A Guide to Fire-Rated Garage Doors for Commercial Use

A Guide to Fire-Rated Garage Doors for Commercial Use

Fire-rated garage doors are an important safety feature for many commercial buildings. A door with an adequate fire rating can slow the spread of flames and smoke while protecting people and property. 

If you are preparing to install a new commercial garage door, upgrading to a fire-rated option is a wise move. Learn how fire-rated garage door systems work so you can make an informed decision that promotes compliance and safety. 

What Are Fire-Rated Garage Doors?

Fire-rated garage doors are built to withstand fire for a specified period, typically 45 minutes to four hours. These doors are commonly used to separate different areas of a building to keep fire and smoke contained. 

A fire-rated garage door will have been tested and certified to meet strict fire-resistance standards. It will be given a rating that reveals how long it should hold up against a fire.

Standard garage doors aren’t typically tested for fire resistance. In contrast, fire-rated options are built with reinforced materials and insulated cores. Some also include automatic closing mechanisms that activate during a fire or when a fire alarm is triggered. 

While these doors provide the same functionality as standard commercial garage doors, they also work to contain a fire in the event of a real emergency. 

Where Are Fire-Rated Garage Doors Required?

Depending on where you are located, you may be required to install a fire-rated garage door in your commercial or industrial building. Check your local building codes and standards to learn your responsibilities as a property or business owner. 

Here are some common applications where fire-rated doors may be required:

• Parking structures
• Warehouses
• Manufacturing facilities 

If you are required to install a fire-rated garage door, your next questions likely concern cost and installation difficulty. 

Installing a fire-rated garage door takes about the same amount of time as installing any other commercial garage door. Fire-rated doors do cost slightly more, but don’t let that added expense deter you. It is well worth it to promote safety and protect the assets within your commercial space. 

How Do Fire-Rated Garage Doors Work During a Fire?

A fire-rated garage door will automatically close when triggered. The opening will be sealed off to prevent fire and smoke from spreading.

While a fire-rated garage door will not hold up indefinitely, it can buy time while the building is evacuated. It can help protect escape routes and give firefighters more time to get the blaze under control. 

Since these doors are part of a lifesaving system, you must invest in proper installation and maintenance. A poorly installed solution can fail when you need it most. 

Choosing the Right Fire-Rated Garage Door for Your Building 

At Halo Overhead Doors, we help you choose the right solution for your business. Our experts know local Houston and state-level Texas code requirements. We use our knowledge to identify practical options that are suitable for your industry, helping you stay safe and keeping your business in operation. 

We offer additional commercial solutions, including garage door openers and maintenance services. Contact our commercial garage door company to obtain a free quote.