Fire-Rated Doors

Do I need a fire-rated door for my home?

According to the 2018 International Residential Code, you do!

A fire-rated door adds safety component that protects you, your family, and your belongings from fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide.

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What is a Fire-Rated Doors?

Fire-rated doors are designed to slow or prevent the spread of both fire, smoke, and fumes. Fire-rated doors are not completely fireproof. They are designed not to combust during a certain time frame, typically the rated time (30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes). They are not fireproof and will eventually burn through in a fire.

Types of Fire Doors:

• FD30 – fire doors with this rating provide 30 minutes of fire resistance.

• FD60 – 60 minutes of fire resistance.

• FD90 – 90 minutes of fire resistance.

• FD120 – 120 minutes of fire resistance.

Your door frame also needs to be fire-rated to ensure the complete door combination is fire resistant.

Where would I need a fire-rated door?

The 2018 International Residential Code requires a door between the garage and the home. The door that leads from the garage directly into your living space is required to be a fire-rated door.

What specifically is required according to Section R302.5.1 of the IRC?

• Solid Wood Door not less than 1-3/8 inches thick or

• Solid or Honeycomb-core Steel Door not less than 1-3/8 inches thick or

• 20 Minute Fire Rated Door

The door installed from the list above will also need a self-closing or automatic closing device in order to comply with the requirement. These devices if installed correctly will limit the carbon monoxide or other combustible fumes from entering the home as well.

Is my existing door to the garage fire-rated?

How can I tell if my door is fire-rated? Fire-rated doors are tagged with a metal fire label (UL or WH tag). This label is typically found on the hinge side of the door. Some of the solid wood doors can have the label on the top. The label might have been painted, so check carefully for raised surfaces.