20-Minute Fire-Rated Door Requirements: Comprehensive Guide
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
What Are the 20-Minute Fire-Rated Door Requirements?
The garage entry door to the house is like no other door in your house. It must meet the 20-minute fire-rated door requirements, as per the code. But what are 20-minute fire-rated door requirements?
The 20-minute fire-rated door requirement is that the garage entry door assembly must slow or stop the spread of flames and smoke from the garage to the house for at least 20 minutes.
The entire door assembly, including the door, the frame, the hardware, and the components, must pass the test.
The actual material of the door, frame, hardware & components is not important. The door or frame material could be steel, wood, aluminum, or fiberglass.
Any material can be used as long as each item and the complete system meets the 20-minute fire-rated door requirements.
The tests must be conducted by a certified, independent test facility following the test parameters laid out by the Underwriters Laboratory (UL).
The entire door assembly specimen is exposed to a standard fire exposure controlled to achieve specified temperatures throughout a specified time, followed by the application of a specified standard fire hose stream.
To be approved as a 20-minute fire-rated door, the assembly must stay intact in the frame and the flames should not reach the other side. However, the standard fire hose stream test is not applicable for a 20-minute rating.
While the actual fire scenario will vary from case to case, the test provides a relative measure of the fire performance of door assemblies under these specified fire exposure conditions.
What Is the Difference Between UL 10B and UL 10C?
The difference in the method of testing between UL 10B and UL 10C is that
UL 10B Test
During the UL 10B test, Fire Tests of Door Assemblies, the neutral pressure plane is maintained near the top of the fire door assembly.
UL 10C Test
During the UL 10C test, Positive Fire Pressure Tests of Door Assemblies, the neutral pressure plane is maintained at a height of 40” from the floor. This produces conditions that are more similar to what occurs during a structure fire.
The International Building Code (IBC) requires that fire-rated doors be tested as per UL 10C or NFPA 252 (Standard Methods of Fire Tests of Door Assemblies).
A few words about Reeb®
- one of the largest distributors of custom Millwork products on the East Coast
- a family-owned business that has been around for over 100 years
- they stock more products, offer shorter lead times, more options, and better support
Products & Brands Stocked
- Therma-Tru® Doors
- Simpson® exterior door product in four species
- Ponderosa Pine Doors
- Flush and Molded doors from Steves and Sons
- The full line-up of top-selling Larson® Storm Doors
- Hardware from top industry brands like Schlage®, Baldwin® and Tru-Lock™
- Columns, porch posts, and rail systems by HB&G®
- More frames in more options and specifications than anyone else
Do Fire-Rated Doors Need Fire-Rated Frames?
The test method, whether UL 10B or UL 10C is always conducted on the “fire-rated door assembly”, not just the door. The assembly comprises of
- Door
- Glass Panels in the Door
- Transom & Sidelight Assemblies
- Door Frame
- Builders / Exit Hardware
- Hinges
- Latching / Closing / Hold Open Devices
The opening between the garage and the house must be equipped with a door complying with Section R302.5.1 of the 2018 edition of the International Residential Code (IRC).
Some other 20-minute fire-rated door requirements are:
- Must be self-closing or automatic closing
- Must be positive latching
- Must remain closed during a fire
Make sure that you purchase and install a complete 20-minute fire-rated door assembly that meets all the requirements. You can ensure that by checking the labels.
Do 20-Minute Fire-rated Doors Require a Label?
Yes. One of the 20-minute fire-rated door requirements is that all components are labeled, at specific locations, to state the fire rating. The labeling agency must also put its logo on each label for traceability.
The labels are to be affixed to the components of the fire-rated door assembly as under:
Door
The label must be located on the edge of a door between the top and middle hinges.
Door Frame
The label must be located on the frame rabbet between the top and middle hinges.
The label is to satisfy you that the 20-minute fire-rated door meets the requirements. Bear in mind that the label is unlikely to survive an actual fire.
