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Your Complete Guide to Fire Doors in the UK: Questions Answered
When it comes to fire safety, few things are as critical as a properly installed, certified fire door. At Premier Fire Doors, we often get asked the same questions about regulations, installation, and what fire doors are really designed to do.
To make things easier, we’ve put together this complete FAQ guide. So whether you’re a landlord, business owner, or homeowner, you’ll find clear answers below.
1. 🔥 What Are Fire Doors and Why Do They Matter?
What are fire doors designed to do?
Fire doors are built to hold back flames and smoke, creating compartments within a building. This slows the spread of fire and protects escape routes, such as corridors and staircases. External fire doors are designed to allow people to exit a building quickly and safely.
What are fire doors made of?
Most fire doors are manufactured from timber, but there are also man-made composite options and even metal fire doors for specialist use. The key is that they are tested and certified to withstand fire for a set period of time.
What do fire doors do?
Simply put, they separate high-risk rooms, protect escape routes, and save lives.
2. 📏 Sizes, Ratings & Types
What sizes are fire doors available in?
Standard fire door sizes include 1981mm high x 762mm, 838mm, or 2040mm high x 726mm, 826mm, or 926mm. For bespoke projects, larger cores up to 2135mm x 915mm or 2440mm x 1220mm are available — and we can help supply custom-made options to suit your opening.
What is a fire door assembly?
This refers to a fire door, frame, and ironmongery purchased separately. Each component must carry its own certificate.
What is a fire door set?
This is when the fire door, frame, and ironmongery are supplied together by one manufacturer, under a single certificate of conformity. Door sets are often the preferred choice for full compliance.
What do the numbers on glazed fire doors mean (1G, 2G, etc.)?
These codes indicate the glazing style and configuration — offering different options for design and visibility.
3. 🏢 When & Where Fire Doors Are Required
When are fire doors required?
In the UK, fire doors are required in all buildings apart from standard two-storey homes. This includes flats, HMOs, commercial buildings, and public premises.
When should fire doors be closed?
Fire doors must remain closed at all times unless fitted with an approved hold-open device such as a magnetic lock or Dorgard.
When should fire doors never be wedged open?
Never — wedging a fire door open is illegal and compromises fire safety.
Where are fire doors required?
They’re typically installed to protect escape routes, enclose high-risk rooms (like kitchens, boiler rooms, or server rooms), and to separate fire compartments within buildings.
Where do fire doors usually fail?
Failures often occur around glazing beads, or where the frame isn’t correctly installed with proper fire stopping.
4. ✅ Compliance & Responsibility
Which fire doors require smoke seals?
All fire doors should have intumescent and cold smoke seals — particularly vital in buildings with sleeping occupants or vulnerable people.
Who is responsible for fire doors in flats?
Flat entrance doors are the responsibility of the flat owner, since they open onto shared escape routes.
Who fits fire doors?
Only competent installers with third-party accreditation (such as FIRAS or BM TRADA) should fit fire doors.
Who can repair fire doors in the UK?
Repairs should also be carried out by trained professionals with the correct accreditation.
5. 🛒 Buying from Premier Fire Doors
Do you sell external fire doors and frames?
Yes, we supply external fire doors and frames.
Do you sell double fire doors?
Yes, we offer double doors — flush, glazed, or panelled. We can also supply rebated double doors as bespoke orders.
Do your fire doors meet BS 476 Pt22?
Yes, all our fire doors, frames, and ironmongery meet current UK fire safety standards, including BS 476 Pt22.
Do you guarantee your fire doors?
Yes — we offer a unique 25-year guarantee, provided the doors are installed and maintained in line with manufacturer instructions.
6. 🔑 Final Thoughts
Fire doors are more than just a legal requirement — they are a life-saving barrier between fire and safety. Whether you’re replacing a single flat entrance door or fitting out an entire commercial building, choosing the right fire doors and having them properly installed is essential.
At Premier Fire Doors, we don’t just sell doors — we provide expert advice, certified products, and long-term peace of mind.
👉 Need help choosing the right fire door? Visit www.premierfiredoors.com