Building codes mandate that any garage attached to your home must have at least an FD30 (a fire door with a 30-minute fire rating) fire rated door. This special type of door withstands extreme temperatures and resists the spread of fire. It is a crucial barrier that can help protect your home and give your family more time to safely evacuate in the event of a fire.

Why do you need one?

The primary purpose of a fire-rated garage door is to slow down the spread of fire and smoke from the garage to other parts of your home. Flammable materials like gasoline, paints, and cleaning supplies often fill garages, posing potential fire hazards. A fire-rated door is essential to contain the fire within the garage and prevent it from swiftly spreading into living areas. Investing in a fire-rated door is complying to code and provides peace of mind, knowing that you have taken a significant step towards protecting your home and loved ones from the dangers of fire.

How to Choose a Fire Rated Garage Door For Your Garage

Fire Resistance Rating: Look for doors that recognized testing laboratories have tested and rated. The rating, usually expressed in minutes (e.g., 20, 30, 45, 60, 90 minutes). It indicates how long the door can withstand exposure to fire. The higher the rating, the longer the door can hold back flames and smoke.

Material and Construction: Manufacturers use various materials such as steel, wood, and composite materials to create fire-rated doors. The construction of the door, including its core and frame, also contributes to its effectiveness in preventing fire spread.

Fit and Installation: The door should fit perfectly in your garage opening, with no gaps that could allow smoke or flames to pass through. We highly recommend professional installation to ensure the door functions as intended.

Insulation and Sealing: Besides resisting fire, the door should also have good insulation and sealing to prevent smoke from seeping through.

Best Fire Rated Doors for Garage

1. MMI Door Craftsman 3-Panel (20 Minute Fire Rated)

What we love:

• Fire Rating: 20 minutes (NAMI certified)
• Material: Molded MDF solid core
• Design: 3-panel flat with Craftsman sticking
• Finish: Primed and ready to paint
• Hardware: 2 self-closing hinges and 1 standard hinge in satin nickel finish
• Installation: Prehung unit with compression weatherstrip and composite adjustable sill

The MMI Door Craftsman 3-Panel (20 Minute Fire Rated)  is specifically intended for house-to-garage use, providing the necessary protection and code compliance. It is constructed from molded MDF with a solid core, ensuring durability and sound insulation. Its design features a 3-panel flat layout with distinctive sticking and comes primed and ready to paint. It includes two self-closing hinges and one standard hinge, all in a sleek satin nickel finish, ensuring the door closes securely and automatically. The unit also features a compression weatherstrip and composite adjustable sill, providing an airtight seal.

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2. ETO Doors MA300-CM20-Mahogany Fire Rated Door (20 Minute)

What we love:

• Fire Rating: 20, 45, and 60-minute options available
• Material: Grade A Mahogany
• Design: Two recessed panels with clean lines
• Finish: Sold unfinished
• Size: Custom sizes, shapes, and designs available
• Construction: Engineered solid wood
• Hardware: Prepped for standard hardware installation

The ETO Doors MA230-CM20-Mahogany Fire Rated Door (20 Minute)  is made from Grade A Mahogany and features two recessed panels and clean lines for a modern look. The unfinished surface allows for customization to match your home’s decor. Constructed from engineered solid wood, this door is designed to resist warping, cracking, and splitting, ensuring long-lasting performance. Custom sizes, shapes, and designs are available to fit your home’s needs. The door comes prepped for standard hardware installation. Its solid core construction also offers sound insulation. With its strong build and customizable features, this door is an excellent choice for enhancing safety and complying to code in your home.

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Conclusion

Choosing the right fire-rated door for your garage is a critical step in ensuring and maintaining the safety and security of your home. The MMI Door Craftsman 3-Panel and ETO Doors MA300-CM20-Mahogany Fire Rated Door both have essential fire safety features, reliable construction and stylish design. When selecting a fire-rated door, it’s important to consider not only the fire rating but also the material, design, and installation requirements. Investing in a high-quality fire-rated door is also for your peace of mind. By choosing from these top-rated models, you can ensure that your garage entryway is both secure and stylish, meeting the highest standards of fire protection.