What is a fire door?
A fire door is a specially constructed door that can prevent the spread of fire and smoke from one room to another for a certain period of time. These doors are made of fire-resistant materials such as steel, wood or glass, and are fitted with special seals and closing mechanisms that ensure they work effectively in the event of a fire.
Fire resistance classes
Fire doors are classified according to their fire resistance, which shows how long the door can prevent the spread of fire and smoke. The most common classes are:
- EI15, EI30, EI60, EI90, EI120: The numbers indicate the number of minutes during which the door maintains its fire resistance.
For example, an EI60 class door must withstand at least 60 minutes while maintaining its integrity and thermal insulation. In Estonia, fire doors of classes E, EI2 or EW with a fire resistance of 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes are mainly used.
Smoke tightness
In addition to fire resistance, the door’s smoke tightness is also important, as it prevents smoke from spreading through the building. Smoke tightness is indicated by the classes:
- Sa: Smoke tightness at ambient temperature.
- S200: Smoke tightness at a temperature of 200°C.
Since 2018, all fire doors in apartment buildings and public buildings must prevent the spread of smoke as well as fire.
How to choose the right fire door?
When choosing a fire door, the following factors should be considered:
- Building type and use: Different buildings (e.g. apartment buildings, industrial buildings, public buildings) have different fire safety requirements.
- Required fire resistance class: Depending on the part of the building and its use, a different fire resistance class may be required
- Door location: Whether the door is on an escape route, in a technical room or elsewhere.
- Material and design: You can choose between different materials (steel, wood, glass) and designs that match the overall style of the building.
- Certificates and compliance with standards: Make sure the door meets the applicable standards and is certified.
Installation and maintenance
The effectiveness of a fire door depends largely on its correct installation and regular maintenance.
- Installation: Doors must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and applicable building regulations.
- Maintenance: Fire doors must be inspected and maintained regularly. If the door is on an escape route, maintenance must be carried out at least once a quarter.
