Fire Door FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions 

What is a fire door?

A fire door is a door intended to slow the spread of fire and smoke through a building. It is made of fire-resistant materials and fitted with appropriate hardware such as intumescent strips, smoke seals and fire-rated hinges. It is constructed of fireproof materials and fitted with appropriate components such as intumescent strips, smoke seals and fire-rated hinges.

What are fire doors used for?

Fire doors are installed to protect escape routes and to divide fire compartments and help limit the spread of fire and smoke in an emergency.

What is the purpose of a fire door?

What is a Fire Door? A fire door is designed to keep fire and smoke contained for a period of time, which allows for safer evacuation of the occupants in a building.

How do fire doors work?

Fire doors work by sealing tightly into the frame in a fire. Intumescent strips expand when exposed to heat to seal gaps and smoke seals help control the movement of smoke around the edges of the door.

What makes a fire door a fire door?

A fire door is a fire door when it is tested and built as a complete fire-resistant system with the correct door leaf, frame, hinges, seals, glazing and hardware.

What is a fire-rated door?

Fire rated doors are doors that are tested to withstand fire for a specific amount of time, say 30 minutes or 60 minutes.

What are FD30 fire doors?

FD30 fire doors are designed to offer approximately 30 minutes fire resistance if fitted and maintained correctly.

What is an FD30S fire door?

An FD30S fire door offers about 30 minutes of fire resistance and also features smoke seals to assist in limiting the spread of cold smoke.

What is a fire door inspection?

Fire door inspection is a professional inspection of the door, frame, seals, gaps, hinges, closer and hardware to identify defects or compliance issues.

What is a compliant fire door?

A compliant fire door is one which has been correctly installed, properly maintained and fitted with the appropriate fire rated components that enable it to perform as intended during a fire.

What is a notional fire door?

A notional fire door is an older door which might not be certified to modern standards but could still offer some fire resistance given the construction and condition of the door.

What are fire door requirements?

General fire door requirements include adequate fire resistance, proper gaps, smoke seals, intumescent strips, fire rated hinges and self closing device where required.

Where are fire doors required?

Flats, HMOs, communal areas, stairwells, corridors, commercial buildings and protected escape routes will generally require fire doors.

Where are fire doors required in commercial buildings UK?

In UK commercial buildings fire doors are normally required on escape routes, staircases, service risers, plant rooms, kitchens and fire compartment walls.

Where are fire doors required in a house?

Loft conversions, integral garages, three storey houses and some layouts identified by building control may require fire doors.

Which doors need to be fire rated?

Often fire rated doors are required to escape routes, staircases, garages, communal areas and fire compartments.

Do I need fire doors in my house UK?

Not all properties will require fire doors throughout but it may be a requirement depending on the layout of the property and building regulation requirements.

Do landlords have to install fire doors?

Where fire safety law, HMO licensing or building regulations require, landlords may have to fit and maintain fire doors.

Are fire doors a legal requirement?

Yes, fire doors are legally required in many residential and commercial buildings in the UK.

Are fire door inspections a legal requirement?

In certain residential buildings, fire door inspections are legally required under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.

Is a fire door survey a legal requirement?

A fire door survey may not always be specifically required by name, but responsible persons must ensure fire doors are properly maintained and inspected.

Who is responsible for fire doors in flats?

Responsibility usually falls to the landlord, managing agent, building owner or responsible person depending on the building arrangement.

How often should fire doors be inspected?

Inspection frequency depends on the building type and usage, but communal fire doors in taller residential buildings should generally be checked every 3 months.

How often should fire doors be checked?

Fire doors should be checked regularly to ensure they close properly and remain free from damage or defects.

How to inspect a fire door

Check the gaps, hinges, seals, closer, frame, glazing, signage and overall operation of the door.

How to check a fire door

Open the door and allow it to close by itself. It should close fully into the frame and latch properly.

How to identify a fire door

Look for certification labels, thicker door construction, intumescent strips, smoke seals and fire-rated hardware.

How to tell if a door is a fire door

Fire doors are usually heavier and thicker than standard doors and often include labels or plugs showing fire certification.

How to check if a fire door is certified

Check the top or side edge of the door for a certification label, plug or manufacturer identification.

Who can inspect fire doors?

Fire doors should be inspected by a competent person with suitable fire door knowledge and experience.

Who can certify fire doors?

Certification is normally provided by competent installers, inspectors or recognised third-party accredited certification providers.

How to become a fire door inspector

You can become a fire door inspector by completing specialist training and gaining practical experience with fire door inspections and regulations.

How to become a certified fire door installer

This usually involves practical installation experience, fire door training and registration with a recognised certification scheme where required.

How to fit a fire door

A fire door should be fitted by a competent installer using suitable fire-rated components and correct installation methods.

How much does a fire door cost?

Fire door costs vary depending on size, rating, glazing, hardware and installation requirements.

How much does a fire door inspection cost?

Inspection costs depend on the number of doors, property type and reporting requirements.

How much does it cost to install a fire door?

Installation cost depends on whether the frame, seals, hardware and certification are included.

How long do fire doors last?

Fire doors can last many years if they are properly installed, maintained and not heavily damaged.

How long do fire doors contain fire and smoke?

Most fire doors are designed to resist fire for 30 or 60 minutes depending on the fire rating.

How long will a fire door hold back a fire?

A properly maintained fire door should perform according to its tested fire rating, such as FD30 or FD60.

How are fire doors tested?

Fire doors are tested in controlled fire conditions to measure how long they resist fire and smoke spread.

How thick is a fire door?

Many standard FD30 fire doors are around 44mm thick, although sizes can vary.

