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20 minute doors

C

codeworks

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Jun 12, 2011
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South Texas
can someone provide me with a link to W/H installation instructions for 20 minute doors. have a gc yanking my chain on install, i'm not convinced the manufacturers instructions and listing/labeling/ requirements have been adhered to. prehung wood frame units, thanks in advance
 
Since it is a rated door you might check with NFPA 80. I think that is the correct NFPA number for rated doors. Instructions and other data should also be aviable from the manufacturer's web site. Ask the contractor to provide the necessary data and cut sheets on the door.
 
Manufacturers' specifications and installation instructions should be made available by the applicant. (had to say that part, but only cause it's true...). I seem to recall that NFPA 101 has some language about (for lack of a better term) prescriptive requirements for a wooden door to meet the 20 minute requirement. Of course, your Code needs to recognize that part of 101 to apply it...
 
codeworks said:
can someone provide me with a link to W/H installation instructions for 20 minute doors. have a gc yanking my chain on install, i'm not convinced the manufacturers instructions and listing/labeling/ requirements have been adhered to. prehung wood frame units, thanks in advance
Click to expand...
What exactly do you think are the issues with the installation?
 
did ibc go back to allowing a solid core non labeled door in place of a listed 20 minute door?? or was that for one edition only??????
 
The NFPA 101 some years ago allowed existing solid core wood doors to have a 20-minute rating as I recall.
 
i appreciate all the commentary. doors and frames are labeled. the thing i'm questioning is the way the frames are installed. specifically with 3 screws on either side of the frame, nothing at the hinges, and the screws that are installed are pretty much centered in the frame. my concerns have to do with frame rotation, and that they may not be installed per manufacturers instructions.
 
The studs are probably attached to the sole plate/track with fasteners providing less strength than six screws.
 
I believe the Architectural Woodwork Institute develped a wood frame for 20 minute, and possibly longer, fire doors. As I recall, the wood had to be a certain density (poplar, not white pine), and the stop had to be rabbeted into the frame. These would typically be made by a local millwork shop.
 
I missed that you wanted info on a wood rated frame. Have heard of them in the past but do not recall what manufacturer makes them. I would ask the GC to provide the data sheet and installation instructions. Here is a link to a site that you can navigate to wood doors; 4specs.com and review various manufacturers.
 
peach said:
20 minute doors do not require rated frames. 715.4.5.1
Click to expand...
I can't wait to see how this shakes out. Field inspectors always want to see the label on both the door and frame for 20 min doors. (a regular hollow metal frame is the same as a 20min frame, they just add a label before they ship) How about reinforcing in the door and frame for the closer? Required or not?
 
My 2009 IBC does not have a section 715.4.5.1!

And the section that is 715.4.5 is not even close to what we are talking about.

2009 IBC 715.4.5 Fire door frames with transom lights and sidelights.

Maybe 715.4.6.1????

715.4.6.1 Fire door labeling requirements.

Commentary..

Labels on fire doors apply to the door only.
 
Mule said:
My 2009 IBC does not have a section 715.4.5.1!And the section that is 715.4.5 is not even close to what we are talking about.

2009 IBC 715.4.5 Fire door frames with transom lights and sidelights.

Maybe 715.4.6.1????

715.4.6.1 Fire door labeling requirements.

Commentary..

Labels on fire doors apply to the door only.
Click to expand...
2009 IBC

715.4.6.4 Fire door frame labeling requirements. Fire door frames shall be labeled showing the names of the manufacturer and the third-party inspection agency.
 
I know this wasn't the original question, but it seems like there is some confusion over whether a 20-minute frame needs a label on it. The listing agencies typically allow a listing mark to be embossed into the frame, or the frame may have a label on it. Here's a blurb from UL on that: http://www.ul.com/global/documents/offerings/perspectives/regulators/technical/ul_FireDoorsFramesLabeled.pdf

I don't know of a requirement that differs for a 20-minute frame, except for example in residential construction, where the door between the house and garage may be a 20-minute door (or solid wood or solid or honeycomb core steel) and no frame rating is mentioned. I also remember the existing door exception in 101.

I had a blog post about frame labels a while back, which might help with some general questions: http://idighardware.com/2010/10/frame-labels/

To answer the question about the availability of fire-rated wood frames, yes, there are several manufacturers who have tested that application.

http://www.trustile.com/catalog/firedoors/?series=0/

http://www.fireglass.com/framing/hardwood/

http://www.navyisland.com/products-wood-frames.html

The last link has a graphic of a 20-minute frame with a label on it, for what it's worth.
 
codeworks said:
i appreciate all the commentary. doors and frames are labeled. the thing i'm questioning is the way the frames are installed. specifically with 3 screws on either side of the frame, nothing at the hinges, and the screws that are installed are pretty much centered in the frame. my concerns have to do with frame rotation, and that they may not be installed per manufacturers instructions.
Click to expand...
this was in one of LG links

Min. Hinge Size: Per NFPA #80 Latest Edition Screw Requirements: At least one used to secure each hinge and latch strike to stud must be 2-1/2" min. Frame must be installed in accordance with NFPA #80 and #105 Latest Edition.
 
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