%402x.svg){kind=icon}
If you lined up a fire-rated door next to a standard steel door, most people wouldn’t tell them apart. Both appear to be heavy-duty, durable, and secure. However, what makes a fire door truly different lies inside — in its construction, materials, and purpose.
The Science Inside a Fire Door
A standard steel door provides physical security and insulation, but it’s not built to withstand extreme heat. Fire-rated doors, on the other hand, are engineered with specialised cores (often mineral-based or composite materials) that resist heat transfer. These materials delay the spread of flames and smoke, maintaining structural integrity for a specific period — often 30, 60, or 120 minutes.
This delay is critical. It can provide people adequate time to evacuate and emergency responders time to contain the situation before the fire reaches other sections of the building.
Different Purposes, Same Everyday Function
Despite their different internal makeups, fire-rated doors operate just like standard doors — they open, close, and lock normally.
That means businesses don’t have to compromise on functionality or convenience to gain fire protection. In fact, many fire-rated models from Larnec are pre-hung, fully metal-clad, and available in various sizes to suit sheds, warehouses, industrial facilities and commercial buildings.
Which Door Do You Really Need?
For offices or storage areas with lower fire risks, a standard steel door may meet your needs.
However, facilities that handle machinery, vehicles, or electrical systems often benefit from the added protection of a fire-rated door.
Before making a decision, it’s best to review the National Construction Code (NCC) to determine whether your building legally requires fire doors. This ensures your site meets compliance standards while keeping your people and property protected.
When safety and security are both priorities, a fire-rated door delivers both — peace of mind and proven protection.