In the event of a fire, fire rated glass doors are essential for both protecting property and ensuring occupant safety. To guarantee correct operation and adherence to safety standards, fire rated glass doors, like any other kind of door, need to be maintained on a regular basis. We’ll talk about regular maintenance practices for fire-rated glass doors in this blog post, with an emphasis on the inspections and checks that need to be done to find and fix any possible problems.
Importance of routine maintenance
Routine maintenance is essential for fire rated glass doors to ensure their optimal performance during a fire emergency. Neglecting regular inspections and checks can lead to compromised safety, impair the door’s integrity and increase the risk of failure during a fire. By implementing a systematic maintenance plan, facility managers can proactively identify and address any issues, ensuring that fire rated glass doors remain in compliance with applicable codes and standards.
Inspection procedures
While we recommend seeking professional assistance to ensure that your fire rated glass doors are still in good condition, here are some basic inspection procedures you can perform.
1. Visual inspection
Perform a visual inspection of the fire-rated glass door and its components. Look for any indications of damage that could compromise the door’s structural integrity, such as chips, cracks, or dents. Examine the glass, hinges, frames, seals and other hardware parts carefully.
Search for any signs of distortion or warping in the door frame during the visual inspection. The door’s ability to close correctly and retain its fire rating may be impacted by warped frames. If damage is found, it needs to be replaced or repaired right away by a skilled expert.
2. Door operation
Make sure there are no barriers in the way of the door’s smooth opening and closing by testing its functionality. Check that the locks, panic hardware and latching mechanisms are all operating as they should. If the door has an automated closing system, make sure it closes completely and securely by testing the system.
Keep an eye out for any odd sounds or resistance when opening or closing the door during the door operation test. These might point to underlying problems that require attention. Get in touch with a certified technician for additional examination and repairs if any issues are found.
3. Seals and gaskets
Examine the gaskets and seals surrounding the glass panels and door frame. Keep an eye out for indications of aging, wear or damage. A door’s fire rating may be compromised by damaged seals, which would enable smoke and flames to spread during a fire. Replace any gaskets or seals that are damaged right away.
Look into the intumescent seals’ integrity too. They expand in the presence of heat, forming a barrier that prevents smoke and flames from passing through. Verify that the seals are intact and haven’t been harmed or painted over. Should any problems be discovered, get expert advice before replacing the seals with appropriate fire-rated substitutes.
4. Glass integrity
Check the glass panels for any damage, such as scratches or cracks. Make sure there are no flaws in the glass that could compromise its structural integrity. Should any damage be found, the glass needs to be changed right away with a suitable fire rated glass panel.
It is crucial to stress that replacement glass panels should only be fire rated and certified by the door’s manufacturer. Using non-compliant glass can put the occupants’ safety in danger and affect the door’s fire rating.
5. Label and certification
Look for a label or certification indicating the fire rating on the door. Make sure the label is current and readable. Important details regarding the fire resistance of the door, such as its hourly rating, manufacturer details and testing standards, are provided on the label. Get a replacement label from the door manufacturer if the original is missing or not readable.
Maintenance checks
1. Lubrication
The fire rated glass door’s hinges, locks, and other moving parts should all be lubricated on a regular basis. This keeps things running smoothly and stops wear from happening too soon. To prevent harming the components, use the appropriate lubricant that the door manufacturer recommends.
Lubricating the moving parts of the door prolongs their life and reduces friction. It’s critical to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding the kind and quantity of lubricant that should be used.
2. Door closure and latching
To make sure the latch and closure mechanisms of the door engage correctly, test them. The door should latch securely and close all the way. To guarantee the right closing force and speed, adjust the door closer as needed.
An inadequate door closure or malfunctioning latches can jeopardise the fire rating of the door. It is important to make any necessary adjustments or repairs as soon as possible to keep the door functional and safe.
3. Fire door hardware
Examine every piece of hardware, such as door handles, exit devices and panic bars. Make sure they function properly and are in good working order. Any worn-out or broken hardware should be replaced right away.
Verify that exit buttons and panic bars are accessible and unhindered by anything. Regular checks are crucial because malfunctioning hardware can make it more difficult for residents to evacuate safely in an emergency.
4. Fire door signage
If the fire rated glass door has any signage, make sure it is clearly visible and readable, such as “Fire Door Keep Closed” or “Fire Door Do Not Block.” As needed, replace any broken or absent signage.
In order to convey the significance of keeping fire-rated glass doors closed and clear, appropriate signage is essential. It ensures that the doors can carry out their intended purpose in the event of a fire by assisting in the prevention of inadvertent misuse or obstruction.
Always keep your safety in check
Maintaining the functionality and fire resistance of fire rated glass doors requires routine inspections and checks. Facility managers can guarantee that these doors adhere to safety regulations, reduce the possibility of a fire spreading and safeguard people and property by putting in place a thorough maintenance program. Recall that proactive maintenance and prevention are crucial for fire safety. Keep an eye out for problems and take quick action to maintain fire-rated glass doors in top operating order.
Please get in touch with VJF Systems, a reputable supplier of fire-rated glass door solutions, if you need assistance or have any more questions. We can offer you professional advice and support in maintaining your fire rated glass doors.