HDB Fire-Rated Doors – Do I Need It? Updated Prices & Regulations in Singapore 2024

Singapore has stringent fire code regulations when it comes to fire safety. The architects design buildings with strict measures to prevent and confine fires. An important aspect of fire safety includes high-quality fire-rated doors. These doors endure extreme temperatures and prevent fires. During a fire emergency, residents can escape, and firefighters can get to the impacted area on time.

Singapore Building and Construction Authority (BCA) oversee the fire safety standards. This makes fire-rated doors compulsory in certain buildings, especially high-rise residential and commercial properties hospitals and educational institutes. Fire-rated doors sustain fires for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Fire-rated doors are a legal necessity and an essential fire safety strategy. They halt fires and minimise property damage. These doors decrease the risk of injury and loss of life.

In this blog post, we will talk about different kinds of fire-rated doors available in Singapore. We will explore their types and purposes. Installing fire-rated doors has multiple benefits, and non-compliance has dire consequences.

The importance of installing fire-rated doors in Singapore

Fire-rated doors prevent fires. The doors withstand high temperatures and maintain structural integrity during a fire hazard.

 A building without fire-rated doors is a fire hazard. Fire spreads rapidly, putting lives and property at risk. Several studies signify that fire spreads from one room to another in less than five minutes. Fire-rated doors restrict fire and provide a blockade by preventing it from spreading to other parts of the building. Purchase fire-rated doors from an experienced door supplier in Singapore.

There are several benefits of fire-rated doors. They help save lives and property. They keep other residents in the building safe. During a fire, time is crucial. Occupants must have ample time to escape and for firefighters to respond effectively. Thus, fire-rated doors minimise the financial and emotional impact of a fire.

Significant aspects of fire safety regulations in Singapore

• Building owners are responsible for conducting regular fire risk assessments. They should identify possible issues and take steps to lower the risk.
• Each building should implement proper fire safety measures like fire alarms, sprinkler systems and emergency lights.
• Install fire-rated doors and windows in all homes to prevent fire spread.
•  Fire safety equipment and system should be maintained and tested to see if it’s functioning effectively.
•  Building owners should comply with the fire safety regulations or face penalties for non-compliance.

The Singapore Civil Defense Force schedules routine checks on buildings to ensure compliance. Building owners and residents should collaborate to ensure fire safety.

It is crucial to follow these regulations to ensure occupants’ safety.

Different types of fire-rated doors

There are several fire-rated doors and each type has specific applications and locations within a building. Some common types of fire-rated doors are:

• Fire-resistant doors (FR doors): FR doors withstand high temperatures without harming their structural integrity. They are placed strategically near exit stairways, corridors, and rooms that contain expensive and high-value items.
•  Fire-resistant smoke doors (FRS doors): FRS doors are designed to prevent the spread of smoke and are used in places where it is essential to practice smoke control such as stair walls and corridors.
• Acoustic fire doors: These are designed to reduce noise levels and prevent fires. These doors are used in auditoriums, theatres and music rooms.
• Steel fire doors: are made from steel and have high tensile strength and durability. They are ideal for industrial buildings and commercial settings.
• Timber fire doors have a natural aesthetic and are used in buildings or areas where a specific style or design is required.
• Glass fire doors  are transparent. These are used in places such as offices and public buildings.
•  Double leaf fire doors comprise two doors which are used in areas where there are wide openings such as shopping centres and public buildings.
• Sliding fire doors slide open and close and are used in areas with limited space such as hospitals and laboratories.

Each of these has it’s features and benefits. Homeowners should know about different fire-rated doors. Buy doors from a reliable door supplier in Singapore.

Testing of fire-rated doors

Fire-rated doors undergo regular testing and certification to meet the strict regulations for fire safety standards. Doors are exposed to high temperatures and real-world fire scenarios.

The main attributes of testing and certification include:

• Doors withstand high temperatures of up to 1000°C.
• Doors tested for their ability to keep their structural integrity in case of a fire.
• Doors are insulated and checked for reducing heat transfer during a fire.
• Doors undergo smoke leakage testing to check their ability to prevent smoke from spreading during the fire.

Several certification bodies, like the PSB in Singapore, conduct these tests and award certifications, like the PSB test report. Certifications guarantee compliance with fire safety standards.

Testing and certification have several benefits. The first is increased safety. Certified fire-rated doors provide safety. The doors comply with regulations and help building owners avoid legal and financial repercussions. Fire-rated doors also improve a building’s desirability. A building complying with local standards is attractive to potential buyers or renters.

Fire-rated doors guarantee fire safety

Fire-rated doors prevent fire from spreading. Not all doors are designed the same way. It is essential to purchase doors certified by the required organisations.

Certifications guarantee that fire-rated doors are tested and meet the stringent rules for fire resistance and safety.

The following are a few benefits of purchasing certified fire-rated doors.

• Purchasing reliable fire-rated doors ensures the doors meet local building codes and regulations. It can help homeowners and building owners avoid legal repercussions.
•  They provide a higher level of fire protection and ensure occupants in the building are safe.
•  They reduce the risk of fire spread and damage,  protecting property and valuable assets.

