Fire doors are a vital piece of fire safety equipment. Here we answer some of the top 10 questions that are commonly asked about fire doors.
What is a fire door and what is its purpose?
A fire door is a specialist door which is purpose-built to withstand fires for as long as possible. They can compartmentalise a building to contain a fire, delay its spread and create a safe route for evacuation.
How long will a fire door hold back fire, smoke, and toxic fumes?
All certified fire doors are given a fire-resistance rating which will detail the length of time it is able to withstand smoke and fire, ranging from 30 to 120 minutes depending on its structure and the materials it is made from.
What are the legal requirements for fire doors (including what is and isn’t required)?
Fire doors are a legal requirement in all non-domestic properties as well as blocks of flats and houses of multiple occupancy. New builds or home renovations with three or more floors must have fire doors fitted to every habitable room leading from a stairwell. Fire doors must also be regularly maintained to keep them in good working order.
How long does a fire door last before it needs replacing?
The lifespan of a fire door is usually 10-15 years, but this will depend on how it is used and maintained, as well as its exposure to environmental conditions.
Can you paint or modify a fire door (e.g. trim, drill, or decorate)?
You can paint a fire door, but you should not do anything which will affect the performance of the door. It is important to remember that modifications to a fire door could affect its integrity if not done correctly.
What is the maximum allowed gap under a fire door?
The maximum gap permitted beneath a fire door is between 8-10mm, except in any instance where smoke protection is required by Building Regulations, where the permitted gap is reduced to 3mm.
How many hinges are required on a fire door?
Fire doors must have a minimum of three hinges which are certified and tested for use on fire rated doors. This means they need to be CE marked along with a fire identification stamp.
What should you do when you see a blue sign on a fire door?
A blue sign on a fire door which contains white text or symbols indicates a mandatory action related to fire safety, such as keeping a fire door shut.
What do landlords need to know about new fire door regulations?
Landlords need to be aware that all flat entrance doors and doors along shared escape routes in communal areas are certified fire doors which must be FD30 rated and have self-closing mechanisms. Flat entrance doors must be checked at least every 12 months and communal doors every three months. Fire doors must have an intumescent strip that will seal the gap between the door and frame and tenants must be informed about fire safety, including the importance of keeping fire doors shut. It is also essential that fire doors are installed by competent installers.
How do you correctly fit or install a fire door?
To fit a fire door, the frame will need to be fixed to the wall, ensuring there is a 2-4mm gap between the door and the frame at the top and sides. Hinges must then be fitted as well as intumescent seals to ensure a proper fit and sealing. The door leaf is then placed into the frame, ensuring there is the correct gap and alignment, and final checks must be made so the door closes fully, latches securely and seals. It is essential that this is done correctly, so you should a certified fire door installer to do this for you.
It is essential that you understand what the requirements are regarding fire doors, and they are well maintained and fully functioning at all times.