Most homeowners think about smoke alarms and fire extinguishers when it comes to home fire protection, but they often forget about the doors and locks that may keep a fire contained and save lives. Fire safety door locks are an important part of your home’s overall fire safety plan since they keep people safe and can even save lives in an emergency.
Rekey Express are experts at putting in and taking care of fire-rated door hardware that satisfies the highest safety standards. Our trained experts know that keeping your family safe goes beyond regular security. They are always there to help you make smart choices that could save lives, whether you need a Lock Repair in The Woodlands, TX, or upgrade your home’s fire protection.
How to Understand Fire-Rated Door Systems
Fire-rated doors are made and tested to stay strong against fire and smoke for a certain amount of time, usually between 20 minutes and three hours. These doors are part of a whole system that comprises the door itself, the frame, the hinges, and most importantly, the lock.
A fire-resistant door system must work as a whole. Even if your fire door is rated correctly, employing hardware that doesn’t meet the standards can make the whole system less effective. That’s why it’s not simply crucial to pick the appropriate locks and hardware; it could save your life.
Why Fire-Rated Locks Are Important
In a fire, temperatures can rise to more than 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit in just a few minutes. Regular door locks aren’t made to handle such harsh temperatures, and they can fail in a number of ways:
- Metal Warping: Regular locks can bend or melt, which makes them impossible to use when you need to get out or when firemen need to get in.
- Latch Failure: If your latches aren’t rated, they could break at any time, allowing smoke and fire to spread to other parts of your house.
- Problem with the handle: Regular handles can get too hot to touch or fall off completely, which makes it impossible to open the door.
- Structural Compromise: The lock assembly itself could make the door weaker in some places, letting fire in.
Fireproof door hardware is designed to perform and stay robust even when it’s really hot. This means that people can get out through the doors and keep the fire inside.
Things You Should Know About Good Fire-Rated Locks
When looking for a fire-rated lock installation, look for these important aspects that set good locks apart from bad ones:
- UL Certification: Check to see if the locks have UL fire ratings.
- Positive Latching: The lock should keep the door closed even if you don’t have a key. This lets individuals get away quickly in case of an emergency.
- Locks that can stand up to heat: Locks that are good won’t break, melt, or alter shape when they get hot. Fire-rated door closers that close themselves after use should work with the lock.
- Compatibility with Intumescent Seals: The lock shouldn’t get in the way of seals that open up when there is a fire to keep smoke and flames out.
Installation Considerations
Choosing the appropriate hardware is just as crucial as putting in a fire-rated lock the right way. If you don’t put a fire-rated lock in the appropriate way, it won’t keep your home safe. This is when it helps to have professional knowledge.
A professional installation makes sure that:
- The lock is in the right spot and is tightly locked.
- Fire can’t hurt any of the pieces.
- Holes that aren’t put in the right way don’t change the door’s fire rating.
- The frame reinforcement and strike plate are in the right place.
- There are no gaps or openings that could cause a fire.
If you live in Montgomery and need expert help, hiring a trained locksmith in Montgomery will make sure that your fire-rated devices are installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions and local fire laws.
Testing and Maintenance
Putting up fire-rated locks is just the first step. Regular maintenance makes sure they work when you need them most:
- Check locks every month to make sure they work properly.
- Use lubricants that won’t catch fire to keep moving parts from sticking.
- Look for evidence that anything is rusted, worn out, or broken.
- It’s simple to lock and unlock doors that close on their own.
- Make sure the intumescent seals are in the proper spot and are in good form.
- Have a professional check your work once a year to make sure it meets fire safety standards.
- Take care of your fire alarm system to make sure it operates.
To make sure your fire-rated doors and locks are always ready to protect your family, set up regular maintenance with Rekey Express.
Upgrading Your Existing Doors
If your doors and locks don’t have fire ratings, getting new ones is a good way to make your home safer. The steps usually include:
- Figuring out which doors would benefit the most from fire rating
- Choosing the right fire-rated doors based on how much protection they need
- Choosing fire-rated hardware that works with locks, hinges, and closers
- Professional installation to make sure it fits right and meets all requirements
- Testing and writing down what was done during the installation
Beyond Residential: Protecting Your Business
A fire-rated lock isn’t only for homes; it might keep your company safe, too. Additionally, business owners should prioritize fire safety, particularly at key entrances. Whether you’re locking the office door to your workplace or protecting a sensitive area, fire-resistant door systems are essential for safety.
Rekey Express is always there to assist local residents and company owners in identifying and implementing realistic fire safety measures. They have trained professionals on staff that have been installing, repairing, and maintaining fire-rated door hardware for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What sets fire-rated locks apart from conventional locks?
Fire safety door locks have been tested and authorized to withstand very high temperatures without breaking, warping, or reducing the door’s fire rating. Standard locks, on the other hand, can melt or break down during fires.
Q2. How often should I check the hardware on my fire-rated door?
Every month, check your fireproof door hardware to make sure it works well. Once a year, have a professional inspect it to make sure it keeps up to code and functions best in an emergency.
Q3. Can I put in locks that are rated for fire?
You can put in fire-rated locks yourself, but it’s best to engage a contractor to do it to make sure they are installed correctly.
Q4. Do I need a fire-rated lock for my home?
Yes, installing fire-rated locks on doors leading to garages, basements, or exits enhances safety. These locks provide extra protection for your family and property in case of a fire.
Q5. How long do fire-rated locks last during a fire?
Fire-rated locks typically resist fire for 30, 60, or 90 minutes, depending on their certification. Always check the rating before purchasing to match your home’s safety requirements.