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Residential And Commercial Fire Doors

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Published: January 3, 2007

There are many things a person can do to protect against a fire related disaster. The most widely used precaution is to install several fire and smoke alarms in different areas of the home. However, an often overlooked component of fire safety is fire doors.

Fire doors are no longer solely made for commercial businesses, but can also be used for residential homes. They are designed to keep fires at bay which can drastically lengthen the amount of time needed to exit a home. For this reason, fire doors are a necessity.

When looking to purchase a fire door for a home or business, the main thing to watch for is its fire-resistance rating. This is most often represented by a time frame that corresponds to how long it takes for fire to burn through the door. The times start at 20 minutes and extend to 45 minutes, 60 minutes, and 90 minutes.

Currently, 90 minutes is the highest fire-resistance rating. Keep in mind that this rating only applies to doors that are closed and have all of their parts in working order. If the fire door is open, it won't be able to hold back any flames.

Compared to normal doors, fire doors tend to be much more expensive Prices range significantly between the different fire-resistance time limits. For those low on funds, cheaper 20 minute fire doors are available for purchase, although they aren't highly recommended. Of all the things to splurge on, fire safety is one of them and fire doors are definitely worth the expense.

Fire doors are better equipped to protect against fire in comparison to other doors. Normal interior or exterior doors don't hold up long to the intense heat of fire. Fire doors are also made from different materials. The main outer materials for the standard fire door are steel and wood. Steel doors are great for commercial enterprises, while wood ones compliment home interiors.

Fire doors shouldn't be a homeowner's only line of defense. Homes should also be equipped with fire alarms containing fresh batteries on every floor. Fire extinguishers should also be kept near any area that could catch flame, such as the kitchen.

Another precaution is to always touch any door before going through it. If it's warm, choose an alternative exit route. These tips, along with the proper use of fire doors, provide a strong plan for fire safety.


Sources:

Fire, Disaster Services. American National Red Cross. 2006. 25 Dec. 2006 .
Fire Door. Wikipedia. 17 Dec. 2006. 25 Dec. <2006.
Fire-resistance Rating. Wikipedia. 23 Nov. 2006. 25 Dec. 2006 .
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