Fire & Smoke-Seals: Essential Components for Fire Door Safety

Fire and Smoke-seals: These are essential components for fire door safety, playing a pivotal role in protecting lives and property during fires.

These unassuming components are designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke through gaps around the door, in turn providing crucial time for evacuation and containment of a blaze.

Intumescent seals are strips installed within the door frame. When exposed to high temperatures, these seals expand between the door and frame. This expansion creates a barrier that helps prevent flames and hot gasses from passing through, effectively compartmentalising the fire. Smoke-seals, on the other hand, are designed to block the passage of cold smoke. They typically consist of brush-like material or flexible rubber blades that create an airtight seal when the door is closed. Smoke-seals are critical as smoke inhalation can be more dangerous than the fire itself, often causing fatalities before flames even reach the area.

For fire and smoke-seals to function effectively, proper installation is crucial. Seals should be fitted to the top and sides of the door frames with the gap between the door and frame typically between 2-4mm. It is essential to use seals that are compatible with the specific Fire Door Certification.

Types of Seals

Fire and Smoke-Seals – These combine intumescent material with a smoke-seal, offering protection against both fire and cold smoke.

Fire Seals – Designed solely for fire resistance, these expand when exposed to high temperatures

Hygienic Seals – These can be wiped clean and also provide additional acoustic benefits.

Maintenance and Inspections

Regular inspection and maintenance of fire and smoke-seals are crucial to ensure their continued effectiveness.

• Check for damage and wear to the seals
• Ensure the seals are correctly attached and have not come loose
• Ensure that the doors close correctly and seals make contact all around
• Replace the seals if they show signs of deterioration or damage.

Conclusion

Fire and smoke-seals are small but mighty components in a building’s fire safety strategy.

Correct selection, installation and maintenance of these seals are essential for maximising their life-saving potential. Building owners and managers should prioritise the use of high-quality fire and smoke-seals as part of a comprehensive risk assessment and fire safety plan.