When considering fire safety in your home, ideally, every part should have some level of fire protection. However, this isn’t always the most affordable choice. One common area homeowners wonder about when considering new garage doors in Calgary, and beyond – is whether installing a fire-rated garage door is really worth it. The question generally involves two main factors – legal requirements and personal safety. When considering this, it’s important to understand whether you truly need a fire-rated garage door or if it’s simply an unnecessary expense.
Why Do You Need Fire-Rated Doors?Â
A fire-rated door helps slow the spread of fire and smoke, typically for 20, 45, 60, 90, or even 120 minutes. This extra time allows residents to evacuate safely and helps prevent extensive damage. Fires often begin in garages, and without an effective barrier, the flames can quickly spread to your home. Fire-rated doors play a crucial role in containing this risk.
Does Canadian Law Require Fire-Rated Garage Doors? Canadian legislation is governed at federal and provincial levels, with slight variations in building codes from region to region. The primary guideline is the National Building Code (NBC) of Canada, alongside provincial codes like:
- Ontario Building Code
- Alberta Building Code
- British Columbia Building Code
According to the NBC, if a garage is attached to your home, the door between the garage and your living space must either have a fire resistance rating of at least 20 minutes or be:
- Tight-fitting
- Self-closing
- Made from steel or solid wood at least 45mm thick
It’s important to note these regulations specifically refer to interior doors between the garage and home, not overhead garage doors.
Do You Need a Fire-Rated Garage Door?Â
Fire-rated garage doors (also known as fire gates) are different from standard garage doors. They are specifically engineered to be solid, airtight, and certified to withstand intense heat for 45-90 minutes.
In typical Canadian residential construction, external garage doors are NOT required to be fire-rated provided:
- The garage is well-insulated from the home.
- The walls and ceilings between the garage and house meet required fire resistance ratings (usually at least 45 minutes).
- A certified fire-resistant door is installed between the garage and living area.
However, exceptions exist for:
- Multi-family homes
- Townhouses
- Mixed-use properties
In such cases, local or provincial building inspectors might mandate a fire-rated garage door, especially if the garage is integral to the building and shares walls with neighboring units.
Should You Voluntarily Install a Fire-Rated Door?Â
Even if it’s not legally required, installing a fire-rated garage door during garage door installation in Calgary may be beneficial in the following scenarios:
- You store significant quantities of flammable materials.
- Your garage contains gas appliances (e.g., gas dryers or heaters).
- You use the garage as a workshop with tools such as soldering irons or welding equipment.
- Your home is located far from fire stations, potentially delaying response times.
- You want to reduce home insurance premiums, as some Canadian insurers offer discounts for enhanced fire protection.
Choosing the Right Fire-Rated DoorÂ
If you decide to install a fire-resistant garage door, consider these critical features:
- A fire resistance rating of at least 45 minutes for residential use.
- Certification from UL or ULC (Underwriters Laboratories of Canada).
- Airtight design, including heat-expanding seals to block smoke penetration.
- Durable materials, usually insulated steel.
- Self-closing or automated fire protection mechanisms.
Cost ConsiderationsÂ
Fire-rated garage doors in Canada are pricier than standard garage doors:
- Regular garage doors typically cost $1,000 to $2,500.
- Fire-rated garage doors range from $3,000 to $6,000, depending on size, mechanism, and brand.
Given the potential risks, the additional investment could be worthwhile.
Why Even Consider Fire-Rated Garage Doors? One might question the necessity of fire-rated garage doors since garages seem isolated from living areas. However, garage doors are often a weak point in exterior protection. Fires originating outside, such as wildfires, vehicle fires, or nearby dumpster fires, can quickly compromise a standard door, allowing flames to enter the garage. Once inside, fires can rapidly ignite stored combustible materials and spread into your home.
If a fire starts inside the garage and the door fails to contain it:
- The flames can quickly spread externally, threatening upper floors and blocking escape routes.
- Gaps, air ducts, and roof materials can allow flames and hot gases into attics and roofs.
- Poorly sealed areas may let smoke and hot gases penetrate directly into the home, bypassing interior fire doors.
Additionally, homes with rooms or living spaces above garages are particularly vulnerable if floors lack fire-resistant barriers.
ConclusionÂ
Although Canadian homeowners aren’t legally required to install fire-rated exterior garage doors, doing so can significantly enhance safety, property durability, and potentially reduce insurance costs. Pay close attention to the internal door between your garage and living space, as it must meet strict code standards. Before building or renovating your garage, always consult a licensed contractor or building inspector in your area. Investing in fire safety is not merely a formality—it’s a critical step in protecting your home and loved ones.
