The Critical Role of Fire Doors in Safety and Compliance

Amri Burger
May 26, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Jul 13, 2025

Fire doors are more than just a building component—they are a lifeline in emergencies, designed to protect lives and property by containing fire and smoke. At Stronghold Fire & Security, we specialise in manufacturing and installing high-quality fire doors tailored to industries like commercial, industrial, medical, hospitality, and security. Our 2024 Hinged Fire Doors Brochure highlights why fire doors are essential and how we ensure they meet stringent safety standards.

Why Fire Doors Matter

Fire doors are engineered to withstand fire for specific periods, ensuring safe evacuation and minimising property damage. According to the National Test Standard, fire doors are classified based on four key criteria: Stability, Integrity, Insulation, and Impact Resistance. The updated classifications are as follows:

Description	Class A	Class B	Class C	Class D	Class E	Class F
Stability	1 Hour	2 Hours	2 Hours	2 Hours	1/2 Hour	1/2 Hour
Integrity	1/2 Hour	1 Hour	2 Hours	2 Hours	1/2 Hour	1/2 Hour
Insulation	1/2 Hour	1 Hour	N/A	2 Hours	1/2 Hour	N/A
Impact Test	N/A	N/A	Yes	Yes	N/A	N/A

For example, Class D doors offer 2 hours of stability, integrity, and insulation, plus an impact test, making them ideal for high-risk environments. Non-fire-rated ironmongery can cause a fire door to fail, compromising safety. That’s why Stronghold emphasises fire-rated hardware, such as stainless steel panic bolts, door closers, and continuous hinges, to ensure compliance and durability.

Customisation and Durability

Every project is unique, and Stronghold’s fire doors are tailored to meet specific needs. Our doors come in various finishes—Masonite, Timber Veneers, Laminates, Chromadek, Stainless Steel, and Powder Coated—suitable for standard sizes (e.g., 813 x 2032 mm to 1800 x 2032 mm) and high-traffic environments. For doors exposed to harsh conditions, we recommend galvanised or stainless steel cladding to protect against corrosion and extend lifespan.

Our pre-assembly preparation sets us apart. By reinforcing the core and strategically prepping for ironmongery, we ensure our doors are robust and long-lasting. This attention to detail is critical for maintaining structural integrity under fire conditions.

Comprehensive Solutions

From design to installation, Stronghold offers a total door solution. Our experienced sales team works closely with clients to ensure correct specifications, while our installation services guarantee compliance with fire safety regulations. We also provide site surveys, maintenance, and specialised services like prepping doors for custom ironmongery and managing poor installations.

Beyond Fire Doors

In addition to fire doors, Stronghold offers a range of products, including escape doors, transformer doors, hospital doors, anti-bandit doors, and acoustic doors. Our services extend to the SADC region, ensuring businesses across Southern Africa can benefit from our expertise.