Fire-rated doors can mean the difference between safety, and danger, between minimal damage, and a complete loss. Where they’re placed, however, is as important as the door itself. Here are four of the most important locations in your business for fire-rated doors.

1. Stairwells / Elevators

Building codes usually require that the doors accessing stairwells, and elevators must be fire rated. So you might already have these in your stairwells or elevators. These speed up evacuation time, help first responders reach more floors quickly, and there are even features that mitigate the volume of smoke in these protected areas. Try to install fire-rated doors in all stairwells, at least, and consult with a safety/coding expert or professional locksmith for customized recommendations.

2. Garages

If you’re an automobile mechanic or your building has a garage for other purposes, a fire-rated door is a smart decision here. Since cars run on gas, and have electrical components, automobile-related fire incidents happen often. A fire-rated garage door will slow the spread of fire, and smoke, and give building occupants extra time to escape. They also limit damage to the rest of the commercial building.

3. Hallways

If you’re the owner of a medical facility or healthcare-related building, it’s possible that you might be required to have fire-rated doors in your hallways. Again, this helps with evacuations, and limiting damage in the event of an emergency. Installing doors with smoke ratings, and other features can add another layer of protection for occupants.

4. Vulnerable Areas

Finally, the specific nature of your business might make fire-rated doors an investment worth considering. As mentioned above, hospitals are ideal for fire-rated doors because of their vulnerable occupants—many needing to evacuate will be sick or disabled. Other vulnerable groups include children and the elderly, so nursing homes, daycares, and similar facilities are ideal for fire-rated doors. Again, consult with an expert and determine what security/safety issues you need to address – both by law and for added peace of mind.

If you’re interested in additional security tips for your business, contact A-1 Locksmith today for a comprehensive security, and fire-safety inspection!

Let’s go over a few indicators that your door might need to be replaced, and then cover the factors to consider in choosing your next commercial door.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Commercial Door

First, we’ll cover replacements/repairs before we move on to upgrade options, and types of doors. If you’re unsure whether your commercial door needs to be replaced or repaired, check for any of the following warning signs:

• Difficulty opening or closing the door (e.g. it gets stuck)
• Signs of moisture by gaps or door windows
• A draft or breeze coming from the gaps
• Excessive damage (e.g. rot, large dents, cracks, etc.)

Choosing the Right Type of Door

Even if the doors in your facility are in good shape, they might not be the right type for your business needs. For starters, think about the door’s fire rating and other safety features. Would higher ratings make sense for your business? Next, think about the material the door is made from – aluminum, wood, glass, and others are all options. Doors can also vary by function, so determine whether a revolving or sliding action would make sense. You have lots of options when it comes to commercial doors, and consulting with a professional is a wise idea.

Don’t Forget About Extras

Make sure you also decide on any extras on or around the door. Lighting, for instance, can be overlooked. Proper lighting ensures the door is illuminated for easy access in the dark, as well as deterring potential criminals. Locks are another component you can upgrade, as there are smart locks, high-security locks, and a variety of access options. (A master key system is a wise consideration here.) Other upgrades include push bars, panic hardware, top-jamb closers, voice/video screening and more, so make sure you know all the options available to you.

If you’re in need of commercial security solutions, A-1 Locksmith is here to help. Call (972) 284-7500 to discuss your needs today.