Focus on Fire Doors
November 30, 2008
Constantly investing in new technology and testing, Dortek ensure that we remain at the forefront of door technology and fire safety. Our hinged & sliding doors tested and certified from F30 to F300, combine safety without compromising high standards of hygiene and usability.
The traditional door used in fire applications is made of steel, however Dortek GRP doors are much more hygienic than steel. They are also much lighter meaning they are easier to operate, hinges & closers need less maintenance and the structure not need as much reinforcement to take the weight of the door.
Unique to Dortek, our patented concealed intumescent strip, built into the door during the manufacturing process maintains a smooth seamless profile ensuring that there are no seams or ledges where dirt and germs can gather. Door edges are the part of a door-set most susceptible to penetration by fire. The pressure of a developed fire, drives hot gases between the door and frame leading to loss of integrity. The modern solution to this problem relies on the use of intumescent materials applied or set into the edge of doors or door frames opposite the door edge. Intumescent materials expand at around 100°C to several times their original size and fill the gap between the door and the frame.
Fire resisting, means that the construction is designated as capable of resisting the passage of flame and smoke, and providing insulation as defined under the prescribed conditions of test appropriate to such construction in accordance with the current British Standard 476. Dortek fire doors are tested & approved to both BS476 part 22 and the European standard EN 1634-1.
The selection and installation of door frames is as important as the door itself. Ideally the door frame should be to the same standard as the door, purchased together as a door set as the fire resistance of one may depend on design features of the other.