2024-10-22 9 min read
Your garage door plays a critical role in your home's fire safety system. Understanding fire codes, choosing the right door, and maintaining proper safety features can protect your family and property. Here's what every homeowner needs to know about garage door fire safety.
Building codes typically require fire-rated doors between attached garages and living spaces. This includes the door leading from your garage into your house, not the main overhead garage door. However, in some commercial applications and multi-family buildings, fire-rated overhead doors may be required.
Fire-rated doors are classified by how long they can withstand fire exposure. Common ratings include 20-minute, 45-minute, 60-minute, and 90-minute doors. Your local building code will specify which rating is required for your situation.
Fire-rated doors use special construction materials and methods, including solid wood or steel cores, intumescent seals that expand in heat to block flames and smoke, and self-closing mechanisms. These doors are tested and certified by independent laboratories.
Never store flammable materials near your water heater, furnace, or other ignition sources. Keep gasoline, paint thinners, and other volatile substances in approved containers away from heat sources.
Garages often have older wiring that may not meet current codes. Have an electrician inspect your garage's electrical system, especially if you've added new equipment or notice flickering lights or warm outlets.
Install smoke detectors in your garage and test them regularly. Heat detectors are often better for garages since they're less prone to false alarms from vehicle exhaust or dust.
Keep a properly rated fire extinguisher in your garage and know how to use it. A multi-purpose ABC extinguisher is suitable for most garage fires. Check the pressure gauge monthly and replace or recharge as needed.
Modern garage door openers often include battery backup, allowing you to open the door during a power outage.crucial for escaping during an emergency.
Know where your emergency release cord is and how to use it. In a fire or power outage, you may need to open the door manually to escape or allow firefighters access.
While primarily designed to prevent the door from closing on people or objects, photo-eye sensors also ensure the door won't trap someone during an emergency.
At Griswold Garage Doors, our technicians are trained in fire safety requirements and can inspect your garage door system for compliance. We can recommend upgrades to improve your family's safety. Contact us to schedule a safety inspection today.