Frequently asked questions...

There are no set rules about how long a fire door lasts before it needs replacing. The condition of each fire door should be monitored and checked at least every 6 months to ensure it is in good working order.

Fire doors are essential components within the compartmentation of a building, designated areas constructed to resist fire. These compartments may consist of individual rooms, multiple rooms, or vertical risers and lift shafts. It's important to note that fire-rated doors are only necessary for walls forming compartment boundaries. While it's possible to install additional fire doors in lieu of standard doors, they may offer limited protection if surrounded by walls lacking fire-resistant materials. In such cases, the fire door could remain intact while the surrounding walls burn through. This scenario poses a risk of occupants developing a false sense of security. Therefore, the installation of fire doors in non-compartment walls should be undertaken only after a thorough fire risk assessment conducted by a competent professional. To ascertain the location of fire compartments within your premises, reference the original building plans if available. Alternatively, seek the assistance of a competent individual to perform a fire risk assessment or fire door inspection.

FD30 is a fire rating classification which tells you that a door will protect against fire for a minimum of 30 minutes. After that point, it’s feasible that the door will no longer be able to retain the fire.

Fire doors can be painted with regular paint but it’s advised that this isn’t excessively thick and that if the door is re-painted there aren’t lots of paint coats. Fire door hardware, like hinges, handles, and fire seals shouldn’t be painted.

To find out which fire door you need, the Responsible Person in any business or organisation should carry out a risk assessment. This will determine where fire doors are required and what fire rating they should have.

A fire door is a specially designed door with a fire-resistant rating to prevent the spread of fire. Fire doors form part of a passive fire protection system within a building to reduce the spread of fire and smoke. A fire door is made up of a door leaf, door frame, fixtures and fittings.

FD30 fire doors weight approximately 45kg. FD60 fire doors weigh upwards of 75kg.

Fire doors keep you safe by preventing the spread of fire from one compartment or room to another. Effective fire doors will withstand a fire for a period of time depending on their classification, which enables time for escape thus saving lives

A fire door is designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke between compartments, while an emergency exit door is intended to provide a safe means of escape during an emergency. Both types of doors are important for ensuring building occupants’ safety during fire incidents, but they serve different purposes.

Yes, intumescent fire strips are required on all fire doors. Newer doors and frames have a channel cut into them for rebated seals. For older doors, surface-mounted seals can be used instead.

No! you will not even know we are there. Minimal noise, no loud tools required.

Fire doors should be checked at least once every six months. If the door is in a high-traffic area or used frequently then they should be checked more regularly e.g. once a week/month as signs of wear will appear more quickly with increased use.

This all depends on how many door you need to have inspected.

Whoever is responsible for the day-to-day control of the premises must ensure that the fire doors are inspected regularly and maintained correctly. That may be the landlord, business owner or building manager. Under the Fire Safety Order, this person is called the “responsible person”

Fire door hinges are specifically designed to meet the same fire-rating certification as the door it’s supporting. They’re manufactured to a level where they will not warp, twist or deform under extreme heat, keeping the fire door in place and secure. They are absolutely essential for a fire door system to pass certification. Fire doors are often installed with 3 hinges, as opposed to 2 for regular doors

Yes! The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO), which applies to all non-domestic and communal areas, stipulates that the ‘Responsible Person’ (typically a building owner or manager) must undertake steps to remove and reduce fire risks. This includes duties such as carrying out a Fire Risk Assessment and conducting recommendations from the assessment to enable a safe and legal environment, as well as offering adequate fire safety training for staff members.

Something that is largely overlooked is checking fire doors in-between services. We recommend that weekly checks are carried out for obstructions to fire doors and visual inspection for any damage to hinges, ensuring they close properly without sticking on the frame. Any damage should be reported immediately to your fire door maintenance provider for repair.

Installing a fire door should be done by a qualified professional who understands the specific requirements and can ensure that it meets all safety standards and regulations.

On average it can take around 2 hours for a professional to install a fire door from start to finish. This will vary depending on the nature of the work required.

PPM (Planned Preventive Maintenance) for fire doors ensures ongoing safety and functionality. It includes regular inspections, testing, and servicing to detect and address issues promptly. Tasks include checking door operation, seals, hardware, and compliance with fire safety standards. PPM minimises fire hazards, enhances safety, and ensures compliance. Call us to discuss your requirements on 01934 244721

implementing a proactive fire door PPM program helps to minimise the risk of fire-related hazards, enhance occupant safety, maintain compliance with regulations, prolong the lifespan of fire doors, reduce the likelihood of costly repairs or replacements, and provide peace of mind for building owners and occupants.