A Guide to Commercial Fire-Rated Doors

Why Do You Need a Fire Door in Commercial Properties?

A fire door is designed to act as a barrier against flames, smoke or heat caused by a fire. By installing fire-rated doors in commercial buildings, offices, retail spaces or factories, you can prevent a fire from spreading quickly throughout a building and allow occupants time to evacuate.

Australian Standards for Commercial Fire Doors

Fire door requirements in commercial buildings are determined by Australian Standard AS 1905.1:2015. This regulation is designed to ensure openings can resist and prevent a fire from spreading to other areas of a building. Fire Rated doors are given a Fire Resistance Level (FRL) based on structural adequacy, integrity and insulation which specifies the length of time it can withstand fire and feel cool to touch.

Types of Fire Doors

Commercial fire-rated doors are available in a range of finishes to suit the aesthetics, cost and use within a property. For instance, a retail business may prefer glass fire doors, apartment buildings might opt for hardwood doors and steel fire doors are commonly used in kitchens and hospitals where the surfaces can be easily wiped down.

Key Features to Installing a Fire Door

• Withstand heat exposure for 1, 2, 3 or 4 hours to meet AS1905
• Gaps between frames cannot exceed 3mm
• Clearance to sill must not exceed 10mm and no less than 3mm
• Fire-resistant door seal designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke
• Hinges must be fire resistant
• Fire-rated automatic door closer should close firmly from a halfway-open position
• Door locks must not lock from the outside
• Fire-rated steel frames to prevent combustion
• Fire Door ‘Keep Shut’ Sign

Fire Door Maintenance

Commercial fire doors must be inspected and maintained every 6 months to ensure they are functional and compliant. However, it’s important to check with local council requirements as the rules may differ from state to state and depending on the type of building.

Commercial Fire-Rated Doors from Bowens

If you are looking for fire-rated doors for a commercial property, Bowens has a dedicated team of door specialists that can offer you a comprehensive list of fire doors, fire-rated door frames, custom doors and custom door frames.

For more information or to discuss your options when it comes to commercial or custom doors, feel free to contact your local Bowens store today.