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Building Codes and Inspections/fire rating for inside door going from garage into house

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Expert: - 5/9/2011


Question
I have a steel door with windows fire rated for 20 minutes.  This door is an inside door going from the garage into the house.  The house is split level and there are bedrooms above the garage.  This is new construction. Is that enough.  What would the rating be for a steel door with no windows.

Answer
Hi Anne -

Most residential building codes require a 20-minute rated door or equivalent between the house and the garage.  You would have to check your local code, but here's a link to a blog post I did on this topic, which includes an excerpt from the International Residential Code:  http://idighardware.com/2009/03/residential-fire-doors/

- Lori

Building Codes and Inspections

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Volunteer

Lori Greene

Expertise

I can help with code questions related to doors and hardware. I am familiar with the IBC, NFPA 80, NFPA 101, NFPA 105, ADAAG, and ICC/ANSI A117.1. My expertise is specific to door openings.

Experience

I have worked in the door and hardware industry since 1986. I have conducted countless presentations on code requirements for doors and hardware, and maintain a blog related to doors and hardware (www.ihatehardware.com).

Organizations
Door & Hardware Institute (DHI) Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) International Code Councel (ICC)

Publications
Doors & Hardware Magazine

Education/Credentials
Vermont Technical College, Associate Degree in Architecture and Building Engineering Technology - 1986

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