Fire safety is a critical part of any industrial or commercial building design. One question that often arises when planning or upgrading a facility is: what is an overhead fire door? In this article, we explain what these doors are, how they work, and where they’re typically used — and we’ll show how the Compact industrial door can work perfectly alongside a fire curtain to provide a safe, space-saving, and efficient solution.
What is an overhead fire door?
An overhead fire door is a type of industrial door that combines the functionality of a traditional overhead door with certified fire protection. Manufacturers design these doors to withstand flames, heat, and smoke for a specific period, usually 30, 60 or 120 minutes, depending on the certification.
Unlike standard sectional doors, which simply open and close to control access, fire-rated models form part of a building’s passive fire protection system. They act as a barrier that slows the spread of fire and gives people more time to evacuate safely.
How do overhead fire doors work?
Overhead fire doors are built with steel panels or slats filled with fire-resistant insulation. They also include special seals that expand when exposed to heat, preventing smoke from passing through.
Most models use automatic closing systems linked to the building’s fire alarm. When the alarm triggers, the door closes automatically, isolating the affected area to contain the fire. The mechanisms are tested and certified to ensure reliable performance during a fire emergency.
Where are overhead fire doors used?
Businesses install overhead fire doors wherever they need fire separation between zones. You’ll often find them in warehouses, factories, underground car parks, logistics hubs, production buildings and workshops, where fire protection is crucial for both people and property.
Benefits and limitations of overhead fire doors
Fire-rated overhead doors provide essential safety and help buildings meet fire protection regulations. However, they also come with some limitations. Because of their construction, they are heavier, require regular maintenance, and take up ceiling space with their tracks and mechanisms. Manufacturers offer limited design options for these doors, and they often fail to match the aesthetic flexibility or insulation performance of other modern door types.
The Compact door: a safe and flexible alternative
While the Compact folding door itself is not classified as a fire-rated product, it’s an excellent companion for fire protection systems, especially fire-rated roller curtains. Its unique folding mechanism allows it to fold neatly above the opening without ceiling tracks, keeping the ceiling completely free for lighting, cranes, or sprinkler systems.
This design makes it as space-saving as a roller shutter, but with the clean, high-quality appearance of an overhead door. Install a fire-rated roller curtain above or behind the Compact door so it drops automatically in case of fire. Together, they provide the ideal balance between daily functionality and fire safety compliance.
Beyond compatibility with fire systems, the Compact door also offers other advantages:
- Excellent insulation thanks to its insulated panels.
- Low maintenance, since it has no torsion springs or complex mechanisms.
- Customisable design, with options for windows, translucent panels, and integrated pedestrian doors.
Conclusion
So, what is an overhead fire door? It’s a specially designed overhead door that provides certified fire resistance for a defined period, helping to contain fire and protect lives and property.
Combine a fire-rated roller curtain with the Compact door and you get the best of both worlds: you achieve certified fire protection where you need it and enjoy a space-saving, low-maintenance, and visually appealing door solution for daily use.
