Even a relatively small fire can spread through a home in an instant, causing massive property damage and endangering life. That’s why more and more homeowners are taking the proper steps to mitigate the fallout of a fire before one ever occurs. Installing a fire-rated door is one essential investment that can significantly elevate your level of protection. 

What Is a Fire-Rated Door?

For a door to be resistant to fire, it must be made of certain materials. These include steel, aluminum, glass, and gypsum, which is a type of mineral. These fixtures are designed to withstand fire by being resistant to combustion for a specific period of time.

In general, fire ratings start at 20 minutes and extend up to 90 minutes, although some can last as long as 180 minutes before combusting. This is intended to stop the flow of fire from room to room, which buys more time for emergency personnel.

Do They Also Protect Against Smoke?

Smoke can be just as dangerous when a fire breaks out, so fire-rated doors are also designed to prevent the spread of smoke from one room to the next. A seal around the perimeter expands when exposed to high heat, which keeps smoke out. 

How Can I Ensure It Remains Effective?

Proper installation is crucial when it comes to a fire door. If there are gaps between it and the wall, the features will fail to offer the highest level of protection. The surface must also be completely intact, and the self-closing mechanism must be operational. If any issues arise with the door itself or its hardware, they must be fixed as soon as possible. 

Are you looking for an added level of fire protection in your home? If so, Huber Lumber Co. is here to help. In addition to providing high-quality building supplies to customers throughout Cincinnati, OH, they also feature fire-rated doors from top manufacturers you know you can trust. The staff is always happy to pass their knowledge and expertise on to customers, so you can rest assured of a quality choice. Visit them online to learn more about their selection or call (513) 731-4035 to speak with an associate today.