Fire Doors and Compartmentation
Efficient fire doors are integral to any passive fire protection and compartmentation strategy in both residential and commercial buildings. As well as preserving crucial escape routes, they offer protection for occupants against the spread of smoke and fire. However, despite fire doors being one of the critical components of a fire protection strategy, they are frequently misused. This reinforces the need for regular maintenance and periodical inspections, to ensure that their condition adheres to all current legal requirements for fire safety legislation.
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Compliance with Fire Door Regulations
Every component of a fire door is subject to regulation under Approved Document B and following incorporations. In January 2023, regulations changed to give landlords and building owners more ownership over the safety and integrity of fire doors. For example, communal fire doors must be inspected at least every 3 months and Front Entrance Doors (FEDs) should be checked on a yearly basis. Consult our guide to fire door regulations to learn more.
CLM Fireproofing are leaders in fire protection for the construction industry. We’re committed to sharing knowledge to ensure correct installation and maintenance, giving clients additional guidance as they navigate the journey towards compliance. We know what it takes to adhere to current fire regulations and safety measures, whilst delivering projects of the highest quality.
Fire Door Surveys
CLM Fireproofing specialises in fire door surveys, working with the highest levels of scrutiny to ensure compliance with stringent fire safety regulations. Fire door remediation is more complex than installation and requires an array of specialist skills. We will determine whether your fire door needs to be remediated or replaced and will work in a way that exemplifies our commitment to technical proficiency, regulatory compliance and customer service.
Requesting Documentation
Prior to carrying out a fire door survey, we will request all available information related to a building’s fire strategy, so that we fully understand our clients’ requirements. Paper trails and evidenced documentation are vital to the completion of a fire door survey.
We only install primary tested doorsets, but for survey purposes for remediation we would need evidenced documentation for the works previously done to the doors, otherwise they would be treated as notional fire doors and fully remediated in accordance with BS8214. This would allow us to give the typically required certification and essential auditable paper trail. If existing documentation exists, then the survey becomes about adjustments to the door and its ironmongery, rather than replacements.
Inspecting the Door Leaf and the Door Frame
Firstly, we will check for excessive leaf damage and then check the gaps between the perimeter of the door leaf and the door frame. If there is a combined gap from either side that exceeds 8mm, or indeed if the door leaf is excessively damaged to the point that the integrity of the door is clearly compromised then we will recommend that the door is replaced.
Examination and Recommendations
Following confirmation that the replacement indicators are satisfactory, we then follow a rigorous 12-point check that includes an examination of hinges, intumescent seals, signage, kick and push plates, door closers, and firestopping installations between the frame and the substrate. Once this check has been completed, we may recommend a series of remedial works in accordance with BS 8214, which will need to be actioned before the fire door can be certified.
Residential Fire Door Installation
CLM Fireproofing has formed a specialist division to address the specific needs and concerns of councils and local authorities. Now more than ever it is paramount for those responsible to invest in effective fire protection for tower blocks and residential flats, and this includes regular inspections, maintenance and repairs for fire doors.
Our team conducts rigorous fire safety audits and will work with landlords and property owners to rectify non-compliant installations, so that all fire doors comply fully with building regulations. We will work with the utmost consideration of tenants and occupants, especially those who may be considered vulnerable. To find out more, take a look at our guide to residential and commercial fire door regulations.
Fire Door Inspection and Remediation
Remedial works are an effective way to guarantee compliance whilst reducing costs associated with replacement. Our team will inspect your fire doors for signs of damage, including holes, misalignment or material degradation and also check that the ironmongery fitted to the door is fully adherent to the correct standards. We act as a trusted body, carrying out impartial risk surveys with a rigorous understanding of building regulations and industry best practice.
We will then compile an inspection report including costs before carrying out all the necessary repairs to achieve fire door compliance. We aim to provide the best service and value for our clients, therefore fire door remediation will always be our first port of call. We will only recommend that damaged doors be replaced when absolutely necessary for compliance with safety standards.
Intumescent Seal Installation
Intumescent strip fitting is key to curtailing the spread of smoke and fire. This involves placing a seal around a fire door that expands when exposed to heat. When combined with cold smoke seals, intumescent seals are a vital means of defence, usually offering between 30 and 60 minutes of fire resistance. As part of our remediation services, our teams can help procure the correct intumescent seals to bolster the resistance of your building’s fire doors.
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Our ServicesFrequently Asked Questions
How many different fire doors can be installed by CLM Fireproofing?
CLM Fireproofing can install a variety of fire doors, including timber, composite and metal doors.
What are the risks associated with non-compliant fire doors?
Not only can a non-compliant fire door hinder the safe evacuation of a building, but it can also facilitate the spread of smoke and flames, the consequences of which can be devastating.
What are the main signs that a fire door needs remediation?
Our fire door specialists will be able to quickly detect whether or not the integrity of a fire door has been compromised, but common signs include excessive gaps, leaking hinges, old or outdated door closers and damaged intumescent strips.
How regularly should I be maintaining fire doors in my building?
As of February 2023, communal fire doors must be checked every three months, and front entrance doors (FEDs) must be inspected once every six to twelve months, depending on the height of the building.