To properly specify doors frames and hardware for fire door and smoke door assemblies it is critical the proper terminology is used and the correct code requirements are referenced.
Fire door smoke seal regulations.
As smoke spread is an even greater threat to life and property than flames particularly in the early stages of a fire fire doors might also have to be fitted with a cold smoke seal to prevent the ingress of smoke around the door edges such fire doors would be specified as fds fire doors.
Nylon brush or neoprene smoke seals draught proofing kits are acceptable.
Fire doors even the 20 minute assemblies are subject to completely different criteria than the non fire rated smoke doors.
So in apartment buildings where tenants will have to use the same stairwell to get to safety in case of a fire.
For example the ibc requires this limited airflow for fire doors that are also smoke and draft control doors in corridors and smoke barriers.
Smoke gaskets on fire doors must meet smoke and draft control requirements.
Frames used in masonry walls may be used with a maximum 3.
This standard shall prescribe minimum requirements for smoke door assemblies for use in providing safety to life and protection of property from smoke.
It is vital that all the properties have fire doors with smoke seals leading to that common area.
And tends not to rise therefore smoke seals on fire doors are essential.
Smoke seals can be fitted into the door itself or a better option is to apply to the door stop so that the fire door closes onto the seals.
For example for a 20 minute fire.
A door sweep or bottom seal is not a required.
These seals are fitted into grooves cut into the door or the frame or alternatively can be surface mounted.
The official regulations recommend smoke seals on fire doors that lead to escape routes.
If a frame bears a recognized label qualifying it as a fire door frame it may sup port a 3 hour a 1 1 2 hour a 3 4 hour or a 1 3 hour door.
Not all fire doors and smoke doors are required to have air leakage limited to this level the key is to look for the reference to ul 1784 in the requirements for a specific door location.
Opening all fire doors should open in the direction of escape and should not swing both ways double swing otherwise smoke seals will not work correctly.
A gasket is required to provide a seal where the door meets the stop at the top and on both sides.
Fire door seals or fire and smoke seals.
Intumescent fire door seals should be fitted to the stiles and head of a fire resisting doorset.
All fire doors should be fitted with intumescent strips strips that expand at 100 degrees to fill gaps and doors that lead to stair enclosures or protected corridors must have smoke seals.