Palooviin

Palooviin is a Finnish term used in architectural and safety contexts to refer to fire doors in their illative form, indicating doors to or toward fire doors within a building. The word derives from paloovi (fire door) and appears in Finnish construction documents, safety plans, and building regulations to specify movement into or toward these doors.

Fire doors are a principal component of passive fire protection. They are designed to resist the spread of fire and smoke for a defined period, allowing occupants to evacuate safely and helping to preserve adjacent spaces and structural elements. Typical fire doors consist of a fire-rated core, a frame, door leaf, and protective hardware, sometimes incorporating fire-rated glazing. Many doors include intumescent seals that expand when exposed to heat to maintain enclosure integrity.

Standards and labeling in Europe generally involve fire-resistance testing and certification, often described by a time rating such as EI30 or EI60, representing the door’s ability to meet both fire integrity and insulation for the specified minutes. Compliance is shown on labeling attached to the door and in project documentation. National and local building codes dictate installation practices, required clearances, and ongoing maintenance.

Maintenance and operation are essential for effectiveness. Fire doors must be installed correctly and remain closed unless they are part of an approved, monitored egress path. Regular inspections check for warping, hinge wear, misalignment, damaged seals, and faulty hardware. Propping a fire door open or modifying its frame or seals can compromise safety and is typically prohibited by code.

See also: fire safety, building codes, passive fire protection.