Ensure you avoid these pitfalls by reading this breakdown of the key things to know about fire doors.
Timber fire doors hold back smoke and fire through the use of intumescent seals, which are installed around the door or the inside of the frame. When subjected to heat, the seals expand, filling the gap between the door and the frame so smoke and fire can’t pass through. Steel Fire doors rarely require intumescent seals as the expanding metal self-closes any gaps.
The purpose of fire doors is to protect the lives of building users and emergency service personnel in the event of a fire. They do this by limiting the fire’s spread while providing an escape route which is free from smoke, gases, and flames.
Fire doors are a legal requirement in all non-domestic UK properties, such as businesses, commercial premises, and public buildings. They are also required in residential flats and multiple-occupancy houses.
If a fire breaks out and a fire door is propped open, then it cannot perform its function.
However, there are some situations when a fire door can be kept open, such as with a fire door retainer or a hold open or free-swing type door closer, linked to the fire alarm system. This is because these will ensure the door still closes if a fire breaks out.
A fire door is only as strong as its parts, so it’s vital to make sure that the ironmongery included meets all the necessary fire safety standards.
Common fire door faults include missing fire or smoke seals, unsuitable hinges, and damage to the door itself. All of these can seriously affect the door’s ability to protect people in a fire, so make sure you carry out our simple list of checks, which can be found here.
