Temperature Rise Doors
Manufactured for Fire Safety
A temperature rise steel door is a specialized fire-rated door designed to limit the transfer of heat from one side of the door to the other during a fire. Unlike standard fire doors that only contain flames and smoke, these doors are tested to restrict the temperature on the unexposed side, helping protect building occupants and property. They are generally rated by the maximum temperature rise allowed. This added protection makes them essential for areas where safe egress is critical, such as stairwells and corridors in multi-story buildings.
These doors offer benefits beyond safety by maintaining their structural integrity during evacuations, ensuring that escape routes remain accessible. They help reduce smoke and heat damage to hallways and stairwells, creating safer conditions for building occupants and first responders. By slowing the spread of fire, these doors give firefighters valuable time to control the situation effectively. Their durability and performance make them a critical component of comprehensive fire protection systems.
Temperature Rise Door Applications
Temperature rise steel doors are commonly used in high-occupancy buildings like offices, hotels, school dormitories, and apartment buildings to provide fire protection while limiting heat transfer. They are also ideal for pharmaceutical storage rooms, stairwell doors, and healthcare facilities where maintaining safe temperatures is critical for safety and compliance. In manufacturing environments, these doors offer durable fire-rated protection, helping safeguard employees, equipment, and inventory.
Temperature Rise Ratings
Temperature rise ratings are 250°F, 450°F, and 650°F, which indicates the non-fire side of the door will not exceed that temperature for 30 minutes. The 250°F temperature rise designation is the most stringent rating of the three because it allows for the least transfer of heat.
Resources
SDI has developed a variety of resources for architects, specifiers and distributors on temperature rise doors below.
AIA / GBCI Education
Fire Rated Door Assemblies: Compliant Designs
Article
Fire Rated Doors and Frames
SDI 118
Basic Fire Door, Fire Door Frame, Transom/Sidelight Frame, and Window Frame Requirements
Manufacturers
