While the installation of a fire door should be left to the professionals, you can be in charge of the type of fire door you purchase. There are some crucial things to consider when you’re shopping for a fire door such as the environment it will be used in, and the maintenance it will require so to help you find the right door for your property, we’ve created the ultimate guide to fire doors.
How Fire Doors are Rated
Fire doors are tested to represent how they will function in a fire and are rated in minutes – for example, a fire door that provides thirty minutes of fire resistance will be rated FD30. The rating of a fire door should relate to the environment where it will be situated such as a house, school, or office building.
But it is not only the door that receives rigorous testing. The entire installation including the frame, locks, latches and other ironmongery must all be taken into account during an inspection. An internal fire door, for example, must be fitted with the correct intumescents or smoke seals; they play an important role in restricting the spread of fire and smoke.
Buying a Fire Door
Here at Leader Doors, you don’t have to forgo aesthetics for functionality. If you’re looking to replace your doors you’ll find a plethora of options in multiple sizes and styles at Leader Doors – all of which are fire rated.
30 Minute Fire Doors
30 Minute Fire Doors (FD30 Doors) are rated as such because they will provide resistance and give anybody inside 30 minutes to evacuate the building in case of a fire. You’ll find many different designs and styles to suit your preference, available fully finished or unfinished. Unfinished doors are perfect for those who want to add a personal touch to their interiors as you can paint and finish them any way you like.
60 Minute Fire Doors
Providing 60 minutes of resistance from a fire, the 60 Minute Fire Doors also come in a variety of materials and designs for you. Oak, walnut, ash, you can have safety and style with the wide variety of hand-crafted doors we have to offer. You can even find fire doors with glass panels which can help brighten and open up any room.
Oak Fire Doors
All our Oak Fire Doors come with a 30 Minute or 60 Minute fire rating so you can have peace of mind when selecting the door you want. A popular choice for internal doors, oak can create a rustic charm for any home – its natural graining adds a real touch of quality and warmth. Whether you’re aiming for a modern or traditional look to your interiors, our oak doors are manufactured to the highest standards and with expert finishes to suit your decor.
White Fire Doors
If you’re looking for a door to make your home feel light and airy, White fire doors are available in modern, period and classic styles. Choosing white also provides flexibility should you decide to change the colour of your walls in the future. Whether you want clean and crisp, bold and contemporary, or simple and traditional, there’s an abundance of elegant styles and timeless designs available, ensuring there’s something for every space.
When installing a fire door, you must also have a fire door frame to meet the safety requirements and to ensure the door is fully functional. Choose from our many Fire Door Frames, that are all fire rated and ensure your doors and frames match seamlessly.
Maintaining Fire Doors
Your fire door should be checked regularly to ensure it is fit for purpose. When refurbishments or alterations are carried out, the performance of a fire door can be impacted and fire doors that are used as regularly as other doors, such as in the home, will be subject to wear and tear. Keeping the locks, handles and hinges clean and well oiled is important, as well as frequently checking that the door closes properly.
Things to look out for:
Certification: Fire doors must have a certification which will generally be on a label at the top of the door.
Gaps: Gaps should consistently be less than 4mm when the door is closed. You should not be able to see light through the door when it’s closed.
Hinges: All hinges (three or more) must be firmly fixed with no missing screws
We hope this blog has provided you with the knowledge you’ll need when considering the installation or upgrade of a fire door in your property. Our selection of fire doors means you don’t have to sacrifice style for safety and protection. Explore our full range of fire doors to help make your home more secure. For more inspiration and information, check out our Help & Advice Centre to help your new doors look their very best!