21
May

For fire mitigation in Victor, call us at (719)400-9104.

In fire mitigation plan there are a lot of things you need to consider, even doors. Your doors do more than just protect the entryway of your home from intruders. They also protect against fires. At least, they should.

A good weather seal will make all the difference. The right materials for the door will also go a long way in slowing down the fires to be able to get everyone out safely.

Which Materials Are Best for Doors?

A lot of doors are now made of a composite material. There’s a fiberglass skin on the outside with a fire-resistant core. While they’re great for slowing down the spread of the fire, they don’t look the best. You want to avoid any paints or coatings over the top of them, unless they are extra fire-resistant coatings.

Another excellent option for doors is steel. This material has a high melting point, which helps to slow down the spread of the fire. You can get up to 90 minutes of fire resistance, increasing your chances of getting everyone out. The downside? Again, it’s all about the look.

Getting the Right Wooden Doors

Wooden doors remain popular. They are easily treated to make them look attractive. The downside is that some woods will burn quickly and easily in wildfires.

You need to get doors that are at least 1 ¾ inch in thickness. The rails and stiles need to be at least 1 ¼ inch in thickness. You’ll also want to make sure the wood is treated with a fire-resistant chemical to protect your home.

What About French Doors?

Then you have doors that have windows. French and sliding doors are popular for patios. They allow in a lot of light, making getting to the backyard easy, and look great. They’re not the greatest for protection against fire, though. The glass is easy to crack in the rising temperatures.

You’ll need to make sure you have a layer of tempered glass in each of the windows in the doors. You’ll want to follow tips on managing windows to prepare for wildfires.

Don’t Forget the Garage Doors

It’s easy to overlook the garage doors to your home. You may assume that they were built to manage fires, but that’s not always the case. They are among the hardest doors to seal against the wind, which can lead to embers being blown into your home through the gaps in the door.

Make sure you get good quality steel doors with a decent seal. They door should also be self-closing. This isn’t just for convenience but for safety. There are a lot of combustible materials in the garage. If you can quickly close the door without being too close to the flames, you can give yourself more time to get out.

Have an exterior handle to your garage door. This is a way in for the firefighters if needed.

For a estimate on fire mitigation in Victor, contact us. We offer scrub oak removal, defensible space creation, lot clearing  and brush clearing.