Which doors help to delay the spread of fire and smoke?

Self-closing doors are designed to automatically close after being opened, which plays a crucial role in controlling the spread of fire and smoke within a building. These doors typically incorporate features that enable them to close securely and promptly, minimizing the time that fire and smoke can move from one area to another. By sealing off spaces, self-closing doors help to create fire compartments, thus slowing the overall progression of a fire and allowing for safer evacuation or more time for response efforts to be organized.

The design and functioning of self-closing doors meet building codes and fire safety regulations, emphasizing their importance in fire prevention strategies. Features such as heavy-duty hinges and mechanisms that ensure they close without manual intervention are key to their effectiveness.

In contrast, while reinforced doors can provide added strength and security, they do not necessarily function in a way that actively limits the movement of fire and smoke. Sliding doors might not seal tightly when closed, potentially allowing smoke and heat to escape. Fire exit doors are meant primarily for evacuation and do not always have the same closing mechanism that helps in smoke and fire containment.