Running a commercial space means safety is part of your everyday job. Your garage doors are one thing that often slips under the radar. If they’re not fire-rated, you might be missing a critical layer of protection. A fire-rated garage door helps slow the spread of flames and smoke between spaces, buying valuable time in an emergency.
Why Fire-Rated Garage Doors Are Needed in Commercial Buildings
In a commercial building, your garage door isn’t just about going up and down. It’s a safety barrier. Fire-rated doors kick in when heat or smoke hits, shutting fast to block flames from spreading. If a fire starts in a loading dock, for example, a fire-rated door can keep the flames from spreading into the main warehouse.
In a lot of commercial setups, fire-rated commercial garage doors aren’t optional. They’re required by code. Inspectors look for them, especially where garages lead into work areas or flammable materials are stored nearby.
What Makes a Door Fire-Rated
A regular steel garage door might look tough, but that doesn’t mean it can handle a fire. Fire-rated doors go through special tests to see how long they can hold back flames, heat, and smoke. Some are rated to withstand fire for 20 minutes, while others hold up for 90 or even 180 minutes. That number tells you how long the door can stay in place before it gives out. The longer the rating, the more protection you get.
These doors have insulation inside, stronger hardware, and seals that swell up when exposed to heat, helping block smoke and flames from passing through. A fire-rated door will also have a label right on it that shows its test results. If the label’s missing, it doesn’t count, no matter how tough the door looks.
Automatic Closing and Reset Systems
Fire-rated doors have another feature regular garage doors don’t: they close themselves when something goes wrong. Most use a fusible link that melts when it gets hot, which causes the door to drop. Others use electronic sensors tied into the fire alarm system for your building. Either way, they’re meant to close without needing someone to push a button. After the emergency is over, some models can be reset without replacing any parts, while others need a professional to get them working again.
If you manage a warehouse, garage, or storage space, it’s worth checking if your fire door has been tested recently. Doors that don’t close properly in an emergency won’t help much even if they’re rated. Keeping the closing system in working order should be part of your regular safety routine.
Where These Doors Are Usually Installed
You’ll most often see fire-rated garage doors in places where people and storage meet. If you’ve got a garage that connects to a break room, office, or hallway, a fire-rated door may be required between those areas. That’s because it can give people time to escape if a fire starts in the garage. You’ll also find them in places that handle flammable materials, like auto shops, manufacturing areas, or chemical storage spaces.
Even if a space doesn’t seem risky at first, fire-rated doors may still be needed if the layout puts different work zones close together. In some cases, building codes call for these doors just based on square footage or the type of work happening inside.
Fire Safety and Building Code Compliance
If you’re opening a new location or making changes to an existing space, you’ll run into building code requirements. Many commercial codes are updated every few years, and fire-rated doors are a part of that. You may have installed a door years ago that passed at the time, but it could now be out of date. Getting ahead of those rules keeps your business from being surprised during inspections. It’s also safer for your staff and visitors. Fire-rated doors don’t just protect buildings; they help prevent fire from jumping from one zone to another, which can be a lifesaver.
Protect Your Business With Fire-Rated Garage Doors
If your building needs a safety update or you’re not sure where you stand with code requirements, Legacy Garage Doors can help you sort through your options and get the right door installed.
We also offer commercial overhead doors, loading dock equipment, and preventative maintenance along with expert garage door repairs. Reach out today to schedule a fire-rated door assessment in Boise.
