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Fire Door Installation

Fire door installation in commercial and public properties is a core service offered at Adaston. As a major element of an effective compartmentation strategy, it’s imperative fire doors adhere to strict regulations. Although more recognised fire preventions methods such alarms, sprinklers and fire extinguishers are key, fire door installation is vital to help stop the spread of fires across buildings and premises. Furthermore, correct and compliant installation guarantees that your fire doors work as intended to maximise safety. This then leaves sufficient time for people to safely evacuate a building, and lets fire services conduct their duties efficiently.

Whether you’re working on a new build project or updating existing fire doors, our expert team is on hand to help. Our qualified staff are highly skilled and experienced in fire door installation across a wide variety of new and existing buildings.

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The Fire Door Installation Process

There are several key elements to the fire door installation process which can be detailed below:

1. Preparing the Frame

  • Assemble the frame corners securely, using pilot holes to prevent splitting.
  • Fix the frame to the wall at specified distances (100mm from corners, no more than 500mm centers).
  • Fill any gaps between the frame and the wall with intumescent sealant or fire-rated packers.
  • Always refer to the door leaf manufacturer’s instructions for specific installation requirements.

2. Hanging the Door Leaf

  • Use fire-rated, CE or UKCA marked hinges to BS EN 1935 with a durability grade of 11, and install three hinges (or more for heavier doors) with intumescent pads for protection against temperatures over 800°C.
  • Maintain a door-to-frame gap of 2-4mm, with a maximum of 4mm at the top/vertical edges and 3.5mm at the meeting edge of double doors
  • Threshold gap should be 8-10mm, but no larger than 3mm for FD30s or FD60s smoke control doors, as per BS 8214.
  • Fire doors must have minimal misalignment tolerance, typically 1mm, so always check the specific fire door data sheet for exact allowances.
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3. Fitting the Ironmongery

  • Ensure any additional ironmongery is compatible with the fire door leaf and installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions and certificate data sheet.
  • Always use the supplied fixings for ironmongery, and check the certificate data sheet for permitted materials and fixing locations, especially for mortice work or face-fixed items.
  • Additional intumescent protection may be required around lock cases or flush bolts, as specified in the certificate data sheet.
  • Mortice work must be precise, with no excess timber removal; any over-morticing must be repaired with timber or non-combustible materials to maintain the fire door’s performance.

 

4. Intumescent Strips and Smoke Seals

  • Ensure the fire door seal is compatible with the door leaf by checking the certificate data sheet. Use certified seals from reputable manufacturers with third-party certification and proof of performance.
  • If grooves for the seals are already in place, clean them with a dry cloth to remove debris. If not, have a competent person cut the grooves to the required size.
  • Install the seal and check that it fits the groove correctly. Peel off the adhesive backing and place the seal in the groove, ensuring it fits tightly and is flush with the frame or door leaf.
  • Ensure the door opens and closes freely, with no friction or binding from the seals. For combined intumescent and smoke seals, ensure the brush does not prevent proper door closure.

 

5. The Linear Gap Seal

  • Check the certificate data sheet for specific instructions on materials and methods based on variables like architrave thickness, smoke control, door rating, gap width, and wall type. If details are not provided, refer to BS 8214: 2016 for guidance.
  • Use acceptable materials like mineral rock fibre (Rockwool) or intumescent mastics. If foam is permitted, ensure it meets BS 476 part 20 or EN 1366-4 fire performance standards.
  • For smoke-rated doors, cap the mineral rock fibre or foam with 10mm of intumescent mastic tested to BS 476-22 or BS EN 1634-1. Trim plastic packers back by 10mm and cover them with 10mm of mastic.
  • Ensure all materials used are compliant with fire and smoke protection standards, and review the manufacturer’s guidance to confirm proper installation of the linear gap seal.

 

6. Fixing the Self-Closing Device

  • Ensure the closer is suitable for the door’s location (indoor/outdoor) and environment. Verify if the door needs a closer (e.g. flat entrance, hotel room) and that the closer complies with fire safety standards.
  • Confirm the closer has been tested with your fire door leaf and configuration. Install on the correct side (pull or push) as required.
  • Follow the instructions and use the provided fire safety fixings. If needed for outward-opening doors, use an angle bracket.
  • Make sure the door closes and latches without binding. Test from 90°, 45°, and 75mm angles to ensure the closer works smoothly and is compliant.

