Which door type can provide fire resistance for at least 20 minutes?

A solid door is designed to provide significant fire resistance, typically capable of withstanding exposure to fire for at least 20 minutes. This fire-resistive capacity comes from the dense material and construction characteristics of solid doors, which can prevent the passage of flames and heat, thereby aiding in the containment of fire and smoke in a given area.

In comparison, hollow doors, while they may serve other functional purposes, do not provide the same level of fire protection due to their lighter construction and internal design that doesn't effectively slow down the fire's spread. Glass doors, on the other hand, are generally less effective against fire because glass can shatter easily under high heat, allowing flames to pass through. Steel doors can offer excellent fire resistance as well, but they are not always classified as solid doors because their fire resistance can be influenced by other factors such as the materials used for insulation or the door's overall construction.

Thus, solid doors are recognized for their ability to contribute to life safety and property protection within a fire scenario, making them an essential consideration in fire safety planning and building design.