FAQs
Unlike a regular door which does not offer fire containment or protection, a fire rated door is designed to withstand fire for a specific period of time - typically between 30 and 120 minutes. They are designed to slow the spread of flames, hear and smoke to protect occupants and property during a fire.
Yes, a fire rated door needs to be self-closing. In the case of a fire, the door must be closed in order to slow the spread of fire. If a door is left open, it is not an effective barrier against fire. For this reason, the doors must self-close.
Fire rated doors require specific hardware to make sure they are effective during a fire. Hardware includes: fire rated hinges, intumescent seals, locks and automatic door closers. All make sure that the door can withstand high temperatures and prevent the spread of fire and smoke.
Yes, a fire rated door can have a glass vision panel as long as that glass is also fire rated. Our doors utilise 9mm Firelite glass if a vision panel is selected, so that they continue to offer the best protection against fire in the case of emergency.
A fire rated door does not require a panic bar as they are often used as internal fire doors and their primary function is to slow the spread of fire rather than provide an exit. However, a fire exit door should be fitted with a panic bar.
A fire rated door should be inspected at least every six months. If the door is in a high traffic area, it should be inspected more often, perhaps once a week or once a month if it undergoes frequent daily use so that wear and tear can be closely monitored and repaired.
A fire door should never be left propped open. An open fire rated door is an ineffective fire rated door. If your fire rated door is being used as a safety feature to help defend against fire, then leaving it propped open could put you in breach of fire safety rules and regulations. Your fire rated door is designed to slow the spread of fire, so it is best to leave it shut.
If a fire rated door is damaged, there is a high possibility that it will no longer be effective. Therefore, it is essential that regular inspections, maintenance and repairs are carried out to ensure that your door remains in good working condition and will still work in the case of a fire.
In the UK, fire-rated doors must comply with strict fire safety regulations, including Building Regulations and European standards such as EN 14351-1:2006+A2:2016 and EN 16034:2014, which ensure doors meet required fire resistance levels and offer smoke control. These doors are essential for containing fire, protecting escape routes, and providing time for evacuation, with regular inspections necessary to maintain their performance and compliance with fire safety laws.
It is not recommended to modify a fire door after installation as modifications can compromise the fire rating of your door. It is heavily recommended to order your door with all the modifications you require already fitted. If you do need to modify your door in any way please consult with a member of our team who will be able to offer expert guidance on what is possible without compromising your door.
Intumescent sealant is a fire resistant material that expands when it is exposed to high temperatures. This makes it ideal for use on fire rated doors as it can seal the gaps around doors to prevent the spread of fire, smoke and toxic gases.
- All doors supplied in stock colour are supplied with intumescent seal.
- Doors which are powder coated an alternative colour don’t come supplied with intumescent seal.
