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Do we need a new garage to kitchen door?

last month

The situation: This is the door that goes from the garage to the kitchen. I have no idea if it is fire safe.

It does NOT shut on its own which is very annoying when you are dealing with kids, pets and groceries.

Are new self closing hinges (or whatever they are called) all that we need or do we need and entire new door installed? Thanks!!

Comments (17)

  • last month

    Also, we have painted the steps etc. This is a previous owner photo.

  • last month

    I was about to say self closing hinges or door closer is easy to add but since you painted steps that will be a game changer.

  • PRO
    last month

    The metal embossed doors have labels.


    Hour-rated interior doors always have permanent, legible certification labels on the hinge side or top edge, showing the fire rating (e.g., 20, 60, 90 min), testing agency (UL, WHI), and manufacturer. The label is required by fire codes (like NFPA 80) and must remain visible for inspections. What to look for on the label

    • Hourly Rating: 20, 45, 60, 90, 180 minutes (or longer).
    • Certification Agency: UL, Intertek (WHI), QAI, etc..
    • Manufacturer Info: Name and contact details.
    • Temperature Rise: (Optional, e.g., 250°, 450°, 650°F).
    • Standard Designation: (e.g., UL 10C, NFPA 252).


    If you like you can add a closure device to the door so it automatically closes after you



  • last month

    Thank you!

  • PRO
    last month

    Notice the top hinge is different -- it's intended to close the door. Might need adjustment or replacement.

  • last month
    last modified: last month

    " The metal embossed doors have labels "



    True, but from pic #1 that appears to be a wood frame so if so, there is no fire rating. And PPF is correct that that is an adjustable self-closing hinge.

  • last month

    Ooh! Good eye. This is not my area of expertise lol. So we just need to replace the top hinge? It’s definitely not closing on its own! Thank you!

  • last month

    I noticed the frame looks like wood too. If so, it wont matter if the door is fire rated or not, it still will not be rated a good enough fire door. I would have it all checked out, to make sure its to code before messing with hinges etc. Hinge may be able to be adjusted anyway.

  • last month

    So - do most people have actual "fire doors"? Also, if we can't spend a fortune, would we just go to Lowe's and have them install?

  • last month

    They should have, if they dont. Its code most places to have a fire rated door on the garage, when it is connected to the house.

  • last month

    The adjustable hinge may not need to be changed. The adjustable part (pin) may not be there to engage the spring.

  • last month
    last modified: last month

    For any questions like this it is best to check with your local building inspector. There are as many flavors of this code as there are counties in the US. Some require a steel door, other find a thick solid door to be acceptable. Soon require the maintain their integrity for 20 minutes, or longer or shorter. Some require self closers other don't.

    So before you do any thing find our what the local building code requires. You don't want to be in compliance with the building code in California, and not meet the code in your home county

  • PRO
    last month

    The IRC, which incorporates the NFPA, covers most of the US wholly or in part. Some locales are more strict, but none are more lenient.


    NFPA 80, requires that the door between a home and garage be a 20-minute fire-rated door, constructed from solid wood (1-3/8" thick) or steel (solid/honeycomb core), self-closing, and self-latching, to prevent fire and smoke from spreading into living areas. These doors act as a crucial barrier, buying time for escape, and must meet specific installation and maintenance guidelines for effectiveness

    Dyan Weis thanked Rainbow Colors
  • last month

    Doesn't matter which code applys to your location,just print recommendations from houzz in case some authority wants to take exception. Showing the authority what HU-1515xxxxxx said will stop them in their tracks.

  • last month
    last modified: last month

    @klem1 What a silly comment on an advice forum. Someone posts starting from zero knowledge on a subject. Commenters give advice. Now the OP has more than zero knowledge, and a foot to start from. The OP is a big boy/girl, they can follow through and look further for themselves, or not, based on what the comments say.

  • PRO
    last month

    I think you missed the OR in the quote above. Copied straight from the NFPA site.