Install Fire-Rated Garage Doors
05/03/2023
Make Resilient Upgrades | Strengthen Your Home • Wildfires
Why do they matter?
The garage door is usually the largest opening in your home. Protecting that opening is crucial to preventing a wildfire from breaching the building envelope and spreading to the interior.
What do I need to know?
- Garage doors are typically made of wood, aluminum, or steel, and are insulated or non-insulated.
- Unlike standard doors, garage doors are not normally tested for fire resistance.
- During a wildfire, you may need to leave your home immediately. If the power is out, some garage door openers may not operate. Be sure that your garage door opener has a backup battery function.
Where do I start?
- Replace wooden garage doors, particularly if they do not have a solid core.
- Specify and install insulated, metal garage doors.
- The general rule is the thicker the metal door the better. Choose a three-layer garage door with steel outer layers and insulation in the middle for the best fire resistance.
- To avoid embers and hot gasses penetrating the garage, install weatherstripping that has been tested to UL Standard 10C around the entire garage door.
More Resources:
- FEMA P-737, Home Builders’ Guide to Construction in Wildfire Zones.