What is a fire-resistant wood door made of?

A fire-resistant wood door (also known as a fire-rated or fireproof door) is a door designed to withstand a specific amount of time under extreme conditions of fire, temperature, and smoke in the event of a fire inside a building. Its main objective is to prevent the spread of fire and smoke, thus protecting human lives and reducing the risk of damage or loss to the property.

These doors are constructed with a central core made of fire-resistant material, surrounded by fireproof frames, an HDF sheet, and finally, a wood or laminated plastic veneer.

Fire Resistance Certification: The door must have a certification issued by an accredited laboratory, confirming that it has undergone rigorous testing under international standards, such as NFPA 80 or UL10C.

Perimeter Seals and Accessories: The door must be equipped with intumescent perimeter seals (a strip of material around the door that expands with heat and closes gaps), sweeps, and other devices that prevent the passage of smoke.

Fire-Resistant Hardware: All hardware used on the door must be fire-resistant and approved (listed) for use on fire-rated doors.

Frames: It must have fire-rated certifications, such as the American WHI: 20min, 90min, neutral pressure, and positive pressure Cat A and B, or the European IFC: 30min and 60min.

A fire certification is granted by recognized leaders in the construction industry, such as the Intertek laboratory, Underwriters Laboratories (UL), or Warnock Hersey Intertek (WHI). Intertek is globally recognized for maintaining extensive accreditations and global recognition in fire door testing and certification services, with some of the most well-known certifications being: 20, 45, 60, and 90 minutes of fire resistance. Certified fire-resistant wood doors not only provide an effective solution for withstanding fire and heat but also offer aesthetic integration with the interior design of any building.