Fire Rated Doors are an important and necessary part of fire safety. They act as a barrier to heat, and flames from spreading from one area to another, helping to contain the spread of fires & protect occupants in the occurrence of a fire.
But what really you need to know about these life-saving barriers, such as how much a Fire rated door cost and the Fire rated door standards & more?
In this ultimate guide, we will explore all aspects of Fire rated doors, including types, standards, regulations, and also fire rated door price Singapore.
You’ll have all the knowledge you need to assess different fire rated door systems that meet legal requirements, maximize your building’s fire protection, and ensure your premises are secure against fires.
What Are Fire-Rated Doors in Singapore?
Fire-rated doors are designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke, giving you crucial time to escape in the event of a fire. These doors are made from materials like fire-resistant glass, solid timber, or metal, and can withstand temperatures up to 800-900°C.
Fire-Rating Standards for Different Homes
- For HDB Flats: A 30-minute fire-rated door is required. This means the door can withstand heat and fire for at least 30 minutes, giving residents time to evacuate safely.
- For Condominiums: A 1-hour fire-rated door is required for condominiums, offering enhanced protection for multi-storey buildings.
How to Identify Fire-Rated Doors
To ensure the door is fire-rated, check for certification labels like:
- UL (Underwriters Laboratories): A recognized symbol that indicates the door has passed fire-resistance testing.
- WH (Warnock Hersey): Another trusted certification that shows the door meets safety standards.
These labels can typically be found on the door’s hinge side or top edge.
Why Are Fire Rated Doors Important?
- Protection from Fire and Heat
Fire-rated doors play a crucial role in stopping the spread of fire and heat, ensuring the safety of everyone inside. In case of a fire, these doors act as barriers, giving valuable time for residents to safely evacuate the building. - Added Protection Against Intruders and Noise
Apart from fire resistance, fire-rated doors also provide protection against intruders and help reduce noise. This makes them ideal for various types of buildings, offering added security and privacy. - Legally Required in Certain Buildings
In Singapore, fire-rated doors are a legal requirement in certain buildings, including HDB flats, BTOs, high-rise condos, and other public housing. Building codes, such as those from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the International Building Code (IBC), mandate the use of these doors for safety compliance. - Variety of Styles and Materials
Fire-rated doors come in a wide range of styles and materials, making it easy to find one that fits both your safety needs and aesthetic preferences. Whether you’re looking for a traditional wooden door or a more modern metal option, there’s a fire-rated door for you. - How to Choose the Right Fire-Rated Door
When selecting a fire-rated door, consider factors like its fire rating, material, size, and design. It’s crucial to ensure proper installation, which is best done by professionals. Make sure the door has a fire-rated certification sticker attached by a third-party company to confirm its compliance. - Maintaining Your Fire-Rated Door
Regular inspections, cleaning, and maintenance are necessary to ensure your fire-rated door remains in good condition. If the door is damaged, it’s important to repair or replace it immediately to maintain safety.
How Fire-Rated Doors Work in Singapore
Fire-rated doors are designed to prevent the spread of fire and provide a safe exit from a building. When installed correctly, they can withstand fire and heat for a specific period, usually 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the fire rating.
These doors are made from materials like wood, laminate, fire-rated glass, and fiberglass. In Singapore, most fire-rated doors are made of laminate or wood.
A fire-rated door consists of the door, frame, hardware, and sometimes a threshold. It’s essential to pair fire-rated doors with fire-rated locks, which can resist heat up to 800-900°C and provide alerts in case of fire or smoke.
Choosing the Right Fire Rated Door
Choosing the right fire rated door in Singapore is similar to choosing one anywhere else.
Here are some valuable tips to help you choose the right fire-rated door in Singapore:
TIP#1. Look for the appropriate labels or certifications. The International Building Code (IBC) mandates that most buildings require fire-rated doors, and you can identify these doors by looking for the circled “UL” or “WH” on the door itself.
TIP#2. Fire rated doors in Singapore can offer a fire rating of up to 2 hours. They must meet the requirements of third-party testing agencies for their fire ratings.
Fire-rated doors can withstand heat for at least 30 minutes for HDB Houses and must have an automatic self-closing device fitted, such as a fire-rated digital lock.
TIP#3. As you Singaporeans might have known, the government’s safety regulations impose the use of solid core materials. There are three main types of fire-rated doors that homeowners prefer – classic, veneer, and laminate. Depending on your preferences, you can successfully pair style with security.
TIP#4. Generally, the Singapore HDB outlines some strict rules for using fire rated main doors. Homeowners must install a fire door when the main entrance shares a common path with the fire escape route. Also, they must replace old fire doors with new ones of the same class.
We hope this helps you to find the best one!
What are the Fire rated door standards in Singapore?
According to the Singapore HDB principal door regulations, a fire rated door is a must when the HDB main door shares a common path of egress travel with the fire escape route.
Fire doors in Singapore are required to comply with the fire resistance requirements set forth in the relevant parts of the Singapore Fire Code.
The fire doors must have the appropriate fire resistance and can be in the form of a two-leaf door if it achieves the required level of fire resistance.
what is the Price of Fire Rated Door in Singapore?
The cost of fire rated doors in Singapore varies according to the material, duration, and grade of the fire rating. Homeowners should purchase fire-rated doors directly from the manufacturer and supplier to save costs. The prices can range from $1000 to $1599 for HDB Main Door fire-rated 3×7 and 4×7, respectively. Wooden fire rated doors can have 30 mins or 1-hour resistance, while metal fire-rated doors could cost you more.
What are the fire rated Digital locks?
Digital locks with fire ratings serve as devices designed to protect against the spread of fire through a building.
These locks, constructed from special materials and utilizing components that can withstand high temperatures for a specified period of time without failing, provide essential fire protection measures.
It comes with auto lock where it functions when it senses fire, if the temperature rises it gives a fire alarm too.
For maintenance and care of fire rated doors
just read the below tips :
1) Check Door frames Regularly:
Regularly inspect door frames for damage or wear, such as cracks, rust, or warping. If you notice any issues, contact a professional to repair or replace the door frame ASAP.
2) Lubricate Moving Parts:
To keep fire rated doors working smoothly, apply lubrication oil to the moving parts twice a year. This will help prevent sticking or squeaking.
3) Clean Surfaces Regularly:
Wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth and some mild soap to get rid of dust or dirt build-up. Also, don’t forget to oil the parts of Fire rated door hinges.
For tougher stains, use a soft abrasive cleaner or steel wool.
4) Keep Smoke Seals Intact:
Ensure all smoke seals and gaskets are in place and secure by checking them occasionally. Replace any that have become damaged or worn out.
5) Maintain the Closing Force:
Over time, the closing force of a fire rated door can change due to factors like changing weather conditions. Regularly adjust the door’s latch according to manufacturer instructions.
Conclusion
Understanding that “fire rated” signifies safety is not difficult. Selecting the right fire-rated doors with compliant specifications can be challenging compared to regular non-fire-rated doors, but it becomes much easier with proper knowledge and expertise.
From understanding contact details to determining which hinges to use, gaining insight into non-fire-rated doors, and being aware of fire-rated door requirements and details, this guide could significantly assist you in choosing your fire-rated door wisely.
So, don’t leave anything to chance – secure your premises with fire-rated doors for ultimate protection! If you need to check out fire-rated doors, contact us to make it possible!