FAQs
Fire doors are a critical component of a building's passive fire protection system, designed to contain the spread of fire and smoke, ensuring safe evacuation routes and protecting property. Our technical department often get asked about fire doors, and these are the ones we answer most frequently.
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A: Fire doors are a vital part of a building's passive fire protection system. They compartmentalise the building, restricting the spread of fire and smoke from one area to another. By containing the fire, they provide occupants with protected escape routes, facilitate safe evacuation, and allow emergency services to access the building more securely. Fire doors are designed to remain closed or to close automatically in the event of a fire, to maintain the integrity of fire compartments and reducing the risk of widespread damage.
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A: Compliant gap tolerances around a fire door are essential to ensure its effectiveness in preventing the spread of fire and smoke. Too large a gap will allow flames and smoke through. Too small a gap means that the door may not fully close reliably or stop the intumescent seals from working properly.
According to BS 8214:2008, a maximum gap of 4mm is recommended at the head and vertical edges of the door. The BM TRADA Q-Mark scheme, that LFS is a member of, specifies that these gaps should be between 2mm and 4mm. At the threshold (the gap between the bottom of the door leaf and the floor covering), the gap should not exceed 10mm. It's crucial to follow the door manufacturer's guidance, as specific products may have particular requirements. Maintaining these tolerances ensures that the door will perform as intended in the event of a fire.
A: Identifying whether your existing door is a fire door involves checking for specific labels or plugs that indicate certification. Look for identification labels or plastic plugs on the top edge or the hanging edge of the door leaf. These markers are often associated with certification schemes such as the BM TRADA Q-Mark or the BWF-Certifire scheme. They typically provide information about the door's fire rating and the manufacturer's details. If you can’t find this identification it’s best to consult a certified fire door inspector. They can assess the door's construction, condition, and installation to determine its compliance with fire safety standards.
A: Modifying a fire door without proper guidance can compromise its integrity and fire resistance capabilities. Fire door manufacturers like LFS typically specify in their installation instructions that modifications should not be made, as they may void the door's certification. Any alterations, including adding locks, viewers, or other hardware, should only be performed following the manufacturer's guidelines and, ideally, by professionals certified under schemes like the BM TRADA Q-Mark. Unauthorised modifications can lead to non-compliance with fire safety regulations and reduce the door's effectiveness in a fire situation.
A: The fire door industry offers a wide range of designs to meet both aesthetic and functional requirements. Thanks to extensive testing and certification, options include flush doors, glazed doors with fire-resistant glass, and panel-effect doorsets. LFS offers more than 12 FED styles and variations in various finishes and configurations. It's essential to consult with the fire door manufacturer to understand the available designs within their certification scope, ensuring that the chosen door meets both your design preferences and safety requirements.
A: Installing a fire door is a precise task that can impact its performance during a fire. That’s why we strongly recommended that fire doors be installed by trained professionals who are third-party certified like LFS, approved under the BM TRADA Q-Mark Fire Door Installation scheme. Our certified installers have the expertise to follow the manufacturer's installation instructions meticulously, ensuring that the door functions correctly and complies with all relevant safety standards. Incorrect installation can lead to reduced fire resistance and may result in non-compliance with building regulations.
A: Fire doors are required to have self-closing devices to make sure they close automatically and reliably in the event of a fire, preventing the spread of fire and smoke. There are a few exceptions like doors that open into service ducts or locked cupboards, which are not typically accessed frequently. These doors should have appropriate signage, such as "Fire Door Keep Locked," to indicate their status. It's important to assess the specific requirements of your building and consult fire safety regulations to determine whether a self-closing device is necessary for each fire door.
A: No! Fire-resistant glass, commonly known as fire glass, comes in different classifications, each offering varying levels of protection:
E (Integrity Only): this glass prevents the passage of flames and hot gases but does not limit the transmission of radiant heat.
EW (Integrity and Radiation Control): In addition to preventing flames and hot gases, this glass limits the amount of radiant heat transmitted through the glass, reducing the risk of ignition on the protected side.
EI (Integrity and Insulation): This glass provides the highest level of protection by preventing flames, hot gases, and significantly limiting heat transfer, keeping the unexposed side below an average temperature of 140°C.
Selecting the appropriate type of fire glass depends on the specific requirements of your building and the level of protection needed.
A: Yes, intumescent seals are a crucial component of timber fire door sets. When exposed to high temperatures during a fire, these seals expand to fill the gaps between the door leaf and the frame, preventing the passage of fire and smoke. It's essential to follow the manufacturer's guidance regarding the location, quantity, type, and size of intumescent seals to ensure optimal performance. Proper installation and maintenance of these seals is vital for the fire door to function effectively in containing fire and protecting building occupants.
LFS is a UK market leader in passive fire protection, providing a ‘one-stop’ service which includes surveying, manufacturing, installation, certification and maintenance of fire doors, screens, fire alarm systems and other fire protection solutions.
For general enquiries, sales, or to request a survey, contact us today.
