.
• The door’s fire rating label is not visible or missing.

Fire Door Inspection Frequency

Regular inspections are crucial to ensure that your fire door will perform as expected in the event of a fire. The Fire Protection Association (FPA) recommends that fire doors should be inspected at least twice a year, with higher traffic areas inspected more frequently. This inspection should cover all parts of the door, including hinges, seals, door closers, latches, and locks. Any defects should be fixed immediately to maintain the door’s integrity.

Ark Fire Protection Fire Door Installation & Maintenance

Ensuring that fire doors are properly installed and maintained is critical for their performance. Ark Fire Protection provides professional and industry-leading fire door installation and maintenance services, with a team of trained experts who ensure that your doors comply with the relevant safety standards.

From installation to regular maintenance and inspections, Ark Fire Protection guarantees that your fire doors will provide the maximum level of fire resistance, potentially saving lives and property. With an emphasis on timely maintenance and immediate correction of any identified defects, working with Ark Fire Protection ensures that your fire doors last as long as possible.