The Importance of DURRA Fire-Rated Engineered Doors and DURRA Steel Fire Doors
DURRA Engineered FD
DURRA Steel FD
DURRA Glass FD
Fire safety is a critical concern in building design and construction, with fire-rated doors playing a crucial role in mitigating risks. Among these, fire-rated engineered doors and steel fire doors are two widely used solutions.
The life of a fire door is much more than just a simple open-and-shut matter of functionality and aesthetics. All doors do much more than control the movement of traffic. At the very least doors have a major influential impact on building and energy usage as well as the general sustainability policy of every structural space.
Doors generally and fire doors specifically have to be built tough and durable just to be able to survive intact and functional to the day they are called upon to deliver their stated fire door promise in an actual fire scenario. Fortunately for most of us, fire doors will never have to perform as a fire door. Nevertheless, to be considered effective, functional fire doors generally must be able to sustain not only the published performance levels of the overall building but also provide the same or better fire performance characteristics than the surrounding
structural and building components in which the doors are sited.
What Is a Fire-Rated Door?
Fire-rated doors are specially designed to resist fire and smoke for a specific duration, usually ranging from 20 minutes to 3 hours. These doors are integral components of a building's passive fire protection system, intended to:
• Delay the spread of fire and smoke.
• Allow safe evacuation.
• Protect property and reduce fire damage.
Fire-rated doors are typically classified into two main types:
• Engineered Fire-Rated Doors: Constructed using materials like wood, composite, or glass, these doors often prioritize aesthetics alongside functionality.
• Steel Fire-Rated Doors: Built from durable steel, these are heavy-duty solutions designed for maximum fire resistance and structural integrity.
• Delay the spread of fire and smoke.
• Allow safe evacuation.
• Protect property and reduce fire damage.
Fire-rated doors are typically classified into two main types:
• Engineered Fire-Rated Doors: Constructed using materials like wood, composite, or glass, these doors often prioritize aesthetics alongside functionality.
• Steel Fire-Rated Doors: Built from durable steel, these are heavy-duty solutions designed for maximum fire resistance and structural integrity.
The Importance of Fire-Rated Doors
Safety and Protection
Fire-rated doors save lives by:
• Containing the fire within a specific compartment, giving occupants time to evacuate.
• Minimizing smoke inhalation, the leading cause of fire-related fatalities.
Fire-rated doors save lives by:
• Containing the fire within a specific compartment, giving occupants time to evacuate.
• Minimizing smoke inhalation, the leading cause of fire-related fatalities.
Fire Door Features
Fire Rated Panick Bar
Fire Rated Exit Devise Lockable
Fire Rated Vision Panel
Fire Intumescent Strip
Fire Rated Door Closer
Fire Rated Door Hinges
Compliance with Regulations
Building codes globally mandate the use of fire-rated doors in commercial, industrial, and residential buildings. These doors ensure compliance with safety standards like UL, BS 476, and NFPA 80.
Fire Regulation in Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, fire door standards are governed by the Construction Industry Development Authority (CIDA) Act No.33 of 2014, which outlines the minimum requirements for fire protection design and construction in buildings. The specific guidelines for fire doors are detailed in the following documents: (Latest Revision in 2018)
• Fire Regulations (CIDA/DEV/14): This document covers mandatory requirements such as means of escape, structural fire precautions, fire detection and alarm systems, fire protection and suppression systems, accessibility for firefighting, and the inspection, maintenance, and testing of active and passive fire protection facilities.
• Fire Specifications (SCA/9): This document provides the minimum technical specifications required to ensure the optimal performance and quality of fire detection, protection, and suppression systems as stated in the Fire Regulations (CIDA/DEV/14).
Building codes globally mandate the use of fire-rated doors in commercial, industrial, and residential buildings. These doors ensure compliance with safety standards like UL, BS 476, and NFPA 80.
Fire Regulation in Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, fire door standards are governed by the Construction Industry Development Authority (CIDA) Act No.33 of 2014, which outlines the minimum requirements for fire protection design and construction in buildings. The specific guidelines for fire doors are detailed in the following documents: (Latest Revision in 2018)
• Fire Regulations (CIDA/DEV/14): This document covers mandatory requirements such as means of escape, structural fire precautions, fire detection and alarm systems, fire protection and suppression systems, accessibility for firefighting, and the inspection, maintenance, and testing of active and passive fire protection facilities.
• Fire Specifications (SCA/9): This document provides the minimum technical specifications required to ensure the optimal performance and quality of fire detection, protection, and suppression systems as stated in the Fire Regulations (CIDA/DEV/14).
Fire Standards applicable in Sri Lanka and listing
Standards,
• British standards BS (UK)
• National Fire Protection Association NFPA (USA)
Listings,
• Underwriters Laboratory UL
• Loss Prevention Certification Board LPCB
Standards,
• British standards BS (UK)
• National Fire Protection Association NFPA (USA)
Listings,
• Underwriters Laboratory UL
• Loss Prevention Certification Board LPCB
Insurance and Liability
Buildings with proper fire-rated doors are more likely to secure insurance approvals and avoid potential liabilities arising from fire-related incidents.
Enhanced Property Value
Investing in fire-rated doors adds value to properties, as they appeal to buyers seeking safe and compliant environments.
Buildings with proper fire-rated doors are more likely to secure insurance approvals and avoid potential liabilities arising from fire-related incidents.
