Fire door drop seals are a highly effective solution to improve the overall performance, safety, and comfort of buildings in New Zealand. Commonly installed on commercial and residential fire doors, these drop seals play a vital role in smoke control, acoustic insulation, and environmental sealing.
Installed along the bottom edge of fire doors, fire door drop seals automatically lower when the door closes, sealing the gap between the door and the floor. This prevents smoke, drafts, dust, and noise from passing underneath, significantly enhancing fire safety and indoor comfort. When the door opens, the seal retracts smoothly to avoid floor damage or door dragging.
Most fire door drop seals are discreetly morticed into the door’s bottom edge, remaining hidden while operating via a small plunger typically located on the hinge side. For optimal performance, drop seals must be installed with precise alignment against a flat threshold or finished floor surface. Maintaining the correct gap between the fire door and the floor—within manufacturer tolerances—is critical to ensuring effective smoke sealing and soundproofing.
While not mandatory for fire door compliance in New Zealand, many architects, builders, and specifiers choose to install fire door drop seals because of the clear benefits they provide. These include improved smoke containment, enhanced acoustic control, better thermal efficiency, and reduced dust infiltration—making fire door drop seals a smart addition for any project requiring fire safety and comfort.
Choosing the right fire-rated drop seal and ensuring professional installation can dramatically improve the long-term performance and safety of your fire doors.
Planning your next project and looking for drop seals? Navigate to…https://soteriadoors.co.nz/approved-hardware-list/
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