Are You Installing Properly Fire-Rated Doors?
Work with a professional to ensure your installation meets local building codes
Not everyone understands the complexity involved in installing commercial doors. It’s not just about finding a design that fits your space and is within budget when scaled across your property. The proper installation also provides reliability and ease of use—especially in high-traffic areas where any wear down could significantly affect your operations.
You also need to consider building codes when installing doors. One example is ADA compliance. Usually, along with accessible ramps, it means door knobs and access control stations are at the right height for all users to operate. Another primary code consideration has to do with fire-rated doors. This blog explores why fire-rating doors is important and how to ensure you’re meeting all regulations in Greeley, CO.
SEE ALSO: IS IT TIME TO UPDATE YOUR COMMERCIAL DOUBLE DOORS?
Why It’s Vital to Ensure Doors are Fire-Rated
Government regulations dictate precisely what constitutes a fire-rated door. NFPA 80 sets the standards for fire doors and other opening protectives nationwide. Many states, like Colorado, have accepted these regulations with local limitations. Going against these codes could result in verbal and written warnings, evacuation mandates, and even closures.
These codes set a wide range of parameters, including the door size and type and the hardware (like hinges) used in the installation. Not all doors have to be fire-rated in a building (the amount will depend mainly on the size of the building and the local municipality), but builders should strategically spread those throughout your facility to slow the spread of a fire.
Not only is working with a professional vital to ensure your door installations meet building codes but properly installed fire-rated doors will also result in lower insurance rates.
How to Ensure You’re Meeting Building Codes
When hiring a door installer, doing your due diligence is the best way to meet fire codes. Employ a company like Greeley Lock & Key with experience working with contractors setting these up. Verify they are familiar with fire doors and are doing everything possible to dot their i’s and cross their t’s to ensure you meet all local regulations.
A professional needs to be involved during the build and design process to limit the need for change orders to address any compliance issues. They should also be willing to do a walk-through and inspection before and after installation to check everything is up to code. Sometimes, we may advise additional checks as part of ongoing maintenance. Greeley Lock and Key helps ensure all door installations are up to par. We are a one-stop-shop for commercial doors. Whether you need door replacement, installation, or hardware, we have it all. Our team has been providing custom door solutions to commercial clients since 1976, making us the leading integrators in Greeley, CO. Start your project today by calling 970-353-7880 or filling out our contact form.