In the pursuit of enhanced safety within high-rise and communal buildings, multiperformance fire doorsets stand out not merely as a regulatory compliance solution but as a multifunctional safety system. This blog post delves into the pivotal benefits and rigorous testing protocols of Gerda Security’s fire doorsets, underscoring their critical role in modern fire safety strategies.

Going Beyond Compliance: The Case for Multiperformance Fire Doorsets

At first glance, the primary function of any fire doorset seems straightforward: to prevent the spread of fire and smoke between compartments, thereby safeguarding the routes of escape during a fire incident. However, multiperformance fire doorsets take this a step further by integrating multiple functionalities that cater to the complex needs of modern buildings.

Durability and Operation

Gerda Security flat entrance doorsets are not only fire-resistant doorsets, but are designed for the long-term. They have undergone extensive primary tests in durability and operation, including durability of resistance to repeated opening and closing at 50,000 cycles minimum. They have also passed operational tests including (but not limited to):

• Medium Duty Operating Forces – class 1
• Mechanical strength – class 3
• Vertical load – class 3
• Static torsion – class 3
• Soft & heavy body impact – class 3
• Hard body impact – class 2

Enhanced Durability and Security

Doorsets are tested to PAS 24 and dual certified through a third party UKAS-accredited certification body for enhanced security, fire resistance and smoke control. This includes testing the door with the frame and any side panel or fanlight or sidelight together, as well as all afore-mentioned hardware.

Tests include manipulation; cutting & infill medium removal tests; mechanical loading; manual checks; additional mechanical loading; soft body impact tests; hard body impact tests; security hardware & cylinder tests and letter plate tests; and cylinders for locks. DGUs to BS EN 356 P1 A for attack resistance, meeting building regulation Approved Document Q and Secured by Design.

Superior Acoustic Insulation

Noise pollution is a common issue in communal areas. Ensuring that multiperformance fire doorsets close quietly means residents are more likely to appreciate their doorsets and look after them and in communal areas, are less likely to prop open communal area doorsets which defeats their purpose.

Our multiperformance fire doorsets address this by providing significant sound reduction and quiet closure features which promote a peaceful and private living environment, crucial in residential buildings. They have been tested to EN ISO 10140-2.

A Wide Range of Products

Gerda fire doorsets are available according to their function and within each type of doorset range, offer a wide range of styles to suit the style and age of buildings, all the while maintaining the performance integrity of the building, ensuring building regulation compliance across a multiplicity of doorset criteria.

You can read more about how we achieve this in our case study: Trellick Tower fire door replacement.

Gerda Security’s Holistic Testing Approach

Understanding the critical role that these multiperformance fire doorsets play, Gerda Security does not leave anything to chance. We conduct extensive primary testing of the fundamental construction and design of our fire doorsets in various configurations and styles. This provides a large variety of options for customers when it comes to configuration and styles.

Smart Design and Rigorous Testing

Gerda’s approach to testing for flat entrance doorsets has always been one of careful initial design ensuring that the necessary building regulation criteria are considered at the outset and then to extensively primary test to recognised industry standards to ensure that solutions are available across a wide range of housing stock.

Continuous Innovation

What sets Gerda apart is our commitment to continuous innovation. By consistently refining our multiperformance fire doorset designs based on the latest fire safety research and technological advancements, Gerda ensures that our fire doorsets are at the forefront of both safety and functionality.

Certification and Assurance

Each multiperformance fire doorset by Gerda is backed by extensive documentation and certification. For the Responsible Person, the Principal Accountable Person, the Principal Designer and Principal Contractor, this offers unparalleled peace of mind, knowing that they are investing in a product that brings comprehensive benefits to their building and its residents.

Taking this further, Gerda Security applies the popular “golden thread” concept with the GSmart app, which helps building managers digitally manage the lifecycle of installed fire doorsets.

The Gerda Difference: Safety Beyond Standards

Gerda Security’s multiperformance fire doorsets are designed with the complexities of not only modern buildings in mind, but existing buildings of all ages. They not only meet but often exceed the rigorous standards set by building regulations. With a focus on holistic safety, Gerda’s doorsets integrate seamlessly into the architectural aesthetics while providing robust fire protection, security, and functional benefits like noise reduction and thermal insulation.