The importance of high-quality fire dampers for building safety

Fire dampers are a crucial component of building design that should never be overlooked. Not only do they prevent the spread of fire through HVAC systems, but they also protect means of escape by maintaining compartmentation. Using an effective fire damper ensures that you're doing all that's necessary to protect life and property.

Carl Knowler, Fire & Smoke Product Manager for Lindab has years of experience in the industry. We spoke to him about the critical role that fire dampers play in building safety. According to Carl, not all fire dampers meet the same standards, and if you're serious about protecting the people within your building, it's important to invest in high-quality products. In this article, we'll explore the features that make a fire damper truly effective and explain why it's essential to seek expert advice when choosing one for your building.

Firstly, let's talk about the casing. "You want a fire damper that's made from galvanised carbon steel", say Carl. This ensures that the device has a durable frame that can withstand the extreme heat of a fire. The casing also creates a thermal labyrinth that helps the device resist high temperatures and prevent the spread of fire by separating occupied areas from the source of heat.

"Another important feature to consider is the opening and closing mechanism. A good fire damper should have a thick closing blade made of refractory material, a lip seal on the blade border for the cold smoke seal, and an internal intumescent gasket for the hot smoke seal". These features ensure that the device can effectively block the spread of fire and smoke.

"Ease of installation and maintenance is also an important factor to consider because if a damper isn't installed or maintained as intended, it may not offer the protection that it is designed to provide". Lindab fire dampers, for example, come in various sizes which can be easily installed in any HVAC system with the option for orthogonal or parallel mounting. A fire damper needs to be tested to the specific installation methods required so this is a factor that needs to be taken into account for specification.

Lindab dampers include an installation kit which makes installation effortless. Plus, the dampers are designed for easy maintenance, with pre-installed thermal sensors and compatibility for Belimo and Siemens actuators.

"I am proud that Lindab offers the highest-classified motorised or manual fire dampers to meet the rising standards for fire safety, the wide range of tested installation methods means we can provide a solution for most buildings" - Carl Knowler, Lindab Fire & Smoke Product Manager

So, if you're in the market for a fire damper, don't just settle for the first one you come across. Look for a product that meets the highest standards of safety, durability, and ease of use. If you're not sure where to begin, consult an expert who can point you in the direction of products with above-average performance, like Lindab fire dampers. After all, there is no room for error when it comes to fire safety.