Choosing the Right Fire Door for your Building

Fire doors are crucial for containing fire and smoke, helping save lives and protect property. They’re more than just a safety feature: they’re a legal requirement. Choosing the right one means understanding fire door regulations, knowing the types of fire doors available and picking options that meet your building’s needs. 

What are Fire Doors and Why are They Important? 

Fire doors are specially designed to resist fire for a certain period, usually 30 or 60 minutes (FD30 or FD60). These doors are built with materials that slow the spread of flames and smoke, helping people evacuate safely. 

Learn more about the differences between fire door ratings here.

Unlike standard doors, fire doors are fitted with intumescent seals and fire-rated hardware to meet strict fire safety standards. But can any door be made into a fire door? Not really. Ordinary doors lack the materials and design needed to contain fire. 

What Types of Fire Doors are There? 

There are several types of fire doors, each offering different benefits depending on the building layout and fire safety strategy: 

• Standard Fire Doors: Simple, solid doors are common in commercial spaces 

• Glazed Fire Doors: Feature fire-resistant glass panels to allow visibility without compromising safety

• Double Fire Doors: Used in wider openings, often in schools or hospitals 
• Steel Fire Doors: Durable, often used in industrial and high-security environments 

Each type is engineered to meet specific fire resistance requirements and building regulations.

What Fire Door Regulations Should You Follow? 

Fire door regulations in the UK are part of the Building Regulations and Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022. These laws mandate the use of fire doors in:

• Multi-occupied buildings
• Non-domestic premises
• HMOs
• Buildings over 11 meters 

Proper installation, certification and routine inspections are necessary to stay compliant. Any gaps or defects in your fire doors can lead to safety risks and legal issues. 

Do I Need Fire Doors in a Rental Property or HMO? 

If you’re a landlord or managing an HMO, it’s essential to understand your responsibilities. In most cases, regulations require fire doors in: 

• Kitchens 
• Shared corridors
• Bedrooms (especially in HMOs)

Failing to meet these standards can result in fines or criminal charges. Fire doors protect not only the structure but also your tenants’ lives, making them a non-negotiable part of property management. 

Do Fire Doors Need Special Frames and Seals? 

Yes. The frame must be fire-rated and correctly fitted to avoid weak points. Intumescent seals around the edges expand when exposed to heat, preventing smoke and flames from passing through. 

Additionally, fire-rated hinges, closers and latches must be used. Skimping on these parts can void the door’s certification and put lives at risk. 

How to Choose the Right Fire Door

Choosing a fire door involves more than picking a style. Consider these key factors: 

• Certification: Look for third-party accreditation

• Resistance Rating: Determine which fire rating (e.g FD30, FD60 or FD90) is needed based on the layout and usage

• Materials: Timber and steel offer different aesthetics and durability 
• Compliance: Ensure all components, door leaf, frame and hardware meet fire safety regulations

Don’t just rely on appearances. Work with professionals to assess your building’s fire strategy and choose certified fire doors that meet those needs. 

Maintaining Your Fire Doors 

Even the best fire door is useless if it’s not maintained. Building owners are responsible for: 

• Regular inspections
• Keeping door closers and seals in working order 
• Ensuring nothing obstructs the door from closing 

Include fire doors in your building’s regular safety audits to remain compliant and protect your occupants. 

Trust Adaston for Expert Fire Doors 

Adaston specialises in supplying and installing certified fire doors tailored to your building’s unique requirements. Whether you’re managing a residential property, commercial building or HMO, our expert team ensures full compliance with the latest fire door regulations. 

Contact Adaston today to discuss your fire door requirements and improve your building’s fire safety.