Specifying the correct fire door can be a minefield!
Where do I start?
Will what I specify be compliant?
Is what I specify fit for purpose?
What standards do I need to meet?
And the list goes on….
To help unpack some of the details around these issues, here are some pointers to help:
Establish the fire rating requirement for the door, this is also known as the Integrity rating.
Typically, this will be specified by the fire engineer & will vary depending on the building requirements, whether it is sprinklered or not and other factors required to comply with the New Zealand standard AS1530.4 & NZS4520:2010. Standard fire ratings in New Zealand are: 30-minute, 60-minute, 90-minute, 120-minute & 240-minute.
Establish the Insulation rating required for the door.
Again, this is typically specified by the fire engineer & refers to the length of time it takes for heat to pass through the doorset – including any glazing – to the maximum permissible level. The insulation requirements will alter depending on whether the building is sprinklered or not.
Decide on door leaf requirements:
Fire doors are available in a variety of finishes to achieve the desired aesthetic and functional outcome. The most common and cost-effective option is a standard paint finish. However, fire doors can also be supplied with natural timber veneers, laminate finishes, decorative grooving patterns, or raised panels. It is essential to ensure that the chosen finish is part of a tested and approved system by the manufacturer. If you are unsure, consult the manufacturer for guidance. When detailing door sizing, it is critical to check what the maximum allowable sizes are. Door sizes will often vary depending on the fire rating requirements and on the door configuration – Single hung, double hung or double action. Be sure to check manufacturer specifications
Glazing or Vision Panels:
If a vision panel or glazing is required in the door, refer to manufacturers data sheets for maximum permissible glass sizes & parameters around where glass can be located on the door & in relation to any hardware installed. Allowable glass sizes will vary depending on the fire rating & insulation rating of the door.
Door seals:
A fire door is always supplied with a standard perimeter smoke seal, installed along the two vertical edges and across the head of the door. If enhanced acoustic performance is required, additional seals can be incorporated. However, these must be chosen from the manufacturer’s approved list of seals and hardware.
While a fire door does not require a drop seal at the base for compliance, one can be fitted if needed. As with other components, the drop seal must be selected from the manufacturer’s approved list of hardware and seal options.
Frame Type – timber or steel:
The door frame is a crucial component of a fire door set and is typically made of either timber or steel, depending on the application. Detailed specifications and profile options for door frames are available from the manufacturer. If a steel jamb set is required, it is important to specify whether the frame should have a paint-grade finish or a factory-applied powder coating to avoid delays or misunderstandings later in the process. For paint-quality door sets, timber jambs will be made from a manufacturer-selected species that meets tested requirements. If the door jambs need to match a specific timber veneer on the door leaf or be a particular timber species for aesthetic purposes, consult the manufacturer to ensure the selected timber meets the required density standards based on the fire rating.
Wall type & connection details:
For a fire door to be compliant, the door set must have been tested in a ‘like for like’ wall system – e.g. timber stud, steel stud, masonry etc. Ensure the wall type specified has been tested & approved in conjunction with the doors from the door manufacturer. Secondly, the finishing detail around the door frame also needs to match a tested and approved system – e.g. Architrave finish, negative detail etc., If this detailing is unclear from data available reach out to the door manufacturer for clarity. Early consultation will help prevent compliance issues arising later from incorrect door to wall connections & finishing details.
Hardware:
For a fire door to be compliant, the hardware fitted must have been fire tested with the particular door set. Approved hardware lists should be readily available from any door manufacturer & hardware detailed for each door set must be selected from this approved list.
MasterSpec:
Once all requirements for the fire door set have been determined, Soteria Doors, as a MasterSpec partner, offers a reliable platform for precise detailing and specifications. With extensive expertise in fire safety regulations and a wealth of experience in designing and manufacturing fire doors, our team is well-equipped to develop your next fire door specification.
Our specialized knowledge ensures a comprehensive and accurate specification, covering all fire door components while saving you valuable time. This guarantees a fully compliant fire door solution that meets regulatory standards and performs as intended in the event of a fire, providing complete peace of mind.
In summary, navigating fire door specifications and regulations can be complex. For your next project, trust the expertise of the Soteria Doors team to guide you through the process. Let us help you create openings to success with tailored, compliant, and high-quality fire door solutions.
