Fire Door FAQs

As part of Fire Door Safety Week, an annual campaign founded by the British Woodworking Federation, we are raising awareness of fire doors and the important role they play in saving lives and protecting property.

Fire doors are a critical component of a building's fire protection strategy, and having the right information is vital. In this FAQ section, we aim to provide you with clear and informative answers to the most common questions surrounding fire doors.

Explore the questions and answers below to gain a deeper understanding of fire doors, their installation, maintenance, and regulatory compliance. 

Function

How do fire doors work?

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. 

How are fire doors different from regular doors?

Fire doors are specially constructed with materials and components that have been tested to withstand fire for a specified period, usually 30 or 60 minutes for internal timber fire doors.

What are the main components of a fire door assembly?

A fire door assembly consists of several components, including the door leaf, door frame, door hardware (such as locks, latches and handles), intumescent seals, and a door closer. Each component plays a crucial role in the door's functionality.

Do fire doors require specialist hardware?

Yes, fire doors require specific hardware such as fire-rated hinges, locks and latches, and door closers, to ensure proper functionality.

Can fire doors be soundproof as well?

Some fire doors are designed to provide both fire resistance and soundproofing. These doors are often used in buildings where noise control is essential, such as hospitals or recording studios.

Installation

Who can install a fire door?

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.

How long does it take to install a fire door?

The time it takes to install a fire door from start to finish typically depends on several factors, including the type of door, the condition of the existing frame and the installer’s experience. However, here’s a general guideline:

• Standard installation (into a prepared frame): Approximately 2 to 4 hours
• Full replacement (including frame and hardware): Around 4 to 6 hours
• Complex installations or multiple doors: Could take a full day or longer

Can you install an intumescent strip on the bottom of the door?

Intumescent strips are only required along the top and two sides of the fire door or door frame.

Where a gap at the bottom of the door is larger than permitted, we advise installing a drop down fire door seal to minimise the gap.

What sealant can I use around the fire door frame?

We recommend using the Quelstop Intumescent Acoustic Acrylic Sealant around wooden fire door frames as this is a tested solution. 

How often should fire doors be replaced?

There is no set rule on how often fire doors need replacing as it depends on whether they adhere to regulations, amount of use, and how well they are maintained.

Modification

Can you modify a fire-rated door?

Where possible, it’s best not to modify a fire-rated door as any changes or modifications can affect the integrity of the door if not done correctly or to specification. 

Any modifications should be in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines and should be completed by a competent person. 

Can fire doors be painted?

Painting a fire door will generally not affect its performance, but it’s important to ensure that it is not applied over any fire seals, and excessive paint build-up should be avoided as it can render the door ineffective.

Can I install a glass panel in a fire door for visibility?

Yes, it’s possible to install a glass panel within a fire door, however, under the BWD-Fire Door Alliance Scheme, apertures must be cut by a licensed converter and in accordance with the door manufacturer’s guidelines, which will state if the door has undergone testing with glass installations.

The glass must be fire-rated and installed with a glazing system for it to adhere to regulations.

Regulations

What is the maximum gap allowed under a fire door?

Fire only door - 10mm maximum

Fire & smoke door - 3mm maximum

We always advise checking with the fire door manufacturer for further guidance as this may differ slightly.

What is the maximum gap allowed around the top and two sides of the door?

The gap should be between 2-4mm, ideally 3mm.

Which fire doors require smoke seals?

Fire doors that protect fire escape routes most commonly require cold smoke seals in order to contain both fire and smoke to one compartment. 

There are some exceptions where smoke seals are not required such as where there is a smoke alarm situated the other side of a door which will need to sound in the event of a fire.

Fire doors that require smoke protection are usually listed as FD30S, FD60S, FD90S and FD120S.  

You can opt for  intumescent seals that combine a smoke seal or you can fit two separate seals – a fire seal and cold smoke seal. 

Can fire doors be locked?

Fire doors that are situated on escape routes and in communal areas should never be locked as their purpose is to lead people out of a building safely and efficiently. 

Flat entrance doors will need a locking mechanism, however, they are required to open from the inside without a key. Any locks must be fire-rated in accordance with the door.

Do fire doors need to be self closing?

Law requires self-closing devices in fire doors installed in residential establishments such as care homes, hotels, and houses of multiple occupancy.

In private dwellings, a self-closing fire door is only required where an integral garage leads into the main house.

When are fire doors required in a house?

They are only required in a private domestic dwelling where:

• A two-storey home has a garage with a door that leads into the house
• A new build has three or more storeys and a door leads to stairwell
• A two-storey home has converted the loft into a habitable room

What are the penalties for not maintaining fire doors?

Penalties for neglecting fire door maintenance can vary by jurisdiction but may include fines and legal consequences in case of fire-related injuries or fatalities.

How we can help

FireSealsDirect is one of the UK’s leading distributors of fire door components and a trusted stockist of fire doors, offering reliable products from top industry brands such as Lorient, CCE and Pyroplex. 

We ensure we remain up-to-date with current fire safety legislation to provide our customers with the best advice for their project.

If you can't find the answer you're looking for, contact our expert team at [email protected] or call 02920 857 959.