Fire doors are an essential component of every building’s safety protocol and an indispensable part of the fire protection strategy. Fire doors are not like regular building doors and hence require special installation. They are expertly engineered products designed to be installed exactly as specified if they are to function correctly. The doors should be installed by a professional specifically trained in fire door installations and who recognizes their responsibility in doing it correctly. You can find such professionals at Capital Fire Doors. The following are four things you should know about fire door installation:
Exit and Entrance Labels
You should check the fire door label before installing one to ensure you have the correct information. Exit and entrance labels contain information like ratings, company name, the fire certificate number, and a unique sequential number.They have ratings which is a crucial factor to consider when installing exit and entrances on your property. The rating you choose will largely depend on your building. The higher the rating, the better, as it offers maximum protection. The fire certificate number is crucial as you can use it to check the validity of the door’s certification.
Certification
You should pay special attention to the fire door’s certification during installation. All certified exit and entrances will have specific instructions for installation that the installer should follow vehemently. A third-party certification check is hence crucial to ascertain the certification so the installation can be done using the proper instructions.
Other components of the door, for example, hinges and closers, must also have the requisite certification for proper installation of the door. In addition to being CE marked, they should also be compatible with the specific door to ensure correct installation.
Modification of Parts
You should be extremely careful about any modifications to the exit and entrance before and during installation. As mentioned above, fire doors have certification meaning specifications they must adhere to for proper installation.
You should know that any modifications to the door will make the current certification null and void. These modifications may include the installation of new frames, seals, or visions. Therefore, you should buy the door and its accompanying parts with the proper specifications to ensure certification. It is the best way to ensure your exits and entrances are safe and up to code.
The Gap
It is paramount to ensure the gap between the door frame and the wall is suitable for the entire frame’s perimeter. The gap should be correct and even around the entire door frame. The purpose of having the right space for the gap is to ensure the seals fit as necessary.
A 3 – 4 millimeter gap around the door is recommended by most door manufacturers. If the gap is bigger, smoke will pass through the exits and entrances. If it is a stud wall, the door should be lined with timber or plasterboard.
Installing fire exits and entrances is a complex endeavor that should be done by a professional. Knowing the above tips should help your decision when selecting an installer. Reach out to Capital Fire Doors for more information.
