A Guide to Fire Doors

Published: 23rd May 2024

In today’s construction landscape, fire safety remains paramount, with fire doors playing a crucial role in protecting lives and property in the event of a fire.

Hurst Composite Fire Doors

At Hurst Doors in partnership with fds (Fire Door Systems), we are committed to providing cutting-edge fire door solutions that meet the highest safety standards. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the intricacies of fire door regulations in the UK, explore the different types of fire doors, and highlight the superior performance of fsd Composite Fire Doors.

Understanding Fire Doors:

Fire doors are specially designed doors that are engineered to withstand fire and smoke, providing crucial protection in the event of a fire. Unlike regular doors, fire doors are constructed with materials and components that offer enhanced fire resistance, helping to contain fire and smoke within a designated area for a specified period.

Types of Fire Doors:

There are various types of fire doors available to suit different applications and environments. These include:

Composite Fire Doors: Made from a combination of robust materials, including glass reinforced polyester (GRP) skins, and a core fully filled with a fire-retardant phenolic foam, composite fire doors offer enhanced fire resistance and durability while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Glass Fire Doors: Featuring fire-resistant glass panels, these doors provide visibility and aesthetic appeal while maintaining fire safety standards.
Timber Fire Doors: Constructed from fire-resistant timber, wooden fire doors offer a classic and natural aesthetic while providing reliable fire protection.
Steel Fire Doors: Known for their durability and strength, steel fire doors are ideal for high-traffic areas and industrial settings.
Double Fire Doors: Consisting of two individual doors, double fire doors offer wider openings and increased accessibility while maintaining fire safety standards.
Prehung Fire Doors: Prehung fire doors come with the frame and hardware pre-installed, making them easy to install and ensuring proper alignment.

Fire Door Ratings:

Fire doors are rated based on their ability to withstand fire and smoke for a specified duration. Common fire door ratings include FD30 (30 minutes), FD60 (60 minutes), and FD90 (90 minutes), with higher ratings indicating increased fire resistance.

Fire Door Regulations in the UK:

In the UK, fire door regulations are governed by stringent standards and regulations aimed at ensuring the safety and integrity of buildings. These regulations encompass various aspects, including:

Internal and External Fire Door Regulations: Different regulations apply to internal and external fire doors, with specific requirements for each.
Fire Door Requirements for Domestic vs. Non-Domestic Buildings: Regulations for fire doors vary between domestic and non-domestic buildings, with different standards and requirements.
Regulations for Installing Fire Doors: Proper installation of fire doors is crucial for ensuring their effectiveness. Regulations dictate specific requirements for installing fire doors, including the gaps and tolerances and these are specified within installation guidelines.
Fire Door Maintenance Regulations: Regular maintenance of fire doors is essential for ensuring their continued effectiveness. Regulations outline requirements for maintaining and inspecting fire doors to ensure compliance with safety standards.
British Standards for Fire Doors: Fire doors must meet specific British standards, including BS 476-22 and BS EN 1634-1, to ensure their fire resistance and performance.

Differences Between Fire Doors and Fire Exit Doors:

While both fire doors and fire exit doors play critical roles in fire safety, there are key differences between the two. Fire doors are designed to contain fire and smoke, while fire exit doors provide means of escape during an emergency evacuation.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, fire doors are essential components of any fire safety strategy, providing crucial protection in the event of a fire. At Hurst Doors we are proud to offer a superior composite fire door solution that meets the highest safety standards. Our range of FDS Composite Fire Doors provides unparalleled fire resistance, durability, and reliability, ensuring the safety and security of building occupants.