When it comes to protecting your commercial space, not all garage doors are created equal.

For buildings where safety and fire protection are critical, fire-rated garage doors are a must. These doors provide more than just a barrier—they’re engineered to resist flames, contain smoke, and help you meet strict building codes and safety standards.

In this guide, we’ll answer common questions like “Does my garage door need to be fire-rated?” and “How much does it cost to install a fire-rated garage door?”

We’ll also explore fire door ratings, materials, and the best options for your business or facility.

What Are Fire-Rated Garage Doors?

Fire-rated garage doors are specially constructed to withstand high heat and prevent the spread of fire and smoke between rooms or sections of a building.

Unlike standard steel or wood doors, fire-rated doors have an internal structure—often filled with mineral core, insulation, or solid core materials—that keeps them intact during a fire.

What Makes a Door Fire-Rated?

• Constructed with fire-resistant materials like steel, gypsum, or fiberglass
• Certified to hold back fire for 20 minutes to 4 hours
• Fitted with a closing device (often automatic) that activates in an emergency
• Tested under UL and NFPA standards for fire door systems

Why Are Fire Doors Required?

If your business operates in a high-risk area—like a warehouse, manufacturing facility, or auto repair shop—fire doors may be required by local or national building codes. These codes are in place to:

• Limit fire damage
• Protect human life
• Allow safe evacuation
• Help contain fires to specific areas

Not all doors in a building must be fire-rated, but certain project requirements—such as occupancy type, fire zones, and proximity to hazards—may require them. Wondering “What is the code for doors in a garage?”

Check with your local fire authority or work with a certified door installer familiar with Colorado’s codes.

Does My Garage Door Need to Be Fire-Rated?

That depends on your building type, layout, and zoning. Fire-rated doors are typically required in:

• Attached garages shared with office or living space
• Storage facilities or buildings that house flammable materials
• Commercial kitchens or areas with combustible waste
• Mixed-use buildings with shared firewalls
• Underground parking garages and maintenance areas

If you’re unsure, a quick inspection by a licensed garage door service provider can confirm your code requirements.

Fire Door Ratings: What They Mean

Fire-rated doors are assigned a time rating that measures how long they can contain fire and smoke.

Fire Rating	Time Held Against Fire	Common Use Cases
20 Minutes	Basic separation in light-duty areas	Office spaces, corridors
45 Minutes	Moderate protection for shared walls	Retail, shared-use spaces
90 Minutes	Strong barrier in high-risk zones	Warehouses, utility rooms
3–4 Hours	Maximum protection in industrial settings	Manufacturing, hazardous storage

Fire doors must be paired with a compatible door frame, closing device, and proper seals to be fully code-compliant.

Material Options for Fire-Rated Doors

Not all garage door materials are suited for fire protection. Here are some of the most common materials used in fire rated door construction:

1. Steel Doors

The most common type, ideal for durability, security, and fire resistance.

2. Solid Wood Doors

Can be treated to meet 20-minute fire ratings but are rarely used for high-rated commercial applications.

3. Glass and Wrought Iron Combinations

Stylish, decorative options include custom door systems that feature wrought iron frames and fire-rated glazing—commonly used in hotels and high-end commercial properties.

4. Insulated Fire Doors

Offer thermal performance in addition to fire resistance, improving energy efficiency in climate-controlled environments.

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Fire-Rated Garage Door?

The cost varies based on door size, material, fire rating, and hardware. On average, commercial fire-rated garage doors cost between $2,000 and $6,500 including door installation, certified labeling, and required accessories.

Pricing Factors:

• Size and dimensions of the door’s frame
• Fire rating (longer duration = higher cost)
• Material (steel vs. fiberglass vs. solid wood doors)
• Accessories like windows, insulation, and smart openers
• Custom door designs or finishes

Your installer will assess your project requirements to determine the right configuration and price point.

Maintenance and Drop Testing Requirements

Fire-rated doors aren’t “set-it-and-forget-it.” They require annual drop testing and regular maintenance to stay code-compliant and effective during an emergency.

What Needs to Be Checked:

• Functional closing device
• Condition of the door frame, tracks, and hardware
• Alignment and balance of the door
• Fusible links and reset mechanisms
• Condition of weather seals, labels, and fire gaskets

Businesses are often cited for failing to test their fire-rated door annually. Don’t overlook this requirement—it could void your insurance or open you up to liability.

Benefits of Fire-Rated Doors for Businesses

Aside from code compliance, investing in a fire rated garage door comes with several long-term benefits:

✅ Enhanced Safety

A fire-rated door can contain a fire and give employees time to evacuate safely.

✅ Compliance and Inspections

Meeting code avoids costly penalties and ensures a smoother process during inspections.

✅ Property Protection

Fire-rated doors help minimize damage to equipment, inventory, and neighboring structures.

✅ Insurance Advantages

Many commercial insurers offer discounts for properties with certified fire doors installed.

✅ Resale and Upgrade Value

A newer, rated garage door adds value and may be required for resale or lease agreements.

How to Choose the Right Fire-Rated Door System

Choosing the correct door isn’t just about price—it’s about closing fire risks. When selecting your system, consider:

• Required fire rating
• Door size and mounting space
• Integration with alarms or building systems
• Manual or motorized operation
• UL or FM certification labels
• Whether the door closes automatically or by trigger

A professional installer will walk you through the best door systems based on your property type and layout.

Final Thoughts

Fire-rated garage doors aren’t just a smart choice—they’re often a legal one. They help protect lives, reduce fire spread, and ensure you meet local building codes and safety standards.

Whether you’re building new or upgrading your current facility, Third Gen Garage Doors provides expert garage door service for fire-rated door installation, testing, and repair across the Denver metro area.

Need help choosing the right system or have questions like “How much does it cost to install a fire-rated garage door?” or “Does my garage door need to be fire-rated?”

Let’s talk.

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