Do you want to buy a fire-rated glass door for your project? It’s a good move. These doors withstand fire, prevent the spread of flames, reduce smoke, and ensure safe evacuation routes for occupants. However, to pick the best doors, you must look for the best and trusted fire rated glass door manufacturer.
Before signing the dotted line with a company, ensure that they can help you with products that are fully compliant with the fire safety regulations and fit your specific needs. The safety and integrity of a fire door depend on the entire assembly, including the frame, glass, and hardware. So it’s critical to verify the manufacturer’s expertise at every stage.
Here are key questions that you must ask before hiring a fire rated glass door manufacturer.
What fire rating do you test and supply? (20 / 45 / 60 / 90 / 120 minutes…?)
Before selecting a company, asking this question is crucial because fire ratings will help you know how long the door assembly resists fire.
- Different spaces and local codes require different ratings
- Ask for the exact minutes and for which test the rating applies.
Note that fire-rated assemblies generally range from 30 to 120 minutes, depending on the system and test.
Galaxy lists fire ratings of 60–120 minutes, and their glazed product page calls out 120 minutes for some products (Ew120 / EI-30 reference).
How is the integrity of the fire-rated glass ensured?
The fire-resistant properties of glass are created during manufacturing. In case of improper handling or cutting, the door can lose its effectiveness.
- Check the detailed explanation of their production process
- Ensure that the manufacturers are handling the glass.
- Discuss the composition of glass, including the use of intumescent interlayers
Intumescent interlayers expand when exposed to heat to form an insulating barrier.
What certificates do you have?
A reputable fire rated glass door manufacturer holds many certifications that prove their authenticity, quality of products, durability of doors, cost-effectiveness, and more. At Galaxy Fire Door, we are certified by several institutions, and we have many certifications. Some of them include the following:
- CBRI: Central Building Research Institute (Roorkee) certification/test report.
- Eurofins (Spectro): Eurofins testing / laboratory certification (Spectro division).
- ISO 14001:2015: Environmental Management System certification.
- ISO 9001:2015: Quality Management System certification.
Is the fire rating for the frame, glass, seals, and hardware (the full door assembly) or only the glass?
A fire-rated door is an assembly of many components. Ratings apply to the complete setup (frame + door + glazing + hardware).
A leading fire glass door manufacturer like Galaxy describes frames, intumescent seals, ceramic tapes, and hardware as part of the tested construction (mentions integrity & radiation control and insulation).
This shows that the assembly is considered in their claims.
Can you show evidence of compliance with local building codes (eg, NBC/IS in India or applicable national codes)?
Remember that codes can vary depending on the country and city. In India, manufacturers are required to work to national codes and recognized standards. So, before signing with any fire rated glass door manufacturer, ask whether they design to local code and can provide documentation.
The company, like Galaxy, references IS 16947:2018 and IS/BS standards and also mentions BS 476 Part 20/22 and IS 3614 Part 2 on glazed doors.
Can you customize the door for aesthetics?
Asking this question is important because you may be looking for a fire-rated door to match the aesthetics of other doors or the overall design of the building.
- Check a range of finishes and customization options.
- Ask about the process for painting
- Discuss how to apply laminates and ask if it can affect the fire rating
Final Tips
Selecting quality fire doors depends on how much research you have done. It necessitates considering several key factors. Avoid buying on price alone. A cheaper door with no test reports can cost you far more if it fails inspection.
The best thing is to ask the questions above. If the company is ready to show its documents or display its certifications, proceed with them further. Galaxy is a leading fire rated glass door manufacturer that makes doors focusing on the industry standards. We ensure our products comply with all applicable safety standards. Call us for more details.