Fire is a significant threat to any type of property - residential, commercial and industrial. When it comes to protecting these spaces, there is only so much a fire extinguisher can do. Fire strategies have to be in place to safeguard the occupants of your home or commercial property as well as essential possessions, equipment, documents, etc. In addition to standard detection equipment like smoke detectors and fire alarms, you should also consider a fire-rated door. The fire-rated door will protect your premises, ensure that the fire doesn’t spread and is contained in one area.

What is a fire-rated door?

The fire-rated door is essentially door or roller shutters that are manufactured using fire-resistant materials like timber, metal, steel, glass, gypsum or vermiculite boards. This door can withstand fires for a few hours giving emergency services enough time to put out the fire and salvage your property. Apart from their ability to withstand fire and its extreme temperature, fire-rated door is also tested independently for their resistance threshold. In addition, the materials used also make them resistant to corrosion and extremely durable in any environment.

Fire resistance ratings

Fire resistance refers to the materials used or the assembly namely the different components in a wall – siding, insulation, sheathing products, etc. Fire resistance tests and ratings provide us with guidelines with regard to fire safety issues. Their purpose is to evaluate the durability of the material or assembly in use to contain a fire within a fixed area, as well as to maintain structural integrity. These tests and ratings prove extremely useful as they can help determine if a particular constructed site will give occupants enough time to evacuate the premises before it collapses due to a fire.

The ratings range from A to C, where Class A provides the highest degree of fire resistance and C is the lowest. These ratings are based on time-sensitive tests (i.e.) 20 minutes, one hour, two hours, etc. and how well the materials perform under prolonged exposure to fire.

Benefits of fire-rated shutters

With a fire-rated door or multiple at different entry and exit points, you can give your facility or residence a well-rounded fire safety strategy. Here are the most beneficial uses of the fire-rated door:

• Fire-rated door facilitate quick and efficient evacuation of occupants in case of a fire emergency.
• They can minimize the damage done to the property
• They help protect against the fire spreading, containing it to one place along with the smoke and toxic gases emitted.
• Fire-rated door is tough and robust in nature. This means they can protect your home or commercial facility not just from fires but also from burglars and potential threats.

Where should you install them?

While fire-rated rolling shutters make the most sense in an industrial or commercial facility, residential premises, too, can benefit from them. To maximize your fire protection strategy, you must choose the right location for installation – one that provides optimum protection without hindering a quick exit.

• Entrances and exit ways that provide access to corridors.
• Doorways that divide two separate buildings.
• Exits that open to elevator shafts and stairwells.
• Between hazardous and non-hazardous areas in factories.

Choosing and installing a fire-rated shutter

Fire-rated shutters provide numerous benefits for both commercial and industrial spaces. With the right installation and maintenance, your fire-rated shutter will last a lifetime, protecting your property and everything inside it. Every fire-rated shutter comes with its own rating. It is imperative you choose your shutter based on the requirements of your building. A higher fire-resistant roller shutter would work well for industries and factories dealing with chemicals, agriculture, food storage, and other such sensitive products.

If you’ve been thinking of upping your fire safety strategy, then installing a fire-rated rolling shutter is the right way forward. Remember, fire-rated shutters are an essential aspect of your building’s structure, aesthetic and safety. Hiring the right professionals is a must if you want your fire-rated shutters to work optimally.
At Dura Ultima, we have a highly qualified team of professionals for any of your roller door needs. Visit our website today and speak to a member of the team to help you decide on the right type of shutter for your property.