What Types of Fire-Rated Access Doors Are Suitable for Canadian Commercial Buildings?

Fire-rated access doors with ratings from 45 minutes to 3 hours are available, meeting Canadian fire safety standards for commercial properties. These doors help maintain building integrity and safety during fires by delaying the spread of flames and smoke.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of fire-rated access doors suitable for Canadian commercial buildings, helping you make informed decisions.

The Role of Fire-Rated Access Doors in Commercial Buildings

The primary role of a fire-rated access door is to slow the spread of fire and smoke for a specific period, typically measured in minutes or hours. This capability provides valuable time for evacuation and firefighting efforts while limiting damage to the building.

A fire-rated access door is also important for compliance with the National Building Code of Canada, a legal requirement for commercial properties. This code outlines the specific requirements for fire-rated access doors to ensure adequate fire protection.

Proper installation and maintenance of this access door contribute significantly to occupant safety and effective risk management.

Types of Fire-Rated Access Doors for Commercial Use

Fire-rated access doors come in various types based on their fire resistance rating, surface type, application, and intended purpose. Let’s explore each of them below.

Based on Rating

• 45-Minute Fire-Rated Access Doors: These doors are suitable for general-purpose access points within commercial buildings, such as offices.

• 1-Hour Fire-Rated Access Doors: They are commonly required for critical areas like stairwells and corridors, providing extra protection during emergencies.

• 1-1/2-Hour Fire-Rated Access Doors: These doors are ideal for areas requiring extended fire protection, such as storage and mechanical rooms.

• 2-Hour Fire-Rated Access Doors: They are used in high-hazard areas such as server rooms and mechanical spaces, where critical equipment or operations are located.

• 3-Hour Fire-Rated Access Doors: These access doors are typically reserved for the most critical areas, like firewalls, where maximum fire resistance is essential to prevent fire spread between buildings or compartments.

If you need a high-performance door, ADC-FD3RF 3h Fire-Rated Recessed Flange Door is a great option. It is designed to provide exceptional fire protection for up to 3 hours. This door is often combined with a smoke vent to ensure efficient smoke removal and a safe environment.

Based on the Surface Type

• Fire-Rated Drywall Access Doors: These are a common and cost-effective option for interior walls and ceilings. They are typically constructed with a steel frame and gypsum board core, providing adequate fire resistance.

• Fire-Rated Plaster Access Doors: Like drywall access doors, plaster fire-rated access doors may require additional support or reinforcement, especially in older buildings. They are often used in historic or heritage buildings to maintain the original aesthetic.

• All-Surface Fire-Rated Access Doors: These access doors are versatile options that can be installed in various settings. Some manufacturers offer fire-rated access doors with multiple surface types, allowing for flexibility in design and installation.

Based on Application

• Fire-Rated Ceiling Access Doors: These are used to access plenum spaces, HVAC systems, and other areas above the ceiling. They are typically lightweight and easy to operate.

• Fire-Rated Floor Access Doors: They provide access to underground utilities, crawl spaces, and mechanical rooms. Floor access doors are often heavy-duty and designed to withstand heavy loads.

• Fire-Rated Wall Access Doors: These doors are used for general access to rooms, closets, and equipment areas. They come in various sizes and styles to suit different applications.

Based on Purpose

• Fire-Rated Laundry or Garbage Chute Access Doors: These access doors are designed for specific waste disposal applications. They are often in multi-family buildings or commercial complexes.

• Fire-Rated Flush Access Doors: They seamlessly blend into the surrounding surface, creating a clean and unobtrusive appearance. Flush doors are commonly used in interior walls and ceilings.

• Fire-Rated Recessed Access Doors: These doors are set back from the surface for a more discreet appearance. They are often used in areas where a flush door is not practical or aesthetically pleasing.

• Fire-Rated Security Access Doors: These fire-rated access doors have additional features like reinforced frames, locking mechanisms, and tamper-resistant hardware. They are used in areas where security is a primary concern, such as server rooms, data centres, and high-value storage areas.

Conclusion

Fire-rated access doors are essential components of commercial building safety. Understanding the various types available, including their ratings, surface types, applications, and purposes, can help you select the most appropriate doors for your project's needs.

At Access Doors Canada, we’re dedicated to providing high-quality fire-rated access doors that meet the stringent requirements of Canadian building codes. Our team can help you select the right type of door for your specific application. Contact us today or call us at (800) 679-3405. You may also request a quote to learn more about our products.