Choosing certified fire-rated doors is essential for occupant safety.

Consequences of non-compliance with fire-safety standards in Singapore

Building owners face dire consequences if a building does not comply with fire safety standards. These include:

• Building owners can be charged with fines up to SGD 10,000  or imprisonment up to six months.
• There can be legal action against building owners or occupiers who do not comply with these safety regulations.
• Non-compliance can lead to the closure of the building unless the necessary fire safety measures are met.
• It could also lead to loss of life and property in case of a fire hazard.
• Non-compliant buildings have increased insurance premiums.
• Not meeting the safety standards can damage the reputation of building owners and occupiers.
• Building owners can be issued with enforcement notice asking them to take corrective measures.

Remember fire safety compliance is not only a legal requirement but also a moral obligation.

Steps for inspection and maintenance of fire-rated doors

1. Regular visual inspection requires homeowners to check for damage and wear and tear on the door and the frame. The door should be properly aligned and closed securely if there are signs of tampering and obstruction, it’s best to call in a professional door supplier.
2. Maintaining hardware. Locks, hinges and all moving parts are lubricated for smooth operation. All loose screws are tightened and bolts are fastened properly. Worn-out parts and damaged hardware are replaced immediately.
3. Door and frame maintenance. Doors and frames are checked for rot and decay. They are properly sealed and the gasket is sealed around the door parameter. Any signs of warping, misalignment, and other issues impacting door operation require immediate attention.
4. Inspecting fire-rated components. Intumescent seals and fire-resistant glazing are checked for damage.
5. Functional testing includes testing. Doors and hardware are checked for proper operation and functionality. The door latch should open and close correctly, and the hardware must be in good working condition.

Correct issues or deficiencies found during inspections. Repair and replace faulty items with help from professional door installers in Singapore.

Fire-rated doors installation

When installing fire-rated doors in your HDB flat or condo, visit a reliable door installer. HDB flat doors 10 resist fire for about 30 minutes, whereas doors installed in condominiums can resist fire for up to one hour. The exact fire rating you require should comply with the local building regulations.

Ask experienced technicians to install fire-rated doors to ensure proper fit and function. The main process starts with measuring and preparing the door. Once your door is ready, it is sent over for unpacking and inspection. The professionals will then hang the door at the entrance and secure it with the approved hardware. A qualified professional will come and verify your fire-rated door.

Fire-rated doors come with specific hardware to ensure fire safety and proper operation. These doors comprise a stainless steel single grip lock, a door viewer, a door closer and a smoke alarm. You might want to upgrade the look of your fire-rated door by choosing a specific laminate skin and a stainless steel door lining strip. Each has an additional cost but are optional and can be omitted for operation or fire safety. Contact a reliable door supplier in Singapore to learn about pricing and to choose the proper hardware for your fire-rated door.

Types of fire-rated doors in Singapore and their prices

Door Type	Price range	Description
Fire-rated laminate door (FD-20)	S$599-$900	Single leaf main door with normal grip lock
Groove line Fire-rated door (FD-45)	S$900-$1,200	Single leaf main door for HDB homes
Single tone Fire-rated door (FD-60)	S$1,100-$1,300	Single leaf door with 40-45 mm thickness
Stainless steel Fire-rated door (FD-90)	S$1,200-$1,600	Steel door with 50 -55 mm thickness
Top-rated Fire-rated door (FD-180)	S$1,600-$2,200	Durable door with customised thickness

The FD mentioned in the table stands for the duration the door can withstand fire. Choose a fire-rated door according to building regulations.

Things to keep in mind when purchasing fire-rated doors

1. Purchase a door with a fire rating that meets or exceeds local building codes and regulations.  As you can see from the above table, fire ratings are for doors that resist fire for 20 minutes, and doors for commercial uses resist fire for 180 minutes.
2. Purchase doors made from durable materials like steel or wood with specialised cores that withstand high temperatures.
3. The door should be the correct size for the opening. Mention modifications required for installation of framing and hardware.
4. Consider purchasing fire-rated doors like interior, exterior, and smoke-resistant doors. Ask about additional features like emergency escape hardware or panic bars.
5. Purchase low-maintenance doors and ask a professional to test the door before installation.
6. Buy doors from reputable manufacturers of fire-rated doors that meet international standards.
7. Comply with the local building codes and regulations to avoid legal issues in the long run.
8. Ask the manufacturer for a warranty and see if they offer support.

Consider these factors to ensure home and occupants’ safety during a fire hazard.

Shopping tip: You’ll see that some options like this HDB wood laminated main door have an add-on fire-rated option so that you can use this as a main door. If you see a door that you love, it’s always worth seeing if there is a fire-rated version. Custom HDB door options are common, so don’t feel like you’re stuck with the exact option that you see online.

Check out this article to learn more on choosing your fire-rated door.

Editor’s Choice

For enhanced safety, consider fire-rated doors from Gate Door Window for your HDB.Their reputation as Singapore’s trusted supplier of high-quality fire-rated doors can improve your home security and style. They have an exclusive collection of modern doors with fire-rated options for enhanced safety. Check out their fire-rated door selection to find the perfect fit for your home.