What Are the Benefits of Fire-Resistant Commercial Doors?

Fire-rated commercial doors are designed to limit or prevent the spread of fire and smoke throughout a building. Ideal for commercial and industrial properties, fire-rated doors are typically connected to the building’s alarm system so that they automatically close in the event of a fire. These doors can be installed in various locations throughout a facility to maximize its safety, including at entrances and exits to corridors, in doorways that open to an elevator shaft or stairwell, and between hazardous and non-hazardous areas in a factory.

hazardous and flammable canisters stored in a warehouse


The rating of a fire door refers to its ability to withstand combustion for a certain period of time. Made of heavy-duty, fire-resistant materials such as galvanized or stainless steel, most fire doors have a rating of 20 to 90 minutes in average fire conditions. This makes them a crucial component of a property’s passive fire protection system. Along with duct dampers and fire-resistant flooring and wall materials, fire-rated doors compartmentalize a structure and increase the likelihood of fire containment. Here’s a look at the benefits of installing fire-rated doors on a commercial or industrial property.

  • They help keep employees safe. Since fire-rated doors are designed to slow the spread of fire and smoke, they give people more time to evacuate and reduce the risk of injuries and fatalities.

  • They protect property and assets. If smoke and flames are contained to certain areas of a building, emergency responders will have more time to arrive and put out the fire before it causes extensive damage.

  • They limit the spread of toxic gases. In addition to barring flames, fire-rated doors seal in smoke and other noxious fumes that could otherwise cause considerable harm and damage. This is particularly important for facilities that deal with hazardous materials.

  • They make it easier to recover from a fire. By preventing the spread of flames and smoke, fire-rated doors limit the amount of damage to the structure. This can help minimize the costs and downtime required to make repairs after a fire.

  • They provide enhanced security. Since fire-rated doors are stronger and thicker than regular commercial doors, they’re more resistant to break-ins and other threats, as well as corrosion and exposure to the elements.

It should be noted that fire-rated doors are only effective if they can close completely in the event of a fire. In addition to ensuring they’re never propped open or otherwise obstructed, the closing mechanisms on these doors should be tested regularly to confirm their reliability. For commercial and industrial property owners, the Creative Door ServicesTMplanned maintenance program is a simple and reliable way to increase site security while also reducing repair costs.


red roll up fire door



Wayne Dalton Firestar® Commercial Fire-Rated Doors

When it comes to fire protection, reliability is key. That’s why Wayne Dalton FireStar® products feature an innovative drop-out mechanism that makes them simple and easy to test. What’s more, FireStar® doors are factory-tested and approved for a minimum of 20,000 cycles, which means they can be used and tested regularly without the risk of premature failure. Creative Door ServicesTM carries several FireStar® products:

  • FireStar® 700 Rolling Steel Fire Door. This fire-rated door is well-suited for a variety of commercial and industrial spaces. With interlocking roll-formed slats, a rust-inhibitive primer on non-galvanized components and a minimum 24-gauge steel hood, the FireStar® 700 is a worthwhile investment that offers safety and durability.

  • FireStar® 700C Rolling Steel Fire Door. This model is a prime choice for openings that require thermal insulation as well as robust fire protection. Although offering many of the same features as the FireStar® 700, it also has three inches of mineral wool insulation between the curtain’s galvanized steel slats, giving the door an R-value of 5.0. This non-combustible mineral wool further protects against fire and smoke.
  • FireStar® 540/550 Fire-Rated Counter Shutter. Ideally suited for hospitals, cafeterias, and retail settings, these 22-gauge galvanized- or stainless-steel shutters provide a fire-resistant barrier and added security for service counters. To maximize fire protection, these products can be paired with Wayne Dalton’s fire-rated countertop, which comes in a wide range of colours and finishes to match any setting.

Keep in mind that even top-quality fire-rated doors only offer effective and reliable protection against fire and smoke if they’ve been properly installed by a team of professionals who’ll ensure there are no gaps around the door and that the closing mechanism is fully operational.

fire door interior of warehouse



Commercial Door Sales and Installations In Western Canada

If you want to maximize the protection of your property against fire and smoke, turn to the experienced professionals at Creative Door ServicesTM. In addition to carrying one of the most extensive commercial door catalogues in Canada, our team offers reliable commercial door installation, maintenance, and repair services throughout Western Canada.

To schedule an installation or service call for commercial fire-rated doors, contact us today at one of our eight locations. You can find us in Kelowna, British Columbia; Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta; Fort McMurray, Alberta; Regina, Saskatchewan; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba.

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