We’re used to seeing fire doors in shops, offices and other commercial spaces. But did you know that many newly-built UK homes require them by law, too?
Even if an internal fire door isn’t a requirement for your property, fitting one can be incredibly beneficial. However, with so many factors to consider, how do you know which to choose? Our guide details all you need to know about choosing suitable fire doors to keep your home safe.
What are fire doors, and how do they work?
A fire door might look like any other door, but it has an entirely different purpose. Considering over 60,000 fires break out in the UK every year, it might just save your life.
Fire rated doors contain a blaze and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the building. Known as compartmentalisation, this strategy stops the rapid spread of smoke and flames, giving people enough time to evacuate.
And unlike an ordinary door, internal fire doors are made from fire rated materials. Along with the main body of the internal door, the following elements are specifically designed to withstand flames and prevent a fire from spreading:
- Fire-rated hinges and fire door handles
- A fire door closer
- A fire door retainer if the door needs to be kept open
- A fire-rated door frame
- Intumescent strips that expand rapidly when exposed to heat, sealing any gaps
- Clear signage
When looking for the best fire rated door for your needs, you can check the rating – this will indicate the length of time the door can withstand a blaze. For example, an FD30 rating gives you thirty minutes of protection, while an FD60-rated door gives you up to an hour to evacuate. What’s vitally important is that every component is fire rated to the same standard.
What are the different types of fire doors?
Alongside the FD rating, there are three main material types you can look for when choosing a fire door.
- Wooden fire rated doors are built around a solid timber or particleboard core. The core is then covered with laminate or MDF or lipped and covered with veneer. For example, oak fire doors combine safety and aesthetics if you need fire protection in your home.
- Steel fire doors typically offer much higher ratings than wood or glass doors. As a result, they’re commonly used where extra security is required, including in industrial applications, kitchens and hospitals.
- Glass fire doors are an aesthetically pleasing option when you need internal fire doors that meet fire safety standards. Fire-rated glass can resist temperatures up to 900C, making it an effective barrier against smoke and flames.
Choosing the right fire doors for your property
Whether you need internal fire doors for a domestic or commercial building, knowing the regulations and your responsibilities can help you make this critical decision.
Is it for a domestic or commercial building?
Fire doors are a legal requirement for your domestic property if the door is:
- The entry to a flat or shared hallway
- Protecting an escape route to the outside in buildings of two or more storeys, including loft conversions
- Connecting a garage to the rest of your home
You could also consider internal fire doors for any rooms presenting a fire risk, like your kitchen or a living room with an open fire or wood burner.
The regulations are more extensive for commercial buildings. These include appointing a responsible person to undertake fire risk assessments and ensure any work is carried out to the required standards.
Carry out a risk assessment
Even if you don’t have a legal responsibility to carry out a fire risk assessment, it’s common sense to protect your home and be prepared.
You can carry out a fire assessment in five straightforward steps:
- Identify any fire hazards both vertically (stairways) and horizontally (reaching an exit)
- Identify the people at risk if a fire breaks out
- Evaluate the risks and how you can remove or minimise them. For example, by installing external and internal fire doors
- Prepare a fire safety plan, including evacuation routes
- Update your plan regularly
Do you need internal or external fire doors?
You only need to install an external fire door if it opens onto a shared hallway or lobby. However, you may also choose to install an exterior fire door as a front or back door to prevent a fire from spreading into the garden or neighbouring properties.
Ensure your fire doors are certified
When buying fire doors, you need to ensure they meet the correct standards. Look out for the following certification:
- BS 476 Part 22/BS EN 1634 Part 1 (fire resistance of building materials)
- Fire leaf rating (for example, FD30, FD60 or FD90)
- Third-party certificates, e.g. BWF Fire Door Alliance certification
How to fit a fire door
The quality of your fire door installation could be the difference between life and death, so you must follow any fitting instructions to the letter.
Ideally, you want to hire a qualified installer to undertake the work. However, if you do choose to fit the door yourself, this explainer video from the British Woodworking Federation is a handy resource.
Wooden doors and flooring from A Wood Idea
Are you looking to transform your home with new internal doors to complement your fire doors? Browse our extensive collection of high-quality internal wooden doors and give your property a new lease of life.
