Fire-rated doors are a matter of life and death. Regular fire door assembly inspections in multi-unit residential buildings are necessary for constructing safe structures that are NFPA code-compliant. Choosing the right hardware is critical to passing inspections and creating a safe living space. Waterson fire-rated door hinges provide the durability, ADA compliance, and enhanced safety needed for secure residential living.
How Can You Tell if a Door is Fire Rated?
To recognize fire doors, here is what to look for:
- Certification Labels – Look for a metal/foil tag on the door’s edge showing its fire rating (e.g., “90 MIN”) and testing agency (UL/WH).
- Construction Clues – Fire-rated doors are heavier, often made of steel or solid-core materials with fire-resistant insulation.
- Compliant Hardware – Check for fire-rated hinges (non-removable pins) and self-closing devices to meet safety standards.
- Location-Based Requirements – Fire doors are mandatory in stairwells, corridors, and hazardous areas per building codes.
What are Fire Rated Hinges
Fire-rated door hinges are specialized hardware components designed to work in conjunction with fire-rated doors to maintain the door’s ability to resist the spread of fire and smoke for a specified period. These hinges are a critical part of a fire door assembly and must meet strict safety standards to ensure reliability during a fire emergency.
3 Key Features of Fire Rated Door Hinges
Durability
Crafted with stainless steel, Waterson fire-rated door hinges can easily withstand the rigors of daily residential use. In fact, the Waterson UL-listed hinges not only achieve Grade 1 status but also satisfy the 1,000,000 cycles test. These standards proof that the fire hinges meet 3-hr fire-rated requirement with little or no tear and wear.
ADA Code Compliance
Applying ADA compliance, Waterson fire door hinges are particularly suitable for senior communities with 5 lbs of opening force on many door types. Additionally, these hinges can help adjusting different door closing speed with 7 settings. While easily satisfy the 78” minimum clearance requirement, Waterson hinges therefore are ideal for wheelchair-access entryways.
Looking ahead for 7 settings of Waterson self closing hinge adjustment? Click here!
Safety and Long-life Function
Waterson fire-rated door hinges combine the best of both worlds.While most door closers provide only hydraulic function, Waterson hinges for fire doors combine durable mechanical speed control with smooth hydraulic damping. This combination helps to create a long-life function to the door. So in case the unexpected event happens that one of our closer hinges leaks, the mechanical hinges specification will reliably reduce closing speed and prevent dangerous slamming with the anti-slam feature.
Fire-rated doors are generally not required in single-family houses, except in specific areas like:
- Garages: Required between garage and living area.
- Multi-Family Homes: May be required between units.
- Rental Properties: Stricter fire safety may apply.
Fire doors and smoke doors must be constructed from materials capable of withstanding fire conditions. Besides, they must contain high melting point, strength, and corrosion resistance making them a superior choice for fire door applications.
Stainless steel fire door closers therefore are particularly effective in maintaining their structural integrity under extreme heat, a key factor in preventing the spread of fire and smoke.
Yes, fire-rated door hinges can be painted. At Waterson, we offer finishes that meet the BHMA A156.18 standard, including satin brass, bronze, satin brushed, flat black, or custom designs to match your door’s appearance.
Go deeper with Waterson door hinge finishes here
Waterson Fire Rated Door Hinges
Waterson self closing hinges combine an overhead closer and hinge into one attractive component with optional hold open and door stop features. The hinges are ideal for commercial openings, gates, and glass doors. These hinges are easily installed and adjusted to comply with ADA & ICC A117.1 requirements for opening force and to assure quiet, secure closing. Made with stainless steel, Waterson fire-rated door hinges meet NFPA 80 and are UL 3-hour fire-rated, as well as being suitable for both interior and all-weather exterior openings. See all our features.
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Please note that Waterson Closer Hinges start from a size of 4″x4″. If you’re in need of smaller self-closing hinges, we’d recommend checking out some other resources! Also, we only provide single acting closer hinges. Thank you.
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