Here’s some info about certified fire doors to help guide you if you need to buy fire doors (F60 or F30 doors). See our collection of internal fire doors.
What makes a Fire Door?
There are two main purposes to a fire door:
- Fire doors provide resistance to the spread of fire
- Fire doors prevent the passing of smoke in the early stages of a fire.
Fire doors are typically 44mm in depth and they are more substantial than standard doors so they are significantly heavier.
When do you require a fire door?
Fire doors are advisable for the entrance to any room where a fire may start such as kitchens or any room with electrical appliances.
The architect who is specifying your project is the best person to advise on fire door requirements and regulations.
Building regulations cover the requirement of fire doors for domestic properties and state that the following areas require fire doors to be fitted:
- The door between an integral garage and a house must be a fire door (this applies to all two storey homes)
- Homes with 3 storeys must have fire doors on the third floor and may require them in the staircase areas (this applies to new build and refurbished properties)
Commercial properties are regulated with different requirements and fire doors are required in line with the fire escape route – these requirements should be checked further.
Does a fire door have to be dull?
Many people assume that certified fire doors are all simple practical doors with no character but this is no longer the case.
There are many door styles that include fire doors in the same style so you can have complementary stylish doors throughout your home. Fire doors may be modern or traditional and you can either browse the Fire Door collection on our website or you can view all internal doors and look for the red flame symbol to find designs that include a fire door option. We also have various glazed doors that are available as fire doors. See the photos for some inspiration in choosing fire doors or if you want to view all our internal fire doors please click here.
What does FD30 and FD60 mean?
Fire door ratings are stated in minutes and reflect the number of minutes of resistance to fire, smoke and heat.
FD30 provides 30 minutes resistance (also known as integrity)
FD60 provides 60 minutes resistance
These are the most common type of fire doors. At one time there were FD20 doors however these are no longer available.
What is an intumescent seal/strip?
An intumescent seal (or intumescent strip) works by expanding when the temperature rises above 100 degrees and this fills the gap between the fire door and the frame which prevents smoke or fire from escaping.
What about frames and hardware for a fire door?
Frames for fire doors must be compliant with regulations for fire doors. We sell compliant fire door frames and you will see these on our website with the red flame logo. The set must include the fitting of intumescent fire seals and normally a smoke seal is also required. Please check with your architect/specifier/planning permission prior to ordering.
Similarly hardware must comply with fire door regulations. You will see that our hardware – hinges, handles etc feature a red flame symbol where these are designed in accordance with fire door building regs.
Maintenance of Fire Doors
Fire doors should be checked regularly to ensure they remain fit for purpose. In particular, fire doors must close and the intumescent strip should be in good condition. Fire doors are heavier than standard doors therefore this can put additional strain on hinges so these should be checked on a regular basis.
Which legislation and standards apply to Fire Doors?
If you wish to find out more about regulations in relation to fire doors please see the following British Standard documents that apply to fire doors.
BS 476: Part 20 (1987)
BS 476: Part 22 (1987)
BS 476: Part 23 (1987)
BS 476: Part 31.1 (1983)
BS 8214 (2008)
