Fire-rated doors are a crucial element of every HDB flat in Singapore. They are even mandatory for some Condos and landed properties. Over the years, the ingenuity and rapidly advancing renovation industry has extended these safety doors beyond their original purpose. Now, you can protect your home from fire and other hazards by choosing different fire resistance, styles and durability. Here’s how different materials can give your main HDB entrance a unique touch while adhering to the guidelines.
Fire-Rated Door Ratings and HDB Requirements
Fire-rated doors weren’t widespread and only significantly contributed to Singapore’s regulatory framework in the 1990s. After the SCDF introduced the Fire Safety Act, the Housing and Development Board began imposing specific regulations for fire-rated doors in flats.
The HDB guidelines revolve around two key points to prevent the rapid spread of flames in case of an emergency:
- All main entrance doors in HDB flats within 3 meters of a lift lobby or staircase must be fire-rated. This rule applies to both new and existing flats.
- In some cases, like flats with an open kitchen concept or homes undergoing renovations, the main entrance must have a 30-minute fire-rated door.
Of course, homeowners can choose to install entryways with 60—or 90-minute resistance ratings. However, residents must seek approval from the HDB for a new installation to ensure no structural changes are made, and the main entrance’s aesthetics are uniform with the rest of the doors. To ensure full compliance, homeowners must always work with licensed fire-rated door contractors.
Types of Fire-Rated Doors in Singapore
When it comes to choosing the material for your fire-rated door in Singapore, there are a few simple rules:
- The materials used to make the door must have proper fire-resistant treatment and to withstand high temperatures;
- Most fire-resistant doors must have 30-minute fire resistance ratings, but you can also install ones with 60, 90, or 120-minute fire resistance;
- Every fire-rated door in Singapore must have proper certification from an accredited lab to ensure it meets the SCDF’s fire safety standards;
- Before installing a fire-rated entrance to your HDB flat, make sure it’s fully compliant with the Singapore Standard SS 332: Specification for Fire Doors;
- Door hardware (hinges, locks and door closers) must also have fire-resistant treatment to ensure optimal performance and uniformity in the door’s properties.
Here are some of the popular materials for fire-rated doors in Singapore and their unique advantages:
Solid Timber Fire Rated Doors
Solid timber is the classic choice for homeowners looking to add a touch of timeless aesthetic to their entrance. Such fire-rated doors usually use high-density hardwoods like oak, teak, or mahogany, which are naturally resistant to heat.
After proper treatment with fire retardants, such a door easily exceeds the safety standards while adding warmth and elegance to the space. Besides, they provide excellent sound insulation, making these fire-rated doors particularly suitable for residential use.
Wood Veneer Fire Rated Doors
Wood veneer is the epitome of natural solid wood beauty and practicality. When it comes to fire resistance, fire-rated door suppliers use MDF or particleboard for the core and a thin layer of natural wood veneer for the finish. The result gives an unmatchable aesthetic appeal of natural wood without the higher cost of solid timber.
Of course, both the core and veneer undergo proper fire resistance treatment with retardants to ensure the door meets the safety standards. The final product is excellent for HDBs, office spaces and even interior doors where you need a combination of aesthetics and fire safety.
Laminated Fire Rated Doors
Laminated fire-rated doors are a hit in office spaces and HDB flats, especially in cases where durability and easy maintenance are essential. These doors use a fire-resistant board or engineered wood as the core and a laminate finish on the surface.
Arguably, the biggest advantage of laminated versions is their ability to mimic different textures and finishes, including wood, stone and even metallic looks. The fire-resistant properties, combined with their durability and low maintenance demands, make them perfect for high-traffic areas.
Aluminum Fire Rated Doors
Aluminium is one of the most popular HDB door materials and makes an excellent contemporary solution for fire-rated entryways. Such doors may feature an aluminium frame with a fire-resistant gypsum or mineral wool core. Some models may have additional fire-rated glass to match the modern aesthetic.
Above all, aluminium is naturally resistant to corrosion, which makes this type of fire-resistant entrance durable and low-maintenance. Best of all, it offers unmatchable appeal and versatility that fits any space, making it the perfect HDB fire-rated door without compromising safety.
Steel Fire-Rated Doors
If you’re looking for optimal fire protection for industrial and commercial buildings, galvanised or stainless steel is perfect. These doors are incredibly strong and will protect you from fire and unwanted intruders.