NOTE: The above information has been obtained from STEEL DOOR INSTITUTE BLOG
Looking to buy a high quality, professional 20-minute fire-rated door, check out 20 Minute Fire Rated Plain Sliced White Maple Flush Wood Door and Exit Device Combo from DOORSFORPROS.
Additional Useful Information on Fire-rated Doors
Types of Fire-Rated Doors
Fire-rated doors come in various ratings, each designed to withstand fire and heat for a specified period. While a 20-minute fire-rated door is common for garage-to-house applications as required by the IRC, other ratings provide enhanced protection for areas with higher fire risks.
- 45-minute Doors:
These doors offer increased fire resistance and are typically used in areas where a greater barrier is needed, such as near larger garages or adjacent to high-risk zones like utility rooms. - 60-minute Doors:
Often found in commercial or multi-unit residential settings, these doors provide a full hour of protection, offering a robust safeguard for properties with significant fire hazards. - 90-minute Doors:
These heavy-duty fire-rated doors are the highest standard for residential applications and are ideal for homes with extensive attached garages or where extended evacuation time is crucial.
Each type is tested to meet stringent safety standards and includes additional features like fire seals and self-closing devices to enhance performance.
Fire-Rated Door Frames and Hardware
The effectiveness of a fire-rated door depends not only on the door itself but also on its frame and hardware.
As already mentioned, the fire resistance rating refers to the entire fire door assembly, not just the fire door. Frames and hardware must meet the same fire-resistance standards as the door to ensure the system functions as intended during a fire.
- Fire-Rated Frames:
Frames must be constructed from non-combustible materials like steel or fire-treated wood to resist heat and flames. They are tested and certified as part of the fire door assembly to ensure compatibility and compliance. - UL-Listed Components:
Using UL-listed or similarly certified frames and hardware guarantees that the entire door assembly meets regulatory standards and will perform effectively in an emergency. - Hardware Considerations:
Essential hardware such as hinges, latches, and closers must also be fire-rated. For example, self-closing devices are a code requirement, ensuring that the door remains shut to block fire and smoke.
Proper installation is critical too; even certified components can fail if not correctly aligned or installed.
Glazing Requirements for Fire-Rated Doors
Glazing, or the use of glass in fire-rated doors, enhances aesthetics without compromising safety.
However, not all glass is created equal—fire-rated doors require specialized glass that can withstand high temperatures and maintain integrity during a fire.
- Fire-Rated Glass Types:
Common options include ceramic glass, wire glass, and specialty fire-rated laminates. These materials are engineered to resist heat and flames for durations matching the door’s fire-resistance rating. - Safety and Impact Considerations:
Fire-rated glazing must also meet impact resistance standards to ensure it’s durable and safe for residential use. Some options, like laminated fire glass, provide additional protection against shattering. - Glazing Area Limitations:
Building codes typically restrict the size of glazing in fire-rated doors to prevent heat transfer and maintain structural integrity. For example, smaller glass panels are more effective at containing fire.
You should choose only UL-certified fire-rated glazing to ensure compliance with safety codes and performance requirements. These options allow for added visibility and light while maintaining the critical protective function of the door.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, I would like to say that knowing and understanding the 20-minute fire-rated door requirements is extremely important. You want to make sure that you comply with the code.
More importantly, a correctly installed 20-minute fire-rated garage entry door could save lives in case there is a fire in your attached garage.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- A 20-minute fire-rated door actually means a 20-minute fire-rated door assembly.
- Each component, such as door, door frame, hardware, glass panels if any, etc., must be tested and labeled for a rating of 20 minutes or more.
- Tests must be done by independent agencies according to UL 10C or NFPA 252 test procedures.
- The fire-rated garage entry door must be self-closing, and positive latching. The door should be kept closed in case of fire in the garage.
Thank you very much for reading the post. I do hope you found it informative and useful.
