When you hear the phrase fire doors, you probably associate these structures with commercial premises. And while they are a must-have in commercial buildings, it does not mean they have no place in residential properties, too. Fire hazards are not discriminatory. And once a fire starts in your home, it is only a matter of minutes before it engulfs your entire house if it is not stopped in its tracks.

With that said, having a fire alarm does not provide you with complete protection as this device will simply alert you to the presence of flames. An investment to consider for your home is fire-rated doors. Unquestionably, if you have never utilized these doors before, you likely have an array of questions about them, and you have come to the right place. This piece provides answers to your burning questions about fire-rated doors.

What are they?

First things first, what are fire-rated doors? Essentially, these are doors that are manufactured from fire-resistant materials. A few of the different supplies that are typically utilized to manufacture fire-rated doors include gypsum, aluminum, glass and steel. However, what some homeowners do not know is that fire-rated doors are not completely invulnerable to the heat and flames they will be exposed to. Instead, the various fire-rated doors available will have a specific duration of time that they will be resistant to the combustion they are preventing from spreading.

Therefore, when shopping for fire-rated doors, you must take note of how long the door will be capable of confining the fire. As a pro tip, it is best to purchase multiple doors for the various sections in your home, as this will elevate the fire resistance of your property.

Can fire doors confine the spread of smoke?

When a fire occurs in your home, smoke inhalation is a serious complication that you will have to contend with as well. Depending on how much smoke you inhale, you could end up with inflamed lungs, and this makes it difficult for you to absorb oxygen. Moreover, in severe cases, some individuals can suffer from acute respiratory distress, which can lead to respiratory failure.

Thus, it is fundamental that during a fire, you steer clear of any smoke so that you do not inhale it accidentally. Fortunately, fire-rated doors are designed to restrict the spread of these harmful fumes, as they are outfitted with a seal that prevents airflow into and out of the restricted room.