Typically, steel fire rated doors have mineral wool core to maintain the door’s structural integrity. Still, they maintain an excellent aesthetic appeal by having finishes in different colours and textures to match the particular exterior and interior design requirements.
Composite Fire-Rated Doors
For those looking for a mix of versatility and strength, composite fire-rated doors are an innovative material perfectly suitable for fire-resistant doors. Composite HDB doors are usually made from timber, steel, and heat-retardant cores like vermiculite or calcium silicate. The result is a lightweight product that does not burn and is easy to install.
Moreover, composite comes in various finishes, which makes it an ideal HDB fire-rated door material. Another good idea is to use the material for commercial spaces like office buildings, Condos, and hotels that require aesthetic appeal and high-performance fire safety.
Glass Fire-Rated Doors
Arguably, glass is the prime of modern interior design and architecture and integrating it into a fire-rated door makes an impressive statement. The most amazing part is these doors can easily withstand up to 120 minutes of fire. Typically, fire-rated glass doors have steel or aluminium frame reinforcements that ensure the structural integrity during a fire. Best of all, they are fully transparent, which makes them suitable for areas where you need visibility and aesthetics.
Of course, door suppliers in Singapore use special fire-resistant glass that ensures the safety needed for offices, shopping malls, restaurants and more. If you’re looking for something upscale without compromising safety, these doorways will give you the best of both worlds. Read how to choose the right HDB door contractor for your home.
Metal Fire-Rated Doors
Among all the modern and cheaper alternatives, metal is somewhat outdated. Still, it can actually make an excellent fire-rated door. It usually comprises different fire-resistant alloys, which make these entryways suitable for industrial facilities, commercial buildings and public spaces. Due to their durability, manufacturers offer them with fire resistance of up to 120 minutes. Best of all, you can order them with various coatings, including powder coating or paint.
Comparing Costs of Fire-Rated Door Options
Cost considerations are another crucial factor for comparison because of the high price discrepancy between different door materials. Depending on the material quality, door size, fire rating and composition, Singaporean homeowners can typically install a fire-rated door for SGD 600 or go all the way up to SGD 3000. Here are some estimates to help you make a more informed decision when planning your renovation budget:
| Fire Rated Door Material | Cost Range (SGD) | Details |
| Wood Veneer | SGD 600 – SGD 1,200 | The cheapest fire-rated door material. It has the visual appeal of real wood without the expensive cost tag.Wood veneer fire safety doors are perfect budget options for residential areas and interior solutions for office buildings. |
| Laminated | SGD 700 – SGD 1,500 | Laminated options are cost-effective, easy to maintain and versatile.They are suitable for both HDB flats and offices. |
| Solid Timber | SGD 800 – SGD 1,500 | Prices typically vary based on the wood type, thickness, and customisation. These doorways are durable and visually appealing, making them suitable for HDB, Condos and landed properties. |
| Composite | SGD 1,200 – SGD 2,000 | Composite fire-rated doors are highly versatile and customisable, making them perfect for every space. |
| Aluminum | SGD 1,200 – SGD 2,200 | Aluminium is a stylish and cost-effective solution with corrosion resistance and lightweight structure. It allows high customisation, including adding glass elements, making it suitable for all contemporary spaces. |
| Steel | SGD 1,000 – SGD 2,500 | Steel provides maximum durability but at a higher cost. It’s suitable for commercial and industrial buildings. |
| Metal | SGD 1,000 – SGD 2,500 | Metal fire-rated doors are a durable solution for high-traffic and exterior areas. They provide optimal fire safety and environmental resistance without the high price tag. |
| Glass | SGD 1,500 – SGD 3,000 | Expensive material manufactured from specialised fire retardant glass.Glass fire-rated doors combine the safety of all other materials while exuding modernism.They are perfect for hotels, Condos and other high-end spaces. |
Final Thoughts
Beyond the materials, you must not forget to consider additional factors like door size, frame requirements, hardware and smart integrations. In this regard, it’s best to consult with a professional door installation company to evaluate and execute the task properly and with a warranty. After all, installing such an essential element of your home will guarantee your safety. Ultimately, investing in high-quality fire-rated doors is a proactive step towards safeguarding your family’s life with style.
