• Welcome to The Building Code Forum

    Your premier resource for building code knowledge.

    This forum remains free to the public thanks to the generous support of our Sawhorse Members and Corporate Sponsors. Their contributions help keep this community thriving and accessible.

    Want enhanced access to expert discussions and exclusive features? Learn more about the benefits here.

    Ready to upgrade? Log in and upgrade now.

Fire rating an existing door without a label

J

JKJeremy

Member
Joined
Feb 20, 2013
Messages
7
Location
Williamsburg, VA
We are doing renovations on an existing hotel in which the doors along the corridor to the occupant rooms do not appear to have a fire rating label on them. Is anyone aware of a firm or testing agency that can issue a rating for these doors if provided a sample?
 
Field Labeling of Fire Doors

Intertek’s field labeling service helps you avoid potentially removal and replacement of unlabeled fire doors, frames and windows. Our experts will conduct a comprehensive review of all components in question and provide you with a written deficiencies report. We will work with you on modifications and corrections, provide re-inspection services and, when appropriate, provide the Warnock Hersey certification.

Oh ya, welcome
 
LGreene said:
In addition to Intertek, UL also offers field labeling, and there are other companies who do as well. Just be careful because some are more reputable than others and the AHJ may require certain firms to be used. I've heard good things about QAI: Fire Doors | QAI Laboratories. Here's some info from UL: http://www.ul.com/global/documents/offerings/perspectives/regulators/technical/ul_FireDoorsFramesUnlabeled.pdf
Click to expand...
Is there an average price???

Would the door have to be one that is manufactured by brand x as a rated door, just did not have the label applied??

Not like one bought at Home Depot, and you want to try to get it labeled as a rated door??
 
First question is Do they need a label?

When was the hotel built?

Are they solid core wood doors--1-3/4 inch thick solid core wood door was the previous prescriptive code standard that the 20 minute rated door was designed to be a performance vs the former prescriptive standard.

In Virginia, if they are existing, legal at the time of installation, and not being changed they can remain as is. Reference 103.5 of the 2009 Virginia Construction Code.

http://www.co.henrico.va.us/bldg/pdfs/2009VirginiaConstructionCode.pdf

103.5 Reconstruction, alteration or repair. The following criteria is applicable to reconstruction, alteration or repair of

buildings or structures:

1. Any reconstruction, alteration or repair shall not adversely affect the performance of the building or structure, or

cause the building or structure to become unsafe or lower existing levels of health and safety.

2. Parts of the building or structure not being reconstructed, altered or repaired shall not be required to comply with

the requirements of this code applicable to newly constructed buildings or structures.

3. The installation of material or equipment, or both, that is neither required nor prohibited shall only be required to

comply with the provisions of this code relating to the safe installation of such material or equipment.

4. Material or equipment, or both, may be replaced in the same location with material or equipment of a similar kind

or capacity.

Exceptions:

1. This section shall not be construed to permit noncompliance with any applicable flood load or flood-resistant

construction requirements of this code.

2. Reconstructed decks, balconies, porches and similar structures located 30 inches (762 mm) or more above

grade shall meet the current code provisions for structural loading capacity, connections and structural

attachment. This requirement excludes the configuration and height of handrails and guardrails.

103.6 Use of rehabilitation code. Compliance with Part II of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, also known

as the “Virginia Rehabilitation Code,” shall be an acceptable alternative to compliance with this code for the rehabilitation

of such existing buildings and structures within the scope of that code. For the purposes of this section, the term

“rehabilitation” shall be as defined in the Virginia Rehabilitation Code.
 
cda said:
Is there an average price???Would the door have to be one that is manufactured by brand x as a rated door, just did not have the label applied??Not like one bought at Home Depot, and you want to try to get it labeled as a rated door??
Click to expand...
There's usually a flat fee to come to the building and then a per label price, so the more openings, the lower the total cost per opening. The doors and frames typically have to be equivalent to the construction of components with that label. For example, a particleboard core wood door would not be able to have a 90-minute label applied in the field.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top