In 2020, the number of fire incidents in Singapore decreased by 34.4%. However, the number of fire cases in Singapore remained at a staggering 1,877, with the majority of them occurring in residential areas. Personal mobility devices, cooking, and electrical faults are some of the most common causes of fires in residential properties. As such, many HDB units are now fitted with fire-rated main doors to keep residents safe.
What are Fire-Rated Doors?
Fire-rated doors are specially constructed doors that are used to slow or prevent the spread of fire and smoke. They are heavy and sturdy doors made of reliable and non-flammable materials like metal, gypsum, or fire-retardant medium-density fibreboard. A fire-rated door, when properly installed, is not supposed to combust or burn down quickly in an average fire.
These doors are not completely fire resistant and will burn through in extreme cases; however, they can help stall the fire long enough for occupants to evacuate the building. Furthermore, they aid in effectively reducing the invasion of smoke for a set period of time, preventing us from inhaling too much smoke. Excessive smoke inhalation can result in death.
Fire-rated doors have ratings to them. Some fire-rated doors have a fire rating of 20 or 30 minutes, while others have a fire rating of 60 or 90 minutes. These ratings indicate how long these doors can withstand the heat of a fire before they burn through; however, this does not necessarily mean that a 90-minute fire-rated door can withstand fire for the entire 90 minutes. It depends on the heat intensity of the fire and the condition of the door.
Fire-rated doors are more commonly found in commercial buildings, such as shopping malls and hospitals. They are also a requirement in HDB units and must be installed in units along fire-escape routes, namely those leading to staircases and lobbies.
If you want to install a fire-rated door in your HDB, you will need to engage an HDB-approved renovation contractor, You will also need to make sure that if you’re replacing an existing HDB fire-rated door, the replacement is of the same door class.
If you’re installing a fire-rated door for your HDB main door, you must also ensure that there are no gaps around it and that a self-closing device is installed with it so that your door remains closed during a fire.
Benefits of a Fire-Rated Door
1. Minimise Damage
Installing fire-rated doors in your home can help to reduce the amount of damage done to your property in the event of a fire. Because these doors can contain and prevent a fire from spreading, if the fire did not originate in your home and is extinguished before your fire-rated door burns through, the door can help to ensure that nothing in your home is damaged.
2. Protect Your Home
Aside from being fire-resistant, these fire-rated doors are also tough and robust enough to keep your home secure. They help to protect against break-ins and other potential threats.
3. Safety with Aesthetics
Due to modern technology, fire-rated doors are now available in beautiful designs that are suitable for all types of home interiors. This enables you to ensure home fire safety without sacrificing aesthetics.
Fire-rated doors are an excellent addition to any home. Having fire-rated main doors and bedroom doors can help ensure that the fire does not spread wildly to other parts of your home, causing additional damage.
Liminal provides modern fire-rated doors for all types of residential units. Take advantage of our years of industry experience and protect your home with our experts today. Contact us for more information.
