Fire Door Installation FAQ
Fitting a fire door requires precision and expertise to ensure it functions correctly during a fire, as it needs to withstand both fire and smoke. Professional fire door installation involves several key steps:
The fire door frame must be compatible with the fire door itself, and meet strict UK fire door regulations. The door set frame must be tightly fitted and made of fire-resistant materials. Preventr manufactures fire doors in their frames to ensure only the highest quality of products are installed.
Once the frame is ready, the fire door is installed into it, with particular attention to correct gaps and seals. The gap between the door and the frame should not exceed 4mm. Intumescent seals are also fitted to the door edges to expand in the event of a fire, helping to block smoke and fire from passing through any gaps.
Fire door closers and fire door hinges are then installed. These components must meet the required UK fire safety standards. After installation, the door should be tested to ensure it closes fully on its own and that all seals and fittings are secure.
Improper fire door installation can compromise its effectiveness, so it’s vital to ensure this process is carried out by accredited professionals familiar with the latest fire door regulations.
In the UK, the cost of professional fire door installation varies depending on the complexity of the project and the specific requirements of your building and the type of door required. Preventr manufacture doors in-house and build the cost of installation into the quote bespoke to our clients project. On average in the UK, the cost to fit a fire door can range from £150 to £600 per door, including installation materials and labour.
This price can increase if additional features, such as fire door closers or specialised fire door hinges, are needed. It’s essential to use certified installers to ensure the door complies with the latest fire door regulations, as improper installation could lead to major safety hazards and legal risk.
In the UK landlords have a legal obligation to comply with fire safety regulations, which often includes professional fire door installation. Landlords must install fire doors in certain areas of rented properties, particularly in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) to prevent the spread of fire and smoke. Fire doors must be installed in shared escape routes, kitchens, and other high-risk areas to ensure the safety of tenants. Landlords are responsible for ensuring that these fire doors are correctly maintained, inspected regularly, and meet all legal requirements.
Failure to comply with UK fire door installation regulations can result in significant penalties for landlords, including fines or legal action, as well as putting tenants at serious risk during a fire.
Don’t take the risk. Discuss your requirements with one of our experienced team for bespoke advice.
Fire door installation should always be carried out by qualified professionals who are familiar with fire door regulations and building codes. In the UK, fire doors must be installed by certified installers or contractors who understand the specific requirements for ensuring the fire door functions correctly in an emergency. These professionals will ensure that all components, such as fire door closers and fire door hinges, are installed to the appropriate standards.
DIY installation is not recommended, as even a small mistake in fitting a fire door can result in it failing to perform its intended function, potentially compromising the safety of the building and its occupants.
A fire risk assessment will identify exactly what fire safety measures your building needs to have in place. Fire doors should be installed in specific locations within a building to effectively compartmentalise fire and smoke. According to fire door regulations, common areas where fire doors are installed include:
Escape routes: Fire doors are essential on stairways and corridors leading to exits to prevent fire and smoke from spreading into escape paths.
Kitchens: Fire doors should be installed between kitchens and living areas in both residential and commercial properties, as kitchens are a common source of fire.
Between garages and living spaces: In homes with attached garages, fire door installation is necessary to prevent fire from spreading from the garage into the house.
High-risk areas in commercial buildings: Places like boiler rooms, server rooms, and storage areas for flammable materials should be fitted with fire doors to contain any potential fires.
In residential properties, particularly HMOs, internal fire doors are often required between individual flats or rooms and the main corridors to provide protection and time for residents to evacuate safely.
A regular fire door survey will check the health and compliance of your doors to assess whether any remedial or replacement work is required to maintain safety standards and legal compliance.