Choosing the Right Intumescent Strips
The correct intumescent strip will depend on the requirements of the fire doorset, including the required fire resistance, the size of the rebate and whether smoke protection is also required. Our range includes fire-only strips as well as combined fire and smoke seals, with different widths, colours and smoke seal profiles available.
When replacing existing strips, check the specification of the door and frame rather than selecting a replacement on size alone. For new installations, the fire door or doorset manufacturer's requirements should determine the type and dimensions of seal required.
How Do Intumescent Seals Work?
Intumescent seals contain material that expands when exposed to the high temperatures generated by a fire. This expansion helps close the gap between the door leaf and frame, restricting the passage of fire and hot gases and helping the fire door maintain its specified level of protection.
Under normal conditions the seal remains unobtrusive within the door or frame. It is only when exposed to sufficient heat that the intumescent material reacts and expands.
Fire-Only or Fire and Smoke Seals?
Fire-only intumescent strips provide protection against the spread of fire and hot gases. Where smoke control is also required, combined fire and smoke seals incorporate either a brush or flipper that helps restrict the passage of cold smoke around the door before the intumescent material is activated by heat.
Our range includes brush, single-flipper, side-flipper and twin-flipper options, allowing the appropriate seal to be selected for the particular doorset specification.
What Size Fire Door Strips Do I Need?
Our fire door strips are available in 10mm, 15mm and 20mm widths, with options suitable for different fire door applications. The correct size should always be selected according to the specification and tested configuration of the fire doorset rather than assuming that a particular strip width corresponds to a particular fire rating.
If you're replacing existing intumescent strips, check both the dimensions and type of the original seal as well as the requirements of the door manufacturer.
Pyroplex Intumescent Fire Door Seals
Our intumescent strips are manufactured by Pyroplex, our sister company within the Reddiplex Group and a specialist manufacturer of passive fire protection products. Pyroplex develops fire, smoke and acoustic sealing products for use in fire-rated doors and other passive fire protection applications.
For further technical information, visit the Pyroplex door seals page.
