Fire station doors are critical components of the building’s infrastructure. In dire emergencies where every second counts, firefighters rely on commercial doors to leave the station as rapidly as possible.
Choosing the right type of door for your fire station and ensuring its proper maintenance can make a significant difference in response times and overall safety. Continue reading to learn everything you should know about how to choose a fire station door to meet the demands of a busy facility.
History of Fire Station Doors
Firefighting technology and station architecture have evolved significantly over the years to prioritize efficiency and welfare. Before fire stations implemented commercial doors similar to the garage doors in residential homes, they used wooden swing doors. However, these doors weren’t weather-resistant nor streamlined to operate, often widely opening into the street and walkways.
Throughout the 20th century, fire stations transitioned to commercial bay doors, similar to those found on loading docks. These steel doors offered better durability and security than the older wooden options. As firefighting apparatuses became larger and building codes changed, fire stations had to evolve to be stronger and more reinforced than the average residential building.
Modern fire station doors addressed the top issues facing firefighters and traditional bay doors—speed and visibility. Implementing automated mechanisms so that doors could open and close much faster significantly reduced response times. Fire stations are continuing to evolve with modern technology to protect communities.
Types of Modern Fire Station Doors
Several models of commercial doors for fire stations exist to address efficiency and safety. Each has its own advantages and drawbacks, and understanding the difference between these commercial doors can help fire departments make informed decisions. Let’s review the highlights and main characteristics of the three most popular fire station doors.
Four-Fold Doors
Four-fold doors feature the most traditional construction of all station door options. These doors, attached with horizontal hinges, open from the center and fold in half, allowing fast and easy access for emergency vehicles. Many firehouses have them custom-designed for their openings and can include windows for visibility.
This design has several advantages for fire departments, including its durability and ability to withstand over a million cycles. Opening from the sides also prevents fire trucks from accidentally scraping against the top of an overhead door when it hasn’t fully opened. Four-fold doors are also ideal for buildings with limited overhead space.
Overhead Sectional Doors
Overhead sectional doors are most similar to residential garage doors, which follow a track and store toward the ceiling of the apparatus bay. Their simplicity and ease of use make them a staple in many fire departments.
These doors often contain insulated steel to offer optimal energy efficiency or aluminum and glass to allow firefighters to view outside the station. Let’s compare and contrast these industrial overhead doors further.
Steel Overhead Doors
Steel overhead doors use heavy-duty materials, making them highly resistant to physical impact, weather conditions, and potential security threats. Additionally, they require minimal maintenance compared to other materials, ensuring long-term reliability and performance. The robust nature of steel also provides excellent insulation, helping to maintain the fire station’s internal temperature, which is crucial for both equipment and personnel.
Full-View Overhead Doors
Full-view overhead doors offer a modern, aesthetic appeal without compromising on functionality. These doors combine the lightweight properties of aluminum with the visual advantages of glass panels, providing a contemporary look ideal for urban fire stations. While aluminum and glass doors may require more frequent cleaning to maintain visibility and appearance, the investment can be worthwhile for stations that prioritize creating an inviting workspace.
High-Performance Rolling Doors
Rolling doors are a popular choice for fire stations due to their space-saving design. These doors roll up into a compact coil above the opening, allowing for maximum use of space inside the station. They are also highly durable and require minimal maintenance, making them a cost-effective option for long-term use.
Their construction allows it to be the quickest commercial door to open and close. Some high-performance rolling doors have a swift opening speed of 80 inches per second. In emergencies, quick response times are paramount, which is why fire departments can rely on rolling doors to withstand speedy motions without damaging their components.
Choosing the Right Commercial Door
When choosing the right commercial door for your fire department, there are many performance aspects to keep in mind. Because no door can be the best in every aspect, you need to choose one that prioritizes your station’s specific needs. Here’s every consideration to make before installing a fire station door.
Speed
The speed at which a fire station door opens and closes can significantly impact response times. Automated doors, particularly those with fast-opening mechanisms, are ideal for ensuring that emergency vehicles can exit the station quickly.
Insulation
Insulated doors maintain a stable temperature within the station. It also reduces energy costs by keeping heat in during the winter and out during the summer.
Durability
Durable doors are essential for handling the frequent use and potential impact of vehicles. High-quality materials like reinforced steel or aluminum are common in modern fire station doors, ensuring they can withstand daily wear and tear.
Security
Fire stations house expensive and essential equipment, making security a top priority. Doors made from sturdy materials like steel can provide reliable protection against potential theft or vandalism.
Visibility
Visibility for fire station doors refers to the ability of firefighters to look outside the apparatus bay from a fire truck or around the station. Doors with glass panels, such as aluminum and glass overhead doors, offer good visibility, allowing firefighters to quickly assess the situation outside before exiting the station.
Aesthetics
While functionality and performance are essential, you should also consider the appearance of fire station doors. Doors with glass panels or modern designs can enhance the station’s visual appeal and make it more welcoming to the community.
Knowing everything you need to know to choose the right fire station door is essential for the safety and efficiency of emergency operations. If you need further consultation, contact the team at the Door & Fence Store to help you make the best choices for your commercial overhead doors.