Enhanced Property Value
Investing in fire-rated doors adds value to properties, as they appeal to buyers seeking safe and compliant environments.
DURRA Engineered Fire-Rated Doors
DURRA Engineered fire-rated doors are crafted from versatile materials such as timber, DURRA Panel is a nonconductive fire panel with a fire rating of 1000 C°, glass, or composites. These doors are ideal for applications where aesthetics is crucial, such as offices, hotels, and high-end residences.
Advantages of DURRA Engineered Fire-Rated Doors
Aesthetic Appeal:
• Available in various finishes, textures, and designs to match interior decor.
• Can include glass panels without compromising fire safety.
Customizability:
• Can be tailored to specific dimensions and fire-rating requirements.
• Options for acoustic insulation and smoke seals enhance their functionality.
Lightweight:
• Typically, lighter than steel doors, making them easier to install and operate.
Environmentally Friendly:
• Many engineered doors use sustainable or recycled materials, reducing their environmental impact.
Disadvantages of Engineered Fire-Rated Doors
Lower Durability:
• Less robust than steel doors, making them less suitable for high-traffic or industrial applications.
• Vulnerable to wear and tear, especially in humid or outdoor environments.
Higher Cost for custom designs:
• Custom designs and premium materials can make some engineered doors expensive.
Aesthetic Appeal:
• Available in various finishes, textures, and designs to match interior decor.
• Can include glass panels without compromising fire safety.
Customizability:
• Can be tailored to specific dimensions and fire-rating requirements.
• Options for acoustic insulation and smoke seals enhance their functionality.
Lightweight:
• Typically, lighter than steel doors, making them easier to install and operate.
Environmentally Friendly:
• Many engineered doors use sustainable or recycled materials, reducing their environmental impact.
Disadvantages of Engineered Fire-Rated Doors
Lower Durability:
• Less robust than steel doors, making them less suitable for high-traffic or industrial applications.
• Vulnerable to wear and tear, especially in humid or outdoor environments.
Higher Cost for custom designs:
• Custom designs and premium materials can make some engineered doors expensive.
DURRA Steel Fire Doors
DURRA Steel fire doors are constructed from galvanized steel and DURRA as a core in fill with a fire resistance of 1000 C° with very low conductivity are renowned for their resilience and superior fire resistance. These doors are commonly used in warehouses, factories.
Advantages of DURRA Steel Fire Doors
Exceptional Fire Resistance:
• Can withstand extreme temperatures up to 1000 C for up to 2 hours, providing unparalleled protection.
Durability:
• Resistant to physical damage, wear, and environmental factors such as moisture and pests.
• Suitable for heavy-duty and high-traffic areas.
Cost-Effectiveness:
• Despite higher upfront costs, their longevity and low maintenance needs make them a cost-effective choice over time.
Security:
• Offers additional security against break-ins due to their robust construction.
Low Maintenance:
• Requires minimal upkeep, making them ideal for industrial and commercial settings.
Disadvantages of DURRA Steel Fire Doors
Aesthetic Limitations:
• Limited design options, with most steel doors having a utilitarian appearance.
• Difficult to integrate into luxurious or finely designed interiors.
Heaviness:
• Steel doors are heavy, requiring strong frames and hinges, which may increase installation costs.
Heat Conduction:
• Steel conducts heat, which can make it unsafe to touch during a fire, potentially hindering evacuation efforts.
Exceptional Fire Resistance:
• Can withstand extreme temperatures up to 1000 C for up to 2 hours, providing unparalleled protection.
Durability:
• Resistant to physical damage, wear, and environmental factors such as moisture and pests.
• Suitable for heavy-duty and high-traffic areas.
Cost-Effectiveness:
• Despite higher upfront costs, their longevity and low maintenance needs make them a cost-effective choice over time.
Security:
• Offers additional security against break-ins due to their robust construction.
Low Maintenance:
• Requires minimal upkeep, making them ideal for industrial and commercial settings.
Disadvantages of DURRA Steel Fire Doors
Aesthetic Limitations:
• Limited design options, with most steel doors having a utilitarian appearance.
• Difficult to integrate into luxurious or finely designed interiors.
Heaviness:
• Steel doors are heavy, requiring strong frames and hinges, which may increase installation costs.
Heat Conduction:
• Steel conducts heat, which can make it unsafe to touch during a fire, potentially hindering evacuation efforts.
Comparison Between Engineered and Steel Fire-Rated Doors
Key Considerations When Choosing Fire-Rated Doors
Building Type and Usage:
• For offices or homes, engineered doors with aesthetic flexibility may suffice.
• In industrial settings, steel doors are more practical.
Fire Code Compliance:
• Ensure the chosen door meets local fire safety standards and certifications.
Durability Needs:
• Evaluate the environment's wear and tear potential.
Budget:
• Balance upfront costs with long-term maintenance and replacement expenses.
Installation and Maintenance:
• Assess the ease of installation and the availability of maintenance services.
• For offices or homes, engineered doors with aesthetic flexibility may suffice.
• In industrial settings, steel doors are more practical.
Fire Code Compliance:
• Ensure the chosen door meets local fire safety standards and certifications.
Durability Needs:
• Evaluate the environment's wear and tear potential.
Budget:
• Balance upfront costs with long-term maintenance and replacement expenses.
Installation and Maintenance:
• Assess the ease of installation and the availability of maintenance services.