{"id":2272,"date":"2023-05-24T08:50:36","date_gmt":"2023-05-24T08:50:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chilman.com\/?p=2272"},"modified":"2024-02-02T08:55:02","modified_gmt":"2024-02-02T08:55:02","slug":"fire-doors-explained-what-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chilman.com\/fire-doors-explained-what-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Fire Doors Explained: What You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"
From homes to commercial buildings to institutions, fire doors act as a critical line of defence to combat the potentially devastating effect of a fire.<\/p>\n
Industry-certified fire doors save lives, property, sensitive materials, and other valuables every day. In this article, we discuss the key aspects of this vital emergency feature. We also look at the tighter regulations governing fire safety in the UK and how this may impact property owners.<\/p>\n
Fire doors are specifically designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke within a building. Their primary function is to compartmentalise areas and create a barrier that limits the spread of flames and dangerous gases during a fire.<\/p>\n
By serving as fire breaks and barriers, fire-rated doors allow time for the occupants to leave the premises by evacuation routes. A blaze contained behind an internal fire door poses less of a risk to lives and assets and is more easily extinguished.<\/p>\n
There are different types of fire-retardant doors and each serves a distinct purpose, based on the needs of the building and space.<\/p>\n
A fireproof door comprises a number of essential elements that work together:<\/p>\n
Door frame \u2013 The frame is the structure into which the door is installed. It provides support, and stability, and helps maintain the fire integrity of the system.<\/p>\n
Door leaf \u2013 The leaf is the main block or panel of the door. The thickness and composition of the leaf determine its fireproof rating.<\/p>\n
Seals \u2013 Seals are an essential component of fire doors as they help restrict the passage of smoke and flames. Intumescent strips are usually used as seals. They are made of materials that expand when exposed to heat, creating a barrier that fills gaps between the door leaf and frame. A silicon-based resistant sealant may be used to ensure the leaf and frame fit flush.<\/p>\n
See-through panels \u2013 Fire doors may also incorporate other features like vision panels made from heat-resistant glazing.<\/p>\n
Hardware \u2013 Fire doors typically include a closing mechanism. This is a spring-loaded or hydraulic mechanism that forces the door closed in an emergency. The system also includes hardware like hinges, locks, latches, handles, and closers.<\/p>\n
Fire-rated doors are made from the highest quality materials that can withstand high temperatures for an extended time.<\/p>\n
The most common fireproof doors are made from one, or a combination, of the following:<\/p>\n
There are two major acts that govern fire safety in the UK \u2013 the\u00a0Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005<\/a>\u00a0and the\u00a0Fire Safety Act 2021<\/a>\u00a0(Fire Safety (England) Regulations).<\/p>\n The Fire Safety Act 2021 was introduced following the devastating 2017 Grenfell Tower fire in London. It was created to strengthen the 2005 Order and officially came into law in January 2023.<\/p>\n The new regulations impose a legal requirement for more regular, robust checking and maintenance of all fire-fighting equipment in multi-occupied buildings. Fire-fighting equipment includes both internal fire doors and external doors.<\/p>\n For buildings over 11 metres, responsible persons such as landlords must conduct regular checks of stock fire doors. Fire doors leading to common parts must also be checked at least every three months.<\/p>\n The regulations are even stricter for buildings over 18 metres, demanding more regular checks of doors and equipment, up to once a month.<\/p>\n Proper fire door maintenance entails regularly checking that all parts, such as hinges and locking mechanisms, are working properly. Checks should also ensure that there are no obstructions that might hinder a door\u2019s performance.<\/p>\n