Commercial Fire-Rated Doors vs. Non-Fire-Rated Doors

One of your worst nightmares as a business owner is to watch your building go up in flames. Unfortunately, this happens more often than you might think (approximately 10% of insured small businesses!). Research shows that between 2008 and 2017, more than 100,000 nonresidential fires were reported every year and led to about 95 deaths, nearly $3 billion worth of property damage, and 1,200 injuries.

Quick Summary: Fire-Rated vs. Non-Fire-Rated Commercial Doors

Fire-rated commercial doors are tested assemblies designed to resist fire, smoke, and heat for a specified period (20, 45, 60, 90, or 180 minutes). Non-fire-rated doors are not tested to these standards and are typically used where building codes do not require fire protection. Fire-rated steel doors generally offer the highest fire-resistance ratings, while fire-rated wood doors are commonly used in corridors, offices, schools, and healthcare facilities.

Commercial fires can spread fast if your building isn’t fireproof. This is why it is wise to install fire-rated doors versus non-fire-rated doors. Here’s a rundown on doors and how they can help you to protect your business assets in the event of a fire. Let’s get started!

Fire-rated doors save lives. They also minimize costly property damage. They work by containing flames, smoke, and radiant heat to one area. At the same time, commercial fire rated doors provide a safe exit route for people inside the building.

In a fire-rated door assembly, each part has a specific role:

• The fire door withstands flames and heat for a specified period.

• The frame keeps the door secure and blocks fire from spreading through gaps.

• The hardware ensures the door remains closed even in high heat.

• The glazing resists cracking and contains flames and smoke while allowing visibility.

A nationally recognized testing agency, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Intertek, evaluates each fire door component. Components include the door leaf, frame, hinges, locks, latches, closers, glazing, gasketing, and astragals. Each item is tested to withstand heat, flames, and smoke for a specific duration. Once the tests are complete, the agency issues a classification or listing that confirms the component is approved for use in a fire-rated door system.

Many detailed requirements for fire-rated doors are present in the National Fire Protection Association 80, or NFPA 80, code. Here are some key requirements from NFPA 80 and NFPA 105 that apply to fire and smoke doors:

• Fire doors must be inspected and tested after installation and at least once a year to ensure they are in proper working condition.

• Hardware such as hinges, latches, and closers must be fire-rated and listed for use.

• Clearances between the door and frame are limited to prevent the passage of flames and smoke.

• Any glazing in fire doors must use approved fire-rated glass, installed in accordance with the listing.

• Fire doors must have a permanent, legible label showing their rating.

• Modifications or repairs must be approved so the fire rating is not compromised.

• Smoke doors must meet air leakage limits when tested in accordance with UL 1784.

• Smoke doors must be self-closing or automatic-closing as required by code.

• Louvers are not permitted in smoke doors.

• Both fire and smoke doors must be kept clear of obstructions and able to close correctly.

These requirements ensure that fire and smoke doors perform exactly as intended in an emergency.

Although many standards and codes exist for fire protection, as mentioned above, none of these are actually laws. As a result, they aren't enforceable by themselves. Still, the majority of governing agencies utilize these codes as their building requirements. As part of this process, these agencies give their inspectors the authority to enforce the standards. The fire codes for commercial buildings at the county or city level cover a variety of dangers that may arise in connection with a fire. These include occupancy limits, which are in place to ensure that individuals can easily access egress points and thus safely exit buildings that are on fire.

Fire codes may also be used to address various situations involving commercial buildings. Additionally, rules govern the distance between adjacent spaces in a building to prevent smoke and fire from spreading within the building.

A door must undergo endurance testing. During this type of test, it is exposed to heat as extreme as 1925 degrees Fahrenheit. This process takes place over a period of up to 180 minutes. Let’s say the door can limit flames and stay in the door frame without through openings. In this case, it receives a rating of 180 minutes, 90 minutes, 60 minutes, 45 minutes, or 20 minutes based on its performance.

Note that some fire doors are designated by letters. For instance, “A” stands for a total of three hours. Also, “B” stands for between 60 and 90 minutes. Meanwhile, “C” stands for a total of 45 minutes. Additionally, doors rated for 20 minutes do not display the letters. Nonetheless, you’ll likely find that companies use the quantity of minutes more often than they do letters.

When selecting commercial fire-rated doors, the two most common options are fire-rated steel doors and fire-rated wood doors. Fire-rated steel doors are known for their durability, security, and ability to achieve fire door ratings of up to 3 hours (180 minutes), making them a popular choice for stairwells, exit corridors, warehouses, schools, and other areas where maximum fire protection is required. Fire-rated wood doors are often used in offices, healthcare facilities, hotels, and commercial interiors where appearance is just as important as code compliance.

Both fire-rated steel doors and fire-rated wood doors are tested as part of a complete fire-rated door assembly that includes the door, frame, hardware, glazing, and gasketing. Fire-rated wood doors typically offer ratings up to 90 minutes, while steel doors can provide higher fire resistance ratings. Regardless of the material, all commercial fire-rated doors must meet applicable fire door ratings and NFPA 80 requirements to help contain fire and smoke, protect building occupants, and support safe evacuation during an emergency.

We offer top-of-the-line commercial fire-rated doors designed to suit several client situations. For instance, we offer 90-minute fire-rated metal doors that feature glass windows, allowing for added light in any room. We also provide wood doors that can be used for corridor and room partition openings, for which doors that have been fire-rated are required.

With our doors, you can easily provide an extra layer of safety for your building occupants. In addition, you can increase your chances of protecting your business assets. Contact us to discover more about our comprehensive range of commercial fire-rated door options and select the ideal ones for your specific needs today. Check out our video on fire rated doors here.