Until recently, swing doors were the only option for fire-rated doors. While these doors met code requirements, their swing arc trajectories took up useable space within the built environment, making exam and patient rooms more difficult to navigate. However, recent advances have made it possible to specify fire-rated sliding doors, allowing designers to comply with fire-safety requirements while ensuring an efficient use of space. The following details how fire-rated sliding doors work and where they can be used.
How fire-rated sliding barn doors work
All fire-rated doors must meet UL 10B or UL 10C standards. Both test the ability of a door to slow the passage of fire as well as its ability to resist air leakage resulting in pressure differences.
Fire-rated sliding barn doors work to achieve these specifications by incorporating fire-rated components throughout their assembly—including the use of up to 100 square inches of fire-rated, impact-safety rated glass. Further, by utilizing perimeter and drop-down seals to mitigate air leakage, these seals can also provide smoke protection to meet UL 1784 standards.
As per code requirements, all fire-rated sliding doors must include self-closing functionality and positive latching hardware. If hold-opens are desired, it is possible for them to be configured with an electro-magnetic hold-open that is wired into the fire alarm that will release if the alarm is activated.
Where can fire-rated sliding doors be used?
Fire-rated sliding doors can be used anywhere that needs a door with a 45-minute fire rating and could benefit from saving up to 30 square feet of useable space (and there is not a requirement for “breakaway” swinging doors due to occupancy). Because FireSlide™ from AD Systems can be finished with a wide range of wood species, laminates and natural veneers, it can match most interior design aesthetics. Its resilient aluminum frames offer premium impact resistance, making them a low-maintenance option for high-traffic areas.
Further, with several options for the required self-latching hardware and access control integration, FireSlide fire-rated sliding doors can meet a number of security goals.
A note on senior care facilities
While fire safety is important in all healthcare settings, it is essential to nursing homes. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), nearly half of all fires on healthcare properties occur in nursing homes (compared to around 20 percent in hospitals or mental health facilities). Fire-rated barn doors can be critical in protecting these occupants, since many have physical challenges that may make quick evacuation difficult.
Because fire-rated sliding doors do not require the approach clearances of swing doors, they are easily operated by those with mobility assistive devices. Likewise, these doors meet or exceed all requirements of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) to provide both fire protection and accessibility.
Fire ratings are just the beginning
In healthcare settings, fire-rated sliding barn doors provide a means for architects to meet fire and life safety code requirements. They can also contribute other benefits, like space efficiency and enhanced accessibility for patients. And with several finish, hardware and framing options available, fire-rated systems from AD Systems can complement a wide range of design aesthetics.
