One of the most common doors used in specifications today are a pair of magnetic hold-open, fire-rated swing doors. Often found in building corridors, elevator lobbies, and even elevator access entrances, these doors have been a staple in architectural design for decades. The trouble is they are also an eyesore.
In modern building design, ensuring safety without compromising aesthetics and functionality is paramount. Traditional fire-rated swing doors have long been the standard for corridor separation and elevator access points, but they often present challenges in terms of space utilization, design flexibility, and maintenance.
Thankfully, a recently developed and entirely new option has entered the market that promises to eliminate the need of those “unsightly” drop-ceiling, cross-sections and reduce maintenance costs for building owners.
Won-Door FireGuard Slim™ is an innovative accordion pocket door by Won-Door Corporation, which is proving to be a superior alternative to conventional fire-rated swing doors.
Limitations of Traditional Fire-Rated Swing Doors
Fire-rated swing doors are essential for preventing the spread of fire and smoke in buildings. However, they come with several drawbacks:
- Space Consumption: Swing doors require clear space for opening and closing, which can impede traffic flow in busy corridors and around elevator lobbies. Even with hold-opens engaged, noticeable space is lost as the system often requires a drop-ceiling for the frame and infringes on up to 8” of corridor space from each side.
- Design Constraints: The need for door frames, hardware, and magnetic hold-open devices can disrupt the clean lines of modern architectural design. FireGuard Slim completely eliminates these infringing designs thanks to the pocket which houses the accordion door in a little as 14” of space, neatly in the wall.
- Maintenance Challenges: Components like hinges, closers, and latches are subject to wear and tear, necessitating regular maintenance to ensure proper functionality. Environmental factors such as heating and A/C operation and air flow often changes internal building pressure, requiring costly adjustment of operators year after year. Additionally, natural structural shifting can cause misalignment and impact swing-doors ability to seal properly during a fire, if not constantly adjusted. All in all, these costs can range from $100-$600 annually per door or more.
FireGuard Slim Advantage
FireGuard Slim addresses these challenges by offering:
- Space Efficiency: Unlike swing doors, FireGuard Slim retracts into a compact pocket when not in use, eliminating the need for clearance space and allowing for unobstructed views in corridors and elevator lobby areas.
- Design Flexibility: With its clean, minimalist design, this accordion door enhances the aesthetic appeal of interiors. It provides open, airy spaces that improve pedestrian access and egress, contributing to a more beautiful building environment. This is especially true in elevator lobby fire separation applications where space is at a premium and design cohesion is crucial. Its compact footprint and ability to blend seamlessly with the surrounding architecture make it an ideal choice for modern buildings aiming to balance safety, functionality, and aesthetics.
- Cost-Effectiveness: FireGuard Slim eliminates the need for metal frames, hardware, astragals, magnetic hold-opens, and other accessories associated with traditional swing doors, resulting in significant cost savings with full installation often being cheaper than standard swing pairs. Service and upkeep are easily handled with Won-Door’s offer to include free maintenance for the first year, with comparable or less-than-average annual costs per year. Over a long period of time, Won-Door products are often half the maintenance price compared to that of fire-rated swing pairs.
- Enhanced Safety: In the event of a fire, FireGuard Slim automatically deploys to create a fire-rated barrier, effectively containing fire and smoke without hindering evacuation routes. Won-Door’s fire doors have performed so well, they are trusted and used by the U.S. Government in hundreds of federal and military facilities.
Less expensive to install, lower maintenance costs, and design friendly. A new basis of design is here …
Learn more by speaking with our friendly and highly-qualified Architectural Consultants today.
Guest Blogger: Nathan Frey, Senior Product Manager, Horton Pedestrian Access Solutions
