Fire safety is a top priority in any building or facility, and one important aspect of fire safety is the use of fire-rated doors. Over the years, there have been significant changes and improvements in the design and functionality of fire-rated doors. One such innovation is the introduction of side coiling fire doors, which have revolutionized the industry and offer several benefits over traditional overhead coiling fire or swinging fire doors.
Side coiling fire doors are a type of fire-rated door that operate by sliding out of a coil box and to the side rather than rolling up and overhead like traditional fire doors. This design allows for more flexible installation options, particularly in spaces with low headroom or where there are obstructions that would interfere with the operation of an overhead coiling door.
One of the primary benefits of using side coiling fire doors is their ability to allow designers to open up their design. Unlike traditional overhead coiling doors, side coiling doors do not require overhead clearance in excess of 7", which means they can be installed in areas with low ceilings or in tight spaces where overhead doors are not feasible. Additionally, side coiling doors take up less wall space on the receiving channel side, and allows for tighter applications as well.
Another benefit of side coiling fire doors is their ease of operation. The self closing mechanism within the coil box allows the door to close without power. This allows for a seamless movement between power operated closes and when there is no power to the door. The door's speed is governed at a slow 6"-9"/ sec which is a welcomed substitute to the loud operation noises of old fire door "guillotine" technology. This can be especially important in spaces where noise is a concern, such as hospitals or schools.
In terms of fire protection, side coiling fire doors are just as effective as traditional overhead coiling fire doors. They are constructed with fire-resistant materials and designed to contain and prevent the spread of fire and smoke in the same way overhead coiling doors are required, protecting occupants and property from harm.
Side coiling fire doors must also be listed and labeled by an approved laboratory. This is imperative for passing final inspections within your building. Similar to their overhead coiling counterparts, if side coiling doors are not properly listed and labeled, they will not pass final inspections. Labels can be found on the leading edge of the assembly, similar to an overhead coiling doors which can be found on the bottom bar which rests on the floor.
Finally, side coiling fire doors offer aesthetic benefits that traditional overhead coiling fire doors do not. They can be designed to blend in with the surrounding architecture and can be customized with various finishes, colors, and design options. One appealing benefit is the smaller reveal that sits above the opening for the head track. When a side coiling door is not in use, the only visible components are the receiving channel and the the small 2 1/4" head track reveal in the finished ceiling. As fire doors have continued to evolve, designers have been pushed to rethink how they implement these new technologies into their design.
The introduction of side coiling fire doors has changed the fire-rated door industry, offering several benefits over traditional overhead coiling fire doors. These doors provide space-saving options, smoother operation and resetting technology, effective fire protection, and aesthetic flexibility, making them an attractive option for any facility or building. If you're an architect or designer considering a fire-rated door for your space, especially in a low headroom application, be sure to explore the benefits of side coiling fire doors.