What is the required specification for a garage entry door to ensure fire protection?

The requirement for a garage entry door to ensure fire protection is that it must be rated for 20 minutes or be constructed with a 1 3/8" solid core. This specification is in place to provide adequate fire resistance, helping to shield the main living areas from a potential fire that could start in the garage, which often houses flammable materials. The 20-minute rating means that the door can withstand fire for at least 20 minutes, giving occupants valuable time to escape and allowing fire services to address the situation.

The option regarding a solid core construction is essential because solid core doors are more durable and offer better fire-resistance characteristics compared to hollow core doors. Hollow core doors, particularly those that are not rated for fire protection, do not provide the necessary barrier against flames and heat.

The other options, while they may involve solid core constructions or different ratings, do not meet the specific requirement of a 20-minute fire resistance which is a critical consideration for safety in homes with attached garages. Thus, opting for a door rated for 20 minutes fulfills the safety and building code requirements for fire protection effectively.