Question 1

Are fire doors important for businesses?

Accepted Answer

These door types play a critical role in containing fires, protecting lives, and minimizing property damage. They are designed to withstand high temperatures and block the spread of flames and smoke. For businesses in San Diego, installing commercial fire doors and having fire door drop testing done is not just a safety measure but often a legal requirement to meet building codes and regulations.

Question 2

What are fire-rated coiling doors?

Accepted Answer

The models are overhead doors made from interlocking steel or aluminum slats designed to resist fire. They are commonly used in warehouses, industrial facilities, and commercial kitchens to provide fire separation while maximizing space efficiency. These fire-rated coiling doors can automatically close in the event of a fire, creating a secure barrier.

Question 3

What is the difference between standard doors and fire-rated doors?

Accepted Answer

Unlike standard doors, fire-rated access doors in San Diego are built with fire-resistant materials like steel, gypsum, or reinforced wood. They are tested and certified to withstand fire for a specific period, such as 30, 60, or 90 minutes, providing critical time for evacuation and emergency response.

Question 4

What is SFM Standard 12-7A for garage fire doors?

Accepted Answer

In California's Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas, properties are under increased risk of fire due to the proximity of flammable vegetation and the danger of fire spreading into developed areas. Garage doors in these areas are subject to SFM Standard 12-7A fire doors testing to resist flames, intense heat, and ember intrusion. Some requirements they have to meet are: Fireproof surface: They must feature an exterior made of non-combustible materials. Metal coverings, regardless of thickness, placed over insulation are acceptable under these standards. Solid core wood: They can also be built with solid core wood, with stiles and rails at least 1 3/8 inches thick and raised panels no less than 1 1/4 inches. Weather stripping: To block embers, garage doors should include weather stripping, which limits openings between the door’s edges and the surrounding structure to no more than 1/8 inch. Choosing a fire door certified to SFM Standard 12-7A delivers enhanced protection for your San Diego property and peace of mind, especially during the unpredictable wildfire season. It’s a smart, code-compliant solution for property owners who prioritize safety and comfort.

Question 5

What are some maintenance requirements for rolling fire doors?

Accepted Answer

Overhead rolling fire doors need to meet certain requirements and undergo testing in order to stay at peak performance: Testing and inspection once a year: Opt for fire door inspection services on a yearly basis to check for breaks or holes, the correct installation of all components, proper closing, and more. Drop test certification: This type of testing shows that the door will close like it’s supposed to if there’s ever a fire emergency. The door is released to verify that it closes well, and the automatic closing device is checked. Keeping records: To maintain safety and compliance requirements, you need proper documentation, keeping track of all test and inspection results.

Question 6

What is a fire door drop test?

Accepted Answer

With the risk of fire for Californian homeowners increasing by the year, more and more people in San Diego are recognizing the benefits of automatic sliding fire doors. To this end, a fire door drop test is a mandatory safety inspection that ensures proper functioning in the event of fire.

The door is released during the test to confirm it drops smoothly and completely seals the opening. A second part of the test ensures that the automatic-closing mechanism has been reset correctly. A fire door drop test certification verifies that the door is designed to contain fire and smoke, protecting people and property.

Question 7

How do fire-rated smoke screens work?

Accepted Answer

Fire-rated smoke screens are designed to contain smoke and hot gases during a fire, preventing them from spreading to other areas. They are often used in hospitals, shopping centers, and high-occupancy buildings. These screens can deploy automatically when connected to fire detection systems, creating a safer environment for evacuation. We offer customizable smoke screen installation to meet the unique safety needs of your San Diego property.

Question 8

What is the difference between accordion fire doors and overhead coiling fire doors?

Accepted Answer

Accordion fire doors for commercial properties are designed with a folding panel system that allows them to extend and retract smoothly along a track. They are ideal for wide openings or irregularly shaped spaces, as they can be customized to fit unique configurations.

In contrast, overhead coiling fire door systems roll up vertically into a compact coil above the opening, making them better suited for industrial facilities, warehouses, or areas with limited headroom. While both provide excellent fire protection, the choice depends on the specific application and space constraints.

Question 9

How do fire curtains work in commercial buildings?

Accepted Answer

A fire curtain system is a flexible, heat-resistant barrier that automatically deploys when a fire is detected. Installed in ceiling cavities or above openings, these curtains drop down to contain flames and slow the spread of smoke, buying time for evacuation and minimizing structural damage.

In commercial buildings in San Diego, fire curtains are commonly used in open-plan spaces, lobbies, and atriums where traditional fire doors may not be feasible. To ensure reliability, most systems comply with NFPA 80 fire curtain requirements and are certified under UL 10D standards for fire resistance.

Question 10

What is the difference between a fire curtain and a fire door?

Accepted Answer

While both provide passive fire protection, the key difference lies in their structure and application. A fire barrier curtain is a retractable fabric system designed to deploy vertically during a fire, making it ideal for large, open areas or where space is limited.

On the other hand, a fire door is a solid physical barrier typically made of metal or wood that swings or slides into place. These systems are more commonly used at room entries, while fire curtains offer flexible protection for open spaces.

Question 11

What are smoke curtains used for?

Accepted Answer

Smoke curtains and barriers are used to control the movement of smoke during a fire, especially in large or multi-level buildings. They’re installed above doors, escalators, atriums, or elevator shafts, helping compartmentalize spaces and guide smoke toward exhaust points. This containment reduces exposure and increases the visibility needed for safe evacuation.

All systems we install are tested to meet IBC smoke curtain code requirements and achieve a UL 1784 smoke leakage rating, ensuring minimal air and smoke penetration.

Question 12

Can existing doors be retrofitted to become fireproof?

Accepted Answer

In some cases, existing doors can be upgraded with fire-resistant materials or seals, but it’s typically more effective to replace them with certified fire-rated doors. Retrofitting with fire-proof doors in San Diego must comply with local fire codes and should be done by a qualified professional.

Question 13

What makes Won-Door fire doors unique?

Accepted Answer

Won-Door FireGuard doors combine innovative folding technology with robust fire protection. They are designed to close automatically in the event of a fire, creating a barrier that prevents the spread of flames and smoke. The compact, space-saving design of Won-Door accordion fire doors makes them ideal for both large and small commercial spaces.

Question 14

What is the go-to company for fire-rated doors & smoke screen installation in San Diego?

Accepted Answer

Celebrating 80 years in the industry, Radford Garage Doors & Gates is a leading provider of fire-rated coiling, sliding, accordion, and other doors in San Diego. Our extensive selection includes everything from parking garage doors, security doors, and industrial doors to innovative fireproof screens and barriers, tailored to meet the highest safety standards, like SFM Standard 12-7A. Whether you’re located near Balboa Park or Golden Hill Park, stop by our showroom to see our offerings in person and receive expert tips from our pros. Let us help you protect your business – get your free quote today!

Come visit our showroom

Come Visit

Request an Estimate

Request

Come visit our showroom

Come Visit

Request an Estimate

Request

Your shield against fire hazards

Top-of-the-Line Fire Proof Doors in San Diego, CA

What sets us apart in fire door and smoke screen installation

Built on expertise and trust

Passive protection for every environment

Unmatched protection with our expertly crafted fire doors

Areas We Serve

Come visit our showroom

Come Visit

Request an Estimate

Request

Frequently Asked Questions

Come visit our showroom

Come Visit

Request an Estimate

Request

Exquisite. Premium. Inspirational.

Google Rating