SAFETY
Stop the spread of smoke
Smoke is the number one cause of death in a fire. It contains toxic gases and spreads much faster through a space than fire. It seeks out gaps and cracks to escape.
It is often assumed that if something is fire-resistant, it will also block smoke. Fire-resistant doors are equipped with intumescent strips that seal the passage airtight.
However, this is where things often go wrong. These strips only expand when the temperature reaches around 200ºC. So-called "cold smoke" does not come close to that temperature. As a result, smoke can spread for minutes, with potentially serious consequences.
Smoke protection for both interior and exterior doors is therefore essential for safety. As of January 1, 2021, fire safety regulations have been tightened under the new Building Environment Decree (BBL). These stricter requirements apply not only to new construction projects but also to renovation work.
The classifications are as follows:
- Sa: Smoke-resistant against "cold smoke" (ambient temperature). Mainly for non-residential buildings such as offices, shops, or schools.
- S200: Smoke-resistant at 200°C, also known as "hot smoke." Intended for residential buildings such as hotels, hospitals, and daycare centers.
- No requirement: Smoke barriers are no longer fire-resistant.
(‘S’ stands for smoke, ‘a’ for ambient, and ‘200’ for 200°C.)
Drop seal and perimeter seal – Sa classified
A quick and relatively simple solution to make a space smoke-tight is the use of an aluminum perimeter seal (ASP). This is an adjustable perimeter profile that seamlessly seals gaps around a door or window.
By combining the EllenMatic Soundproof drop seal with the EllenMatic holder profile, you create a fully smoke-, fire-, and soundproof space—without the need to replace or modify doors or frames.
Both the aluminum adjustment profile and the drop seal in the perimeter cassette feature flame-retardant silicone sealing, which also ensures low closing resistance for the door.