Fire doors are a critical component of any building’s safety system, they are designed to protect lives and property in the event of a fire. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about fire doors, from their construction and purpose to regulations and installation.

What Are Fire Doors?

Fire doors are specially constructed doors that are designed to withstand the spread of fire and smoke for a specified period of time. They are an integral part of a building’s passive fire protection system, which aims to compartmentalise fire and prevent it from spreading to different areas. This containment provides crucial time for occupants of a building to evacuate and for emergency services to respond.

What Are Fire Doors Designed to Do?

Fire doors are designed to:

1. Contain fire and smoke within a specific area.

2. Provide a safe exit route for building occupants.

3. Protect the structural integrity of the building by preventing the fire from spreading.

4. Allow emergency services to access and control the fire more effectively.

Why Are Fire Doors Important?

Fire doors play a vital role in ensuring the safety of a building’s occupants. They can significantly reduce the risk of injury or death in the event of a fire by providing a safe escape route and limiting the spread of fire and smoke. This containment helps to protect not only people but also valuable property and critical infrastructure within the building.

How Are Fire Doors Made?

Fire doors are typically made from materials such as timber, or steel, built to pre-tested specification to slow or prevent the spread of fire and smoke between compartments of the building, enhancing safety and providing time for occupants to evacuate. 

Here are the materials used for fire doors:

Core Material:

• Solid Timber: Traditionally used, providing good fire resistance.
• Particleboard or Chipboard: Engineered wood products that offer consistent density and fire resistance.
• Mineral Core: Non-combustible materials such as vermiculite or calcium silicate offer high fire resistance.

2. Facing Material:
   • Plywood or MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard): Often used for the surface finish, providing a smooth and uniform appearance.
   • Steel or Aluminum: Metal facings can be used for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
3. Seals:
   • Intumescent Strips: These seals expand when exposed to heat, sealing gaps around the door to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.
   • Smoke Seals: Prevent the passage of smoke even if the door is not exposed to fire.

The construction process of a fire door:

1. Core Preparation:
   • The core material is cut and assembled to form the basic structure of the door.
   • If using timber, solid blocks or engineered wood products are glued together.
   • Mineral cores are cast or assembled into the desired shape.
2. Applying Facings:
   • Plywood, MDF, or metal sheets are glued to the core material on both sides.
   • The assembly is pressed to ensure a strong bond and smooth surface.
3. Edging:
   • The edges of the door are finished with hardwood strips or fire-resistant materials to protect the core and provide a solid frame for fitting hardware.
4. Fitting Seals:
   • Intumescent and smoke seals are fitted into grooves machined around the edges of the door.
   • These seals are critical for ensuring the door can effectively block fire and smoke.
5. Finishing:
   • The door is sanded and prepared for finishing.
   • Depending on the final use, doors may be painted, stained, or laminated for aesthetic appeal and additional protection.
6. Hardware Installation:
   • Fire-rated hinges, latches, and other hardware are installed.
   • These components are chosen for their ability to withstand high temperatures and maintain the door’s integrity.
7. Testing:
   • Fire doors are tested to ensure they meet specific fire resistance ratings.
   • This involves exposing the door to controlled fire conditions to observe its performance.
   • Certification is provided based on the door’s ability to withstand fire for a certain period, typically 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes.

Can Fire Doors Be Cut to Size?

Fire doors should not be cut to size as this can compromise their integrity and fire-resistant properties. Any modifications to a fire door, including cutting, should only be carried out by a professional who can ensure that the door still meets the required standards.

What Kinds of Fire Doors Are Available?

Fire doors come in various types to suit different applications:

Timber (sometimes referred to as Wooden) fire doors are commonly used in both residential and commercial buildings due to their aesthetic appeal, fire-resistant properties and ease of ongoing maintenance. They are usually constructed with a solid core and can be finished with a variety of veneers to match interior decor.

Steel fire doors offer superior strength and durability, making them ideal for industrial environments. They provide excellent fire resistance and are often used in locations where security and fire protection are both critical.

Can Fire Doors Have Glass in Them?

Yes, fire doors can have glass panels, the fire door must have been tested with a glass panel and the same specification of the glass used. It is important to note that the aperture required for glazing cannot be cut onsite and can only be done by the manufacturer

Can Fire Doors Be Painted?

Yes, fire doors can be painted, but it is important to use paint that does not compromise the door’s fire-resistant properties. However, the smoke seals must not be painted. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines before painting, and avoid altering or covering any intumescent seals.

Are Fire Doors Soundproof?

While fire doors are not specifically designed to be soundproof, their solid construction and seals can provide a certain level of sound insulation. However, for areas where soundproofing is a priority, additional measures such as acoustic seals may be necessary.

Can Fire Doors Be Propped Open?

No, fire doors should never be propped open, as this compromises their ability to contain fire and smoke. If a fire door must be kept open for operational reasons, it should be equipped with an automatic closing device that will close the door in the event of a fire.

Are There Any Regulations Around Fire Doors in the UK?

Yes, there are stringent regulations surrounding the installation and maintenance of fire doors in the UK. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 mandates that fire doors must be installed in all non-domestic properties and multi-occupancy buildings. Additionally, fire doors must comply with British Standards such as BS 476-22, BS9999 and BS EN 1634-1, which specify the requirements for fire resistance and smoke control. If you want to know more about the regulations around fire doors or need help to comply with them, you can contact us for more information.

Where Do Fire Doors Need to Be Installed?

Fire doors should be installed in areas that:

1. Compartmentalise different sections of a building.

2. Protect escape routes, such as corridors and staircases.

3. Separate high-risk areas, like kitchens and boiler rooms, from other parts of the building.

4. Provide safe exits from buildings, especially in places of public assembly and commercial buildings.

Are Fire Doors a Legal Requirement in Flats?

Yes, fire doors are a legal requirement in flats, especially in buildings with multiple occupancy. They must be installed in entryways to individual flats and in communal areas such as corridors and staircases to ensure safe evacuation routes and to contain any potential fires.

How Long Do Fire Doors Last?

The lifespan of a fire door depends on various factors, including the quality of the door, the environment in which it is installed, and how well it is maintained. Regular inspections and maintenance are essential to ensure the door remains effective over time. On average, a well-maintained fire door can last for several decades.

Can I Install and Then Perform Periodic Inspections on Fire Doors Myself?

We would not recommend you install fire doors yourself, as the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 states that a competent person should be engaged. The onus is on the responsible person (who is answerable by law) to prove competency.

Why Should I Have a Professional Install, Inspection and Maintain My Fire Doors?

Engaging Third Party Accredited contractors is a way of proving competency. Proper installation, inspections and maintenance are crucial to ensure the door’s fire-resistant properties are maintained. A professional installer, inspector and maintainer will have the required knowledge with regard to the regulations and best practices, ensuring the door functions correctly and as designed and tested in the event of an emergency.

Improper installation can render a fire door ineffective, putting lives and property at risk. 

How Much Do Fire Doors Cost?

The cost of fire doors varies depending on the type, size, and fire rating. Basic timber (wooden) fire doors start at around £1,300, while more robust options, such as steel doors or those with higher fire ratings, can cost several hundred pounds. Installation costs should also be considered, as professional fitting is crucial for ensuring the door’s effectiveness, compliance and to prevent any unintended accidents that could compromise the door.

Fire doors are a vital component of any building’s fire safety strategy. By understanding their purpose, regulations, and proper installation and maintenance practices, you can ensure that your property is well-protected against the devastating effects of fire.