<span style="font-weight: 400;">A </span><b>fire-rated door</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is essentially a fire-resistant door that helps to protect life and property during a fire situation in residential or commercial buildings. It is reported that Fire Departments in the U.S. respond to a fire every 24 seconds. That explains why many business and residential property owners prefer to choose fire-rated doors these days. </span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">A fire rated door is considered necessary to protect a property from a fire, along with fire extinguishers and fire alarms. Though fire-resistant technology is mainly used in </span><b>commercial door</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">, it has become common for residential properties too.  Here is all you need to know about fire-rated doors. </span>

<b>What is a fire-rated door?</b>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">In simple words, a door or rolling shutter made of fire-resistant materials is called a fire-rated door. Not only the door structure itself but the frame, siding, and insulation, will also be made using fire-resistant materials for complete protection. </span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Generally, these types of doors are made using metal, steel, timber, gypsum, glass, or vermiculite boards. They can withstand fire for a few hours more than ordinary materials, which means your property and valuables will be safe until the fire department arrives for help. Fire-rated doors have a higher resistance threshold than standard doors and can resist extreme temperatures. </span>

<b>Benefits of fire-rated doors</b>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">There are two significant advantages of using a fire-rated door. Primarily, it gives sufficient time for the occupants to leave the place safely. Secondly, it can vastly reduce the damage caused to the property. Furthermore, a fire-rated door slows down the emission of smoke and toxic gases during a fire situation. </span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Apart from fire-related situations, a fire-rated door can ensure better protection and safety for the building. Since it is strong, it can also save the property from burglary attempts, harsh weather, and more. </span>

<b>Types of fire-rated doors</b>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">As mentioned above, there are different types of fire-rated doors. They can be classified according to the material used, fire ratings, and features. </span>

<b>Classification based on material</b>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">The material for a fire-rated door can be chosen from a range of components. Modern fire-rated doors come in a combination of materials as well. The major types are discussed below. </span>
<ul>
 	<li aria-level="1"><b>Vermiculite boards </b></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">This is a hydrous phyllosilicate mineral that provides excellent insulation and soundproofing qualities. The significant quality of vermiculite is that it can retain moisture. When a fire emergency occurs, this moisture transforms to steam, thus providing a cooling effect on the door and its frame. Therefore, it can delay the spread of fire. </span>
<ul>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Metal doors </b></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Steel and aluminum are two common materials used for metal doors. While safety is the reason for using metal doors, it can give protection against fire as well. Aluminum doors are commonly preferred for external doors as it is lightweight and provides a modern look. Given its strength and durability, steel doors also make a good option when you need a </span><b>fire-rated door</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">. </span>
<ul>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Glass doors </b></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Glass doors are ideal for giving a stylish and sleek look to a property. Adding fire-rated glazing to the glass doors makes it possible to improve the glass doors’ fire-resistant quality. Though it ensures a bold and aesthetic look, there is a chance of glass explosion when the temperature rises too high. </span>
<ul>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Wooden doors</b></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">There is a common misconception that wood is not ideal for fire-rated doors. Wooden doors can give the essential protection from fire if it is given some extra material protection.  </span>

<b>Classification based on fire ratings </b>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Fire resistances tests and ratings are used to determine the safety level of the fire-rated doors. The ratings evaluate the durability of the material during a fire. It helps to understand whether the occupants get enough time to evacuate the space in a fire emergency. There are three rating levels – A, B, and C, classified depending on the duration it can withstand the fire. Class A provides the highest level of fire security, while Grade C is the lowest. </span>

<b>Classification based on style </b>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Like any other entry/exit door, fire-rated doors are also available in a variety of designs. The commonly-used styles in fire-rated doors include shutters, swing doors, sliding fire-rated doors, guillotine fire-rated doors, and more. A door installation company providing fire-rated </span><b>door installation services</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> can help you choose the right door for your property.   </span>

<b>Do you need a fire-rated door? </b>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Fire-rated doors are a necessity for commercial and industrial buildings to ensure the safety of people and property. It is ideal to have one fire-rated door for residential properties, too, as it gives a chance to escape from the building when a fire emergency occurs. With proper installation and regular maintenance, a fire-rated door will last for many years while ensuring better protection. </span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Though the choice of having a fire-rated door is entirely yours, there are several benefits to choosing one. If you want to have a full-fledged safety protection strategy, you should not go without a </span><b>fire-rated door</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Moreover, it is essential to choose the right location for the door to allow easy exit during a fire emergency.  </span>

<b>How can we help you? </b>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">When you think of enhancing your commercial or residential building’s safety strategy, it is better to work with expert door technicians. A professional door installation company can make the process quick, hassle-free, efficient, and cost-effective. At MacArthur Locks &amp; Doors, we have a highly qualified team of professionals ready to assist you in choosing the right fire-rated door for your residential or commercial property. We deliver excellent services in the installation and maintenance of fire-rated doors in the greater Washington D.C. area. </span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">If you are looking towards replacing an existing door with a fire-rated one, we can help. We provide quick </span><b>door replacement services</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> as well. You can call us anytime when you face any issue with a fire-rated door on your property. Our </span><b>door repair services</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> are available 24 hours a day and seven days a week.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Allow our door technicians to help you improve fire safety protection at your home or business. Call us today for further information on fire-rated doors! </span>