Everyone knows that fire doors are an essential part of a communal building’s structure, as they can save lives by preventing the spread of fire, and are also legally required. But should you have them in your home?
What do Fire Doors do?
Fire doors fitted with fire-safe hardware can hold back the spread of a fire for usually up to 30 or 60 minutes (FD30 & FD60). Should a fire break out in the building, this time can allow people to escape, saving lives. Fire doors also reduce the damage caused by fire as the spread will be much reduced if high quality fire-rated doors are properly installed. They must pass rigorous tests to be certified and sold as fire doors, and all hardware fitted to the door must also be fire-rated.
When do you need Fire Doors?
It is not a legal requirement to fit fire rated doors in homes in the UK, with some exceptions, including new builds or renovations that have three or more floors, and doors that connect your home to an integral garage. Flats should have fire doors that connect to the communal area.
Even if your home does not fit these categories, you may feel you want to add a fire door for added peace of mind.
Things to Consider
Fire doors are thicker and heavier than regular doors – check that they will fit into the frame correctly. FD30 doors are usually 44mm thick, while standard doors are usually 35mm. It’s essential that fire doors are fitted correctly for them to perform properly – without this, there’s no guarantee that they will be fire resistant for at least 30 minutes. If you’re renovating your home and considering installing them, consult with your architect or joiner. Fire doors should also be kept closed at all times when not in use.
Lastly, fire rated doors can be made to visually fit a variety of applications with different looks and styles, and don’t always have to look like the classic bright red door with panic hardware. They can be a stylish addition to a home, offering fire safety without compromising your home’s appearance.
See UAP’s range of fire-rated Firemongery hardware here. Read more hardware knowledge on the Tradelocks blog.
