Fire Door Fitting

A fire door is a specially designed door that helps contain fire and prevent the spread of smoke in a building. It forms a crucial part of a building’s passive fire protection system, providing vital time for occupants to evacuate safely and for emergency services to respond.

Yes, fire doors are a legal requirement in many buildings as specified by UK Building Regulations. They are mandatory in non-domestic properties, houses of multiple occupation (HMOs), and in residential buildings where a door separates a dwelling from a common area.

Fire door installation is critical to safety and should only be carried out by competent individuals who have been specifically trained to install fire doors and understand the importance of correct installation. We recommend using certified installers who understand all the regulatory requirements.

Proper installation requires:

• Following the manufacturer’s specific installation instructions
• Using compatible components (frames, seals, hardware) certified for use with the specific door
• Maintaining correct gaps between the door and frame (typically 2-4mm at the top and sides)
• Ensuring threshold gaps meet manufacturer specifications (typically 8-10mm)
• Proper installation of intumescent strips and smoke seals
• Correct fitting of essential ironmongery (hinges, closers, latches)

The gap between the door and frame at the top and sides should be 2-4mm, while the threshold gap should follow the manufacturer’s instructions (typically around 8-10mm). Incorrect gaps can compromise the fire door’s performance.

No. Never cut glazing apertures on site. This will invalidate the door’s certification. Cutting apertures for glazing and air transfer grilles should only be carried out by a certified licensed processor.

All ironmongery, such as locks, latches, closers, and hinges, must be CE marked and compatible with the door’s certification. They must be firmly fixed with no missing screws. Always check the door’s certificate to ensure compatibility.

Yes, the frame specification must be correct for the door’s fire rating. The certification will specify compatible frame types. Ensure any voids between the door frame and wall are tightly packed with appropriate fire-resistant material (typically mineral wool).

Intumescent strips expand when exposed to heat, sealing gaps around the door to prevent the passage of fire and smoke. These must be correctly installed in the locations specified by the door’s certification and are essential for the door to function properly in the event of a fire.

For buildings with the top storey above 11m in height, regulations require:

• Flat entrance fire doors to be checked at least every 12 months
• Fire doors in communal areas to be checked at least every 3 months

Regular checks are also recommended for all other buildings with fire doors.

Key checks include:

• The door closes properly from any position and latches securely
• No visible damage to the door or frame
• Intumescent strips and smoke seals are intact and undamaged
• All hardware is functioning correctly
• Gaps between the door and frame remain within acceptable limits
• No unauthorised modifications have been made

Minor damage may be repairable, but this should only be done by competent individuals and in accordance with the door manufacturer’s guidance. Significant damage often requires complete replacement to maintain certification and safety standards.

While it’s technically possible, we strongly advise against DIY installation of fire doors. Incorrect installation can compromise safety and invalidate insurance. Professional installation ensures compliance with regulations and proper functioning in an emergency.

After professional installation, you should receive:

• Certification for the installed doors
• Installation documentation confirming compliance with regulations
• Maintenance recommendations and schedules
• Information about the fire rating and performance of the doors

Using a professional installer is the best way to ensure compliance. They will be familiar with current regulations and will install the doors according to the manufacturer’s specifications and building requirements.