Fire Doors & Accessories

Yes, you can purchase internal fire doors with compatible fire rated frames from Safelincs. These frames are essential for proper installation and fire performance. Our frames:

• Match the fire rating of your chosen door
• Can be ordered separately or as a complete doorset
• Are available in various wood finishes to match your door
• Come with options for architrave
• Include pre-cut rebates for intumescent strips

Fire door frames must be properly specified to maintain the fire rating of the entire assembly.

Internal fire doors in the UK must be tested for performance in accordance with British Standards set out in building regulations. Key features include:

• Third-party certification of fire doors (such as BWF certification) – ensures traceability of performance, components and the supply chain
• UK fire doors should be tested in accordance with BS 476 Part 22 as set out in Approved Document B
• UK-specific sizing options
• Appropriate markings and certification
• Compatibility with UK building methods

Safelincs works with UK manufacturers who understand these requirements and produce fully compliant doors for the British market.

Fire doors are required to be kept closed at all times when not in use. This is the only way they can act as a barrier against fire and smoke. The sole safe exception is using a fire alarm-linked door retainer, which releases the door to close automatically the moment the alarm sounds.

It is possible to paint fire doors, but only using suitable paint and following the manufacturer's guidance carefully. Applying paint too thickly, or allowing it to cover intumescent or smoke seals, can compromise the door's fire rating. Always check manufacturer instructions before painting, and never use standard household paint without confirming it's compatible with the door's certification.

Fire door prices are dependent on the door type, fire rating, material and size. FD30 timber doors are generally the most affordable option, while FD60 and steel doors cost more. Accessories such as closers, seals and hinges are additional costs to factor in alongside professional installation.

A fire door's lifespan is dependent on its quality, usage and how well it's maintained. Regular inspection and timely repairs are essential to keeping a door performing to its rated standard. High-traffic locations may require earlier replacement, particularly if seals, closers or the door leaf show signs of wear or damage.

Fire doors are required wherever building regulations specify a need to contain fire and protect escape routes. This includes stairwells, corridors, plant rooms and flat entrance doors in residential buildings. They are also required between a garage and a house, and in any area identified as higher risk in a fire risk assessment.

Fire doors are thicker than standard doors due to their fire-resistant construction. FD30 doors (30-minute fire rating) are typically 44mm thick, whilst FD60 doors (60-minute fire rating) are 54mm thick. The rating indicates how long the door will resist fire under test conditions.

FD30 doors provide at least 30 minutes of protection, making them suitable for most residential and commercial applications. In contrast, FD60 doors offer 60 minutes of protection and are often required in buildings with longer evacuation times in high-risk areas or on higher floors.

The amount you can trim from a fire door's edges varies between manufacturers and depends on the specific materials used during the construction process. Each fire door comes with guidelines from the manufacturer that specify precisely how much can be safely removed without compromising the door's fire performance.

You should never trim a fire door without first checking the manufacturer's guidelines, as removing too much material can void the fire rating and render the door unsafe. We recommend using a qualified fire door installer to ensure proper fitting and compliance with relevant regulations.

Yes, fire doors must be kept closed to be effective; an open fire door does not protect against fire and smoke. However, there are safe ways to hold fire doors open for convenience without compromising safety. 

You can use devices like the Dorgard door retainer, which holds the door open and automatically releases it when the fire alarm sounds. Alternatively, free-swing door closers allow doors to function normally but automatically close when the alarm activates. Never wedge fire doors open with door stops or other objects.

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.

Fire doors can also be glazed with fire-rated glass. Glazed fire doors can be safer, as they allow visibility of potential dangers without requiring the door to be opened. All glazing must be fire-rated and properly installed according to the manufacturer's specifications to maintain the door's fire rating.

For specialised environments such as care facilities, learn more about the importance of fire doors in care homes where additional considerations apply.

Whether you need FD30 double fire doors or FD60 double fire doors for wider openings, we have options to suit your requirements.