Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL

What is the CSDMA?

The Canadian Steel Door Manufacturers Association (CSDMA) was established in 1974. The goal of the Association is to deliver standards and specifications regarding the manufacture and installation of steel doors, frames and related items, for the guidance of specifiers, end users, AEC professionals, and those interested in the construction trades at large.

CSDMA members are leading manufacturers of these products. Individually and collectively, the companies have earned an international reputation for providing high quality products at a relatively low cost. The vast range of products manufactured by member firms consistently meets the requirements of architects and engineers. A list of these products and manufacturers is found by selecting the “Product Directory” link.

How does CSDMA develop the standards?

The CSDMA standards under the publications tab were developed by the membership over time based on the experience of the membership to best service the door and frame industry.  These standards are based on best practices and NOT the lowest/weakest available product by the membership

Are hollow metal products recyclable?

Yes.  Steel frames and doors with honeycomb, polystyrene, polyurethane and steel-stiffened cores are recyclable.

Seamless door edges

There are two reasons for filling lock seam door edges.  Simple filling is purely aesthetic.  Intermittent tack-welding with fill and dressing adds a degree of durability in addition to the aesthetic quality.  Continuously welded door seams provide a high degree of robustness to the door edges while providing for aesthetics.

What is Galvanneal and what are its Advantages?

Galvanneal is a zinc-iron coating applied by the steel manufacturer.  The coating is present on both sides of the steel sheet and designed to protect the substrate from ambient moisture.  This means the inside and outside surfaces of hollow metal doors and frame are not subject to rust under prescribed installation, handling and storage conditions.  When dry and free of dirt, oil and contaminants, the coating will accept on site painting without priming.

 

FIRE RATED

Is the Fire Labeling guide complete?

The Fire Labeling guide is published to provide a guideline to architects and designers in regards to the products that can be fire rated within our industry.  If you have a requirement outside of the listed products then you can reach out to each manufacturer for their specific listings.  Testing a product for a fire resistance rating is expensive and manufacturers/members of CSDMA may have additional products that have been tested above and beyond what is noted in the CSDMA guidelines.

Do fire rated doors have to have wire glass installed?

Although fire rated doors can have wire glass installed, any fire rated glass that is approved can be used in doors as long as it has been tested and has an equal or greater rating than the door.

Can Thermally Broken Frame be fire rated?

No, thermally broken frames cannot be fire rated. Thermally broken frames have a plastic divider that separate the inside on the frame from the outside creating a thermal break. Most exterior opening do not require fire rating (there are some exceptions).

Can a steel frame with thermal break have a fire resistance certification?

No, a steel frame with thermal break cannot have fire certification.

Is it allowed to apply a wooden molding on the face of a fireproof steel frame without affecting its certification?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to cover the face of a steel frame with a wood molding without this configuration being tested.

It has been demonstrated in the laboratory that the heat transfer from the steel is sufficient to ignite the molding which is not in direct contact with the fire.

What is the maximum louver size allowed in a fire door and what is the maximum fire rating possible?

The maximum dimension is 24” x 24” per door leaf and must be in the lower part of the door only. The maximum fire resistance rating is 90 minutes, and no opening of glass is permitted.

Is it possible to drill a 1” diameter hole on a steel frame with fire resistance on a construction site for the installation of architectural hardware?

Per NFPA 80, installers may drill 1” diameter holes in fire rated assemblies to install fire rated architectural hardware on a job site without affecting the assembly’s listing.

Can an oversized door be fire labelled?

When the nominal size exceeds the manufacturers listing parameters, a regularly issued fire label cannot be used.  However, if the oversized door is built to the same fire-rated specifications, an ‘oversized fire door’ label may be affixed (NFPA 4.2.1.6, 4.3.9, A.4.3.9)

 

TECHNICAL

Is there such thing as a thermally broken door?

No, currently there is no hollow metal manufactures that makes a thermally broken door. There are hollow metal doors that have insulation and other form of energy savings, but not thermally broken.

 

What is the purpose of holes in door end channels?

In a fire, consumption of the core creates gases inside the door which if contained would cause the door to fail as a barrier to flame spread.  The additional pressure created by those gases must be allowed to freely escape.

Is grouting required?

Grouting is not required in commercial or residential fire-rated frames.  Proper anchoring is sufficient to stabilize the frame while dry non-combustible materials may be added on site for sound deadening.  However, grouting is obligatory in security and detention applications.  When specified, do not use water –based grout or material with anti-freezing agents since the uncured portions will promote frame corrosion and invalidate the warranty.  Use grout that cures naturally.