Free Delivery on 100s of Products

Live Chat - Online Instant help & advice

Trade Discounts & exclusive pricing

Secure Payments with our fast checkout

0% Credit Available Apply for an account

FAQs

FAQs (8)

Can you make alterations or drill holes in a fire door?

Yes, in some cases you can make alterations to your fire door, however, these alterations can only be done if they remain within the scope of the fire door's Certifire Approval documents.

For example when a fire-rated door viewer or intumescent letterbox / letter plate is required. This information should also be detailed in the installation and maintenance instructions supplied with each door leaf. It is critical that any changes made to a fire door are done so following the manufacturer’s instructions, by a trained professional, and with certified hardware to ensure that the performance of the door, and its associated certification, is not compromised.

BWF-Certifire has created a guide on how to ensure you retain your Fire Door Certification when considering making alterations.

Which rooms need fire doors?

Fire doors must be used in walls which form the compartmentation of the premises – specific areas within the building that are constructed to be fire-resistant. These may be individual rooms, but could also contain multiple rooms or might be vertical risers and lift shafts. Fire-rated doors are not required for walls not part of a compartment boundary.

Additional fire doors can be installed in place of normal doors, but they would provide minimal protection as the walls around them may not be constructed of especially fire-resistant materials and could burn through while the fire door remains intact. There is a risk of occupants gaining a false sense of security if fire doors are installed in non-compartment walls, so this should only be done under the guidance of a proper fire risk assessment conducted by a competent person.

Please consult the original building plans, if available, to determine where your premises' fire compartments are, or otherwise have a competent person perform a fire risk assessment or fire door inspection.

Is it a legal requirement to maintain a fire door?

Yes. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order Article 17 states that the Responsible Person for a building must ensure that fire doors are correctly installed and adequately maintained.

How often should fire doors be inspected and maintained?

Fire doors should be inspected at least every 6 months to ensure they remain in good working order. Regular checks should include examining the door seals for damage, ensuring the door closes properly from halfway when released, checking that gaps around the door don't exceed 4mm, and verifying that hinges and closers are functioning correctly. Buildings with high foot traffic may require more frequent inspections, and fire doors should always comply with the latest regulations. 

There are stricter rules in place for residential buildings of over 11m in height.

A qualified fire door inspector can provide peace of mind and ensure compliance with legal requirements.

What's the difference between fire door checks and inspections?

Fire door checks are regular examinations carried out by the Responsible Person or trained staff using simple checklists. These checks should occur quarterly for communal doors and annually for flat entrance doors in residential buildings exceeding 11m in height. Inspections are comprehensive assessments conducted by qualified professionals who provide detailed reports on compliance and any necessary remedial work.

Can you install Dorgard fire door retainers?

Yes, we offer Dorgard installation services. Dorgard units provide a safe way to hold fire doors open in high-traffic areas for convenience, whilst automatically releasing them when the fire alarm sounds. This eliminates the common problem of doors being propped open with wedges or other objects.

Do you only install fire doors purchased from Safelincs?

We only install Safelincs doors - that way, we can ensure quality and compliance throughout. For doors bought through our fire door configurator, we offer a complete certified installation service carried out by qualified fire door installers. This ensures proper compartmentalisation and compliance with current regulations.

What happens after a fire door inspection?

Following our inspection, you'll receive a comprehensive fire door report detailing any compliance issues found. The report prioritises any follow-up work needed, helping you understand which doors require immediate attention and which can be scheduled for later maintenance. This documentation helps demonstrate compliance with fire safety regulations.