 

7. Final Points 

  • Any individual installing a fire door should be fully trained and competent to do so.
  • Essential Ironmongery such as locks, latches, closers and hinges must be CE marked, firmly fixed with no missing screws and compatible with the door leaf’s certification.
  • The Building Regulations – are you following all of them correctly.
  • Never cut glazing apertures on site.  Cutting apertures for glazing and air transfer grilles on site will invalidate certification. This should only be carried out by a certificated licensed processor 
  • Ensure any voids between door frame and wall are tightly packed with mineral wool.
  • Once complete. check that the closer shuts the door onto the latch from any position.

 

To understand more about the different requirements of fire doors, we’ve also written The Conclusive Handbook on Fire Door Regulations.

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Our Process

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01

Planning

Scope of works and deliverables agreed • Full fire strategy of the building provided by the client • Deadlines and timetable agreed, including any out of hours work required

02

Implementation

Work as agreed in the scope is coordinated and performed • This will be delivered by our in house firestopping team accredited by FIRAS and cleared and insured

03

Completion

Finalise and issue our tailored report detailing findings from the scope of works • Adaston advise on next steps if required and provide continued support

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

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  • Is it A Requirement to Install a Fire Door?

    Yes, fire doors must be installed in all properties that are used for commercial purposes, public use, and residential buildings of multiple occupancy. Fire doors are essential to meet building regulations, protect your property, and to allow for the safe evacuation of its occupants in the event of a fire.

  • Can Anyone Install Them?

    Fire doors must be installed correctly to ensure performance in the event of a fire. Ultimately, improper installation can be the difference between life and death. Installation methods and materials vary depending on a number of factors, including product type and the individual building, so an in-depth knowledge of the industry is vital.


    For this reason, building safety legislation states that fire door installation should be undertaken by a ‘competent person’. This means that you should not attempt to install a fire door yourself, but rather you should get a professional fire door fitter to install and test the door for you.

  • Who is a Competent Person to Install Fire Doors?

    It is vital that fire door fitting should only be conducted by competent fire door installers with the necessary training and experience. This is because incorrectly installed fire doors will not provide adequate protection for occupants or the building. A competent person is someone who has professional experience in this field, understands the relevant fire door regulations, and is specifically trained to install fire doors.


    Carpenters, joiners and builders are not necessarily trained in fire door safety, which is why you should only consider qualified fire door installers for this important task. If you require fire door installation for your building, we also recommend that you look for someone who is accredited by a third party for complete peace of mind, and proof that they demonstrate the capability, traceability and quality of work required. As fire safety experts, we’re fully accredited and qualified to help with all your fire door needs. Get in touch today.

  • What are the Most Common Fire Door Failures

    The main reason that fire doors must be installed by a competent person is because a fire door is much more complex than a regular door. Fire door installation includes the door leaf, doorstop, frame, smoke seals, hinges, latches, closers, locks, and more. All of these components must be certified and correctly installed for the door to be fully effective. Any one of these parts, when poorly fitted, could render the door ineffective. Common fire door failures or faults include:

    • Doors incorrectly installed or damaged
    • Excessive gaps around the door
    • Fire seals incorrect, damaged or missing
    • Incorrect or unclear fire door signage
    • Incorrect, faulty or poorly fitted hinges
    • Faulty door closers

    As well as proper fire door installation being crucial, maintaining a fire door is just as important. Properly functioning fire doors can be guaranteed with regular fire door surveys.

  • How Often Should They be Replaced?

    While there is no defined law on how long a fire door lasts before it needs replacing, the condition of every fire door should be checked at least every 6 months.This is to ensure they remain in good working order and preserve the fire compartmentation of your building. If your door is in a high-traffic area and therefore used more frequently, then the rule of thumb is that it should be checked more regularly.

  • How Long Should Fire Doors Keep A Fire Out?

    At a minimum, a fire door must be able to resist fire for 30 minutes. However, some specialist fire doors can last even longer. Each door is given an “FD rating” which tells you how long it can keep the fire out. The different ratings you generally find are:

    • FD30: Withstands fire for at least 30 minutes
    • FD60: Withstands fire for at least 60 minutes
    • FD90: Withstands fire for at least 90 minutes
    • FD120: Withstands fire for at least 120 minutes

    The specific type of fire door used depends on the type of building, location, and the individual fire strategy. Your passive fire protection specialists will advise accordingly.

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