What do fire doors do?

Fire doors save lives and prevent extra damage to the building and its contents.

• Contain the fire in the room where it started
• Keep escape routes, like corridors, clear from the fire. 
• Protect the rest of the building, its contents and other nearby buildings from further damage.

How long do fire doors last?

To meet regulations, galzed fire doors and frames must endure fire for 30 minutes (FD30) or 60 minutes (FD60). Their capacity to resist fire is contingent on correctly being installed with appropriate seals and fire-rated hardware, such as fire door closers. A fire door’s condition may decline gradually with regular use. Check fire doors regularly, and address any fire door maintenance concerns immediately. Fire door inspections can help identify doors that do not meet requirements. Fire doors are sometimes rated to resist fire for longer than 60 minutes, but this level of protection is seldom necessary.

Can fire doors be painted?

Fire doors must be outfitted with fire-rated hinges, locks and hardware, but they do not require a unique type of paint. Regular decorative paint or varnish can be used without impeding their performance. If the intumescent seals are in place, do not use heat or chemical paint strippers. Additionally, do not paint over any hinges, hardware or seals.

There is no need to skimp on style and decoration with fire doors. Our fire doors can be pre-painted in any RAL colour of your choice, saving time and hassle and giving a professional finish.

Are fire doors a legal requirement?

Fire doors are a legal requirement in all non-domestic properties, such as businesses, commercial premises, and public buildings. They are also required in residential flats and houses of multiple occupancies. As set out by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, building operators in England and Wales should appoint a ‘Responsible Person’ to manage their fire safety precautions. Their legal responsibilities include a duty to reduce the risk of fire spreading within the premises. Fire doors play an essential part in reducing this risk in many buildings.

These types of buildings should have a fire risk assessment carried out. Fire risk assessments are an in-depth review of the premises. They will highlight any fire risks with recommendations to reduce or eliminate these risks, including where fire doors should be used and what rating they should be.