How heavy is a fire door?

Fire doors are generally heavier than standard doors because of their solid fire-resistant construction.

What are fire doors made of?

Fire doors are commonly made using solid timber cores or specialist fire-resistant materials combined with suitable seals and hardware.

Are fire doors solid wood?

Some fire doors contain timber-based cores, but not every solid wood door is automatically a certified fire door.

Are fire doors hollow?

Most fire doors are not hollow like lightweight internal doors.

Are fire doors insulated?

Many fire doors offer some thermal and sound insulation due to their dense construction.

Are fire doors soundproof?

Fire doors can reduce sound transfer better than standard hollow doors, although their main purpose is fire protection.

Can fire doors have glass?

Yes, fire doors can include fire-rated glazing systems and glass panels.

Can fire doors be painted?

Yes, fire doors can usually be painted as long as seals, labels and hardware are not damaged or obstructed.

Can fire doors be cut to size?

Fire doors can usually only be trimmed within the manufacturer’s permitted allowance.

Can fire doors be repaired?

Many fire doors can be repaired if the damage is minor and suitable fire-rated materials are used.

Can fire doors be left open?

Fire doors should only be left open if they use an approved automatic hold-open device connected to the fire alarm system.

Can fire doors be wedged open?

No, wedging a fire door open is unsafe and can prevent it from protecting escape routes during a fire.

Can fire doors be locked?

Some fire doors can be locked, but they must not prevent safe escape from the building.

Should fire doors be kept closed?

Yes, fire doors should normally remain closed unless controlled by an approved automatic release system.

Do fire doors need to be self-closing?

Many fire doors require self-closing devices to ensure they close automatically during a fire.

Do fire doors need intumescent strips?

Most modern fire doors require intumescent strips to help seal gaps during a fire.

Do fire doors need 3 hinges?

Most fire doors use at least three fire-rated hinges for support and stability.

Are door closers required on fire doors?

Many fire doors require suitable self-closing devices, especially communal and flat entrance doors.

What is the maximum gap allowed around a fire door?

Guidance commonly recommends gaps around the top and sides to remain between approximately 2mm and 4mm.

Should fire doors have a gap at the bottom?

A small threshold gap is normal, but it should not be excessive.

How to adjust a fire door closer

Fire door closers should be adjusted carefully to ensure the door closes fully and latches correctly.

How to stop fire doors slamming

The closer settings may need adjustment to control the closing speed safely.

How to fix fire door gaps

Gaps may be corrected through adjustments, hinge work, seal replacement or remedial carpentry depending on the issue.

How to fit intumescent strips on fire doors

Intumescent strips are normally fitted into routed grooves around the edge of the door or frame.

Where do you put intumescent strips on a fire door?

They are commonly fitted around the top and sides of the door leaf or frame.

What are fire door hinges?

Fire door hinges are specially rated hinges designed to support the weight and fire performance of the door.

Are fire door keep shut signs mandatory?

Signs are commonly required in commercial and communal buildings where fire doors must remain closed.

Where should fire door keep shut signs be displayed?

Signs are usually fitted at eye level on both sides of the fire door where required.

Why should fire doors be kept shut?

Fire doors must remain closed to help contain fire and smoke during an emergency.

Why are fire doors important?

Fire doors help protect escape routes, reduce smoke spread and improve building safety during a fire.

Do fire doors prevent the spread of smoke and flames?

Yes, properly functioning fire doors help slow the spread of smoke and flames.

What is the primary purpose of a fire door?

The primary purpose is to protect life and property by slowing fire and smoke spread.

When should fire doors be closed?

Fire doors should normally remain closed unless controlled by an approved hold-open system.

When is it acceptable to hold a fire door open?

Only when using a suitable automatic release device connected to the fire alarm system.

Why are electromagnetic release devices attached to fire doors?

They allow fire doors to remain open during normal use but release automatically during a fire alarm activation.

Do magnetic fire door holders need to be released manually?

No, they normally release automatically when the fire alarm activates.

Are composite doors fire rated?

Some composite doors are fire rated, but not all. Certification should always be checked.

Are steel doors fire rated?

Some steel doors are fire rated if tested and certified as fire-resistant doorsets.

Are aluminium doors fire rated?

Certain aluminium door systems can be fire rated when properly tested and certified.

Are UPVC doors fire rated?

Most standard UPVC doors are not suitable as certified fire doors.

Are sliding doors fire rated?

Some specialist sliding door systems are fire rated, but standard sliding doors are usually not.

Are pocket doors fire rated?

Specialist fire-rated pocket door systems exist, but standard pocket doors are not normally fire rated.

Can a sliding door be a fire door?

Yes, if it is a tested and certified fire-rated sliding door system.

Can a pocket door be a fire door?

Yes, if it is specifically designed and certified as a fire-rated pocket door.

Can a solid wood door be fire rated?

A solid wood door is not automatically fire rated unless it has been tested or certified appropriately.

Can a fire door have a letterbox?

Yes, if the letterbox is fire-rated and suitable for the doorset.

Can a fire door have a window?

Yes, fire doors can include suitable fire-rated glazing systems.

Do bathroom doors need to be fire rated?

This depends on the property layout and fire safety requirements.

Do internal doors need to be fire rated?

Only certain internal doors require fire ratings depending on the building layout and escape routes.

Do external doors need to be fire rated?

Some external doors may require fire resistance depending on the fire strategy and building design.

Do holiday lets require fire doors to bedrooms?

This depends on the fire risk assessment and property layout.

Do you need fire doors for a loft conversion?

Many loft conversions require fire doors to protect the escape route, especially in three-storey properties.