Fire Doors & Accessories

How fire doors work

Fire doors work through a combination of fire-resistant materials and clever design. The door leaf contains fire-retardant cores, special seals expand when heated to block smoke, and robust hinges keep the door in place during a fire.

Every fire door requires the correct frame, seals, and hardware to function effectively. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and your fire door system needs every component to perform when it matters most.

What types of fire doors are available?

You'll find fire doors rated for different periods – typically 30 minutes (FD30) or 60 minutes (FD60). The rating tells you how long the door will resist fire under test conditions. For non-standard openings, we offer custom fire doors made to your exact specifications.

Timber fire doors offer traditional aesthetics with modern fire performance. They're ideal for offices, hotels, and residential buildings where appearance is essential. Steel fire doors provide maximum durability and security, making them suitable for industrial settings and high-traffic areas.

Glazed fire doors combine fire safety with visibility and natural light, offering a seamless blend of functionality and aesthetics. They're excellent for schools, hospitals, and offices where you need to see through the door whilst maintaining fire protection.

Choosing the right fire door accessories

Fire door accessories aren't optional extras – they're essential safety components. Door seals prevent fire and smoke leakage, closers ensure doors shut automatically and fire door retainers ensure that fire doors can be propped open in normal operation, but released to close automatically if fire breaks out.

Intumescent seals expand when heated, creating a barrier against smoke and flames. Cold smoke seals work at room temperature, stopping toxic smoke before fire reaches the door. Smoke control is usually specified in the fire risk assessment.

Self-closing devices pull fire doors shut automatically. If a fire door stays open, it can't protect you. Select from overhead closers, concealed closers, or free-swing closers, depending on your needs and the building's design.

What about fire door maintenance and compliance?

Fire doors must be inspected regularly to ensure compliance and effectiveness. Damaged seals, worn hinges or broken closers can compromise the performance of your fire door. Regular maintenance isn't just good practice – it's a legal requirement in many buildings.

Signs, locks, and vision panels must all meet fire safety standards. Standard door hardware won't work on fire doors because it hasn't been tested for fire conditions. Always use certified fire door accessories to maintain your door's rating.

How can we help you stay safe and compliant?

Our fire door experts help you choose the right products for your building and budget. We supply quality fire doors that are third-party accredited. Every fire door comes with the necessary certificates for compliance purposes.

From schools and hospitals to offices and flats, we've supplied fire doors for thousands of buildings across the UK. Our technical team can guide you through regulations, installation and maintenance to ensure your building remains safe and compliant.

Ready to upgrade your fire safety? Browse our full range of fire doors and accessories, or contact our team for expert advice on your specific requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How thick are fire doors, and what's the difference between FD30 and FD60 doors?

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.

Can I trim a fire door to fit my opening?

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.

Do fire doors need to be kept closed at all times?

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.

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.

Can fire doors be painted or have glass panels fitted?

Yes, fire doors can be painted with regular paint, but avoid applying excessively thick coats that may compromise the door's performance. Fire door hardware, including hinges, handles, and seals, shouldn't be painted, as this can compromise their function.

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.