FAQ’s
What is a fire door?
A fire door is a specially designed, tested, and certified door set that helps contain fire and smoke for a specified period, allowing safe evacuation and reducing property damage.
What does FD30 or FD60 mean?
These ratings indicate how long the door has been tested to resist fire.
- FD30 = 30 minutes
- FD60 = 60 minutes
The rating only applies when the door is installed correctly with all compatible ironmongery and fire furniture. You can get fire doors that are tested to resist up to 90 minutes (FD90) and 120 (FD120) minutes but these are a lot less common.
Are all fire doors the same and can I have glazing?
Fire doors vary by rating, construction, certification, hardware, and intended use. Fire doors come in a range of styles, finishes and glazing options.
Do fire doors need certification?
Yes. Fire doors must be third‑party tested and certified. Certification labels or plugs should be visible on the top or side of the door.
Do fire doors need to be kept closed?
Yes. Fire doors must remain closed or be fitted with an approved automatic closing device. Wedging or propping them open is unsafe and non‑compliant.
How often should fire doors be inspected?
Guidance recommends:
- Every 12 or 6 months for most buildings
- Every 3 months for high‑traffic areas such as schools, hospitals, and HMOs
Some environments may require more frequent checks.
Who is responsible for fire door compliance?
The “Responsible Person” under the Fire Safety Order — typically the building owner, landlord, or managing agent — must ensure fire doors are installed, maintained, and inspected correctly.
Can anyone install a fire door?
Fire doors must be installed by a competent installer following the manufacturer’s instructions and certification data sheets.
What are intumescent seals and why are they important?
Intumescent seals expand in heat to block fire and smoke. Missing, damaged, or painted‑over seals compromise the door’s performance.
Do domestic properties need fire doors?
Fire doors are required in certain domestic properties, such as:
- Flats opening onto communal areas
- HMOs
- Houses with loft conversions
- Integral garages
Building regulations specify where they must be used.
Can I paint a fire door, and what type of paint should I use?
This depends on the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific door set. Most paint‑grade fire doors can be finished with standard paints, but it’s essential that certification labels, intumescent seals, and any fire‑critical components are never painted over.
We offer both primed and fully painted fire door sets, and we’re always happy to advise if you’re unsure about the correct approach for your door.
Do you supply and install or carry out maintenance to fire doors in residential properties?
Absolutely — we handle residential projects with the same level of care, compliance, and professionalism as our commercial work.
Do you work with landlords and property managers?
We do. We support residential blocks, HMOs, commercial premises, and mixed‑use buildings with installation, inspection, and ongoing maintenance.
