Fire Doors UK Building Regs & Common Sense 

When searching on the net for Fire Doors UK or UK Fire Door Suppliers, Building Regulations certainly have a major role to play. Importantly so does common sense. You will find many different types of fire doors and also come across the consequences of not installing them properly. Many people do not know what fire doors are really supposed to do or what their properties are. Also, there is the question of whether it is wise to invest in fire doors as against standard doors. Well, let’s try to clear up a few points by discussing what they are, their installation, the types available and why they are important to you, your family and your property.

What are fire doors?

You may think that fire doors come treated with fire-resistant sprays, however it is the fire-resistant/retardant materials in the door itself which give it the safety rating. Compare the weight of a cheap internal door and a fire door and you will immediately notice a big difference. ‘Egg-box’ doors are basically hollow shells, fire will go through them in no time at all. Modern engineered (35mm) thick doors which are veneered particleboard, fare better but are still not classed as fire safety doors. Fire Doors take things a whole step further. An FD30 fire door, rated for thirty minutes, is 44mm/45mm thick and its interior is solid laths of hardwood surrounded on the edges by  layers of solid timber lippings. This engineered construction is then covered with the finishing veneer.  This heavy-duty make-up is what creates the barrier against the progress of a fire. FD 60 rated doors are typically 54mm thick.

The fire safety rating is guaranteed not only by the door but also by the quality of its installation.

Why is it important to install fire doors properly?

For fire doors UK Building Regulations proscribe correct and efficient installation. The gaps between the frame and the door should be very precise. Not more than 3mm on the sides and top (the size of a pound coin) and not more than 8mm under the door.  You should not be able to see any light source from under the door. An integral part of the installation is the frame. This must have a  fire safety rating also and must have intumescent strips. Intumescent strips expand in heat to seal off the gaps between the door and the frame. Some block off the fire only and some block off both fire and smoke.

Summing up, if the installation is not correct, the doors will not create the required barrier. And most probably will not be effective in keeping the fire at bay.

What kinds of fire doors UK are there?

When picturing fire doors, you might think of hefty and ugly commercial looking doors. But you can easily find FD30 fire rated contemporary internal doors, oak fire doors, panel fire doors, all in a variety of finishes and there are even glazed fire doors. We have a wide range of design patterns, so you can find a type, profile and colour that fits best with you and your interior décor. These doors match their standard counterparts. In this way you do not need to compromise on the continuity of design through your home.

So, your home can be secure and safe for you and your loved ones, in style.

Why is it important to install fire doors in your home?

Regulations proscribe fire doors in multi storey homes and buildings, houses of multiple occupancy, public and commercial buildings. Also for garage doors into houses, for attic conversions amongst many other situations.

And common sense says that you should at least be able to shut off any room where there is a source of fire. This could be an open hearth in the lounge, a cooker in the kitchen or a boiler in a pantry. Consider also though that faulty household appliances start very many household fires. If a fire occurs, it must be contained at any cost.

Fire doors, correctly installed, minimise the spread of flame and smoke damage caused to your property. And may even be lifesaving as they give you a longer window of time for rescue or to escape safely in such a situation.

It is important to remember that you can never be too prepared.  Fire doors are a crucial element of home security and safety.

Browse our ranges at onlinedoorstore.co.uk, call us for friendly advice on 01132 234898, you can email us, or fill out the handy contact form online. We’re here to help!