A Guide to Intumescent Strips
Intumescent strips are a vital component in fire door safety, playing a key role in containing fire and smoke. These strips, made from materials that expand when exposed to high heat, are typically installed around the edges of fire doors. When a fire breaks out, they expand and seal gaps around the door, preventing fire and smoke from spreading through door frames.
Key Features of Intumescent Strips:
Heat Activation: Intumescent strips react to temperatures above 200°C, expanding to block fire and smoke. This feature helps maintain the integrity of the door’s fire-resistant performance.
Smoke Seals: Many intumescent strips come with smoke seals, which prevent smoke from passing through even before the material expands. This is crucial for preventing harmful gases from spreading during the early stages of a fire.
Easy Installation: Intumescent strips are designed to be easy to install and retrofit. They are typically adhesive-backed, making them simple to apply around the perimeter of the door frame.
Variety of Sizes and Designs: Intumescent strips are available in a range of sizes and colors to match your fire door and building design. They can be fitted discreetly to blend in with the aesthetics of your doors while maintaining safety.
Regulatory Compliance: These strips are required for all certified fire doors to comply with fire safety regulations. It is important to ensure they meet industry standards and are properly installed.
Why Are Intumescent Strips Important?
Without intumescent strips, fire doors cannot perform their intended function, as gaps between the door and the frame can allow fire and smoke to pass through. They are essential in giving occupants more time to evacuate during a fire, and in containing the fire to a specific compartment of the building.
Maintenance
Regular inspections of fire doors should include checking the condition of intumescent strips. Damaged or missing strips must be replaced immediately to maintain fire safety compliance.
At Fire Doors Rite Ltd, we offer certified fire door installations with high-quality intumescent strips to ensure maximum protection. Get in touch with us to learn more about enhancing your fire safety solutions.
