Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? You’ll find answers to common questions below. Browse the tabs to find what you need.
If you still need a hand, please contact us.
What is a fire door and why is it important?
A fire door is a specially constructed door designed to resist the spread of fire and smoke between compartments of a building. Its primary function is to provide occupants with a safe evacuation route and to protect property by containing fire and smoke. Properly installed and maintained fire doors are crucial for effective passive fire protection. See our FD30 and FD60 doors you can get quickly!
What fire resistance levels do you offer in fire doors?
Fire doors are typically either FD30 or FD60 standard. However, there are occasions (which are rare) that either an FD90 or even an FD120 are required. Don't know what you might need? No worries! You can contact us for more details and our team of experts will be happy to help.
Alternatively, you can call us or reach out to us directly via:
Phone: 0330 122 9550
Email: sales@premierfiredoors.com
What's the difference between FD30 & FD60 Fire Door?
FD30 doors offer 30 minute fire protection and is suitable for all domestic situations. FD30's is available in 44mm thickness.
FD60 doors offer 60 minute fire protection, these are available in 54mm thickness and are suitable for higher risk premises and some high risk rooms such as boiler rooms or plant rooms etc.
Which fire door is best for my space?
Before selecting a fire door, it's essential to understand the specific requirements of the space.
In commercial settings, a designated personnel must perform a comprehensive fire risk assessment. This evaluation identifies the necessary locations for fire doors and determines the appropriate fire-resistance ratings based on potential hazards and building layout.
For residential properties, particularly when building new homes or undergoing major renovations. Building Regulations provide clear guidance on where fire doors should be installed to meet legal and safety standards.
Can they be trimmed or cut down?
Yes, but only by the amount permitted by the manufacturer’s instructions and fire door certificate.
What type of glazing can I choose?
All glazing provided by us is fire rated and available in the following finishes:
- Georgian Wired Polished Plate (GWPP) – You can see the wire but it is in clear glass.
- Clear CGI Pyroguard (Clear) – Completely clear.
- Obscure/Frosted (Sandblasted finish to one side) – Clear glass made obscure by sandblasting one face.
Can I paint my door?
You are only able to paint or varnish plywood fire doors with any good quality product.
What about certification?
Certification regarding the conformance with BS476 pt 22 is available on request. Many doors will come with their own unique reference sticker affixed to the top. Please do not remove these.
What components are essential for a compliant fire door?
A compliant fire door assembly includes:
- Door Leaf: The main part of the door, constructed with fire-resistant materials.
- Frame: Must be compatible and fire rated.
- Seals: Intumescent and smoke seals that expand under heat to prevent fire and smoke passage.
- Ironmongery: Certified hardware like hinges, locks, and closers.
- Glazing (if any): Fire-rated glass with appropriate seals.
All components should be tested together to ensure the door's integrity during a fire.
Need guidance? Our team of experts would be happy to help you out! Contact us for more information.
Can I install any hardware on the fire door?
No. Only hardware that has been tested and certified for use with fire doors should be installed. Using uncertified components can compromise the door's fire resistance. For instance, our Zoo Ironmongery offers handles, hinges, locks, and other items, all tested to relevant standards.
How frequently should I replace my fire door?
There’s no fixed rule for when to replace a fire door. It really depends on its condition. Check it at least every six months to make sure it’s working properly. Since fire safety regulations can change, consider having your fire doors inspected by a qualified professional.
How often should fire doors be inspected?
Fire doors should be inspected regularly to ensure they function correctly. While the exact frequency can vary based on local regulations, a general recommendation is:
- Monthly: Visual checks for damage or obstructions.
- 6 Monthly: in accordance with BS9999
- Annually: Comprehensive inspections by qualified professionals.
Regular maintenance ensures the door's effectiveness in an emergency.
Do fire doors need signage?
Yes. Fire doors should have clear signage indicating their purpose. For example: Fire Door Keep Shut (FDKS), Fire door keep locked (FDKL), Fire door keep clear (FDKC)
- "Fire Door Keep Shut": For doors that must remain closed.
- "Fire Door Keep Locked": For doors that should remain locked when not in use, such as electrical riser doors.
Signage should be visible on both sides of the door at approximately 1500mm from floor level.
Can I modify a fire door after installation?
Modifications to fire doors can compromise their integrity. Any alterations, such as adding vision panels or changing hardware, should be done in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines and tested standards. Unauthorized modifications can void certifications and reduce fire resistance. Any alteration should be carried out by a competent person as defined in the Regulatory Reform (fire safety) Order 2005.
What is the significance of certifications like CERTIFIRE, or BM Trada?
CERTIFIRE and BM Trada are an independent third-party certification scheme that assures the performance and quality of fire protection products. Products with CERTIFIRE or BM Trada certification have been rigorously tested to meet specific fire safety standards, providing confidence in their effectiveness during a fire.
Where can I get assistance with fire door compliance?
You may contact our team of experts, Premier Fire Doors and ask for the Technical Director.
Email sales@premierfiredoors.com for guidance
Do I legally need fire doors in my property?
In most cases, yes. Fire doors are a legal requirement in commercial buildings, multi-occupancy residences (like flats and HMOs), and certain areas such as three-story domestic homes—especially where there’s an integral garage or a loft conversion.
Building regulations outline where fire doors are needed, to slow the spread of fire and protect escape routes.
How do I know if a fire door is certified?
Certified fire doors should carry a visible certification label or plug - typically located on the top edge of the door. This label indicates that the door has been tested to meet fire safety standards, such as BS 476 PT 22 or EN 1634. All fire doors sold by Premier Fire Doors are fully certified and traceable, giving you peace of mind.
What is the difference between a fire door and a regular door?
While they may look similar, a fire door is built with fire-resistant materials and includes crucial components like intumescent seals, self-closing devices, and certified hardware.
These elements work together to delay the spread of flames and smoke. Standard doors simply don’t offer this level of protection in an emergency.
What are the signs that a fire door needs maintenance or replacement?
Fire doors play a critical role in slowing the spread of fire and smoke, so it’s important they remain in top condition. Here are some common signs that your fire door may need maintenance or even replacement:
Signs that maintenance is needed:
- A fire door should shut completely and firmly without sticking or slamming.
- Intumescent or smoke seals around the frame should be intact and securely fitted.
- Hinges must be tight and free of rust or wear. Loose screws or squeaking may indicate an issue.
- There should be consistent gaps—typically 3-4mm—between the door and frame. Gaps that are too wide or uneven may compromise performance.
- Certified fire doors have a label indicating their fire rating. If it’s damaged or missing, the door may need replacement or reassessment.
- Cracks, warping, or visible impact damage could prevent the door from sealing properly during a fire.
Signs it may need replacing:
- Any drilling, cutting, or fitting of non-compliant hardware can compromise the integrity of a fire door.
- If the door fails a professional fire door inspection, replacement may be necessary.
- Older doors may no longer meet current fire safety standards, especially if they're beyond recommended service life or regulations have changed.
Regular inspections—ideally every 6 months—are key to ensuring your fire doors stay compliant and fully functional.
Can I choose a fire door that matches my interior design?
Yes, absolutely. At Premier Fire Doors, we offer a wide range of finishes, colours, and glazing options to suit your aesthetic.
Whether you're fitting a traditional oak door or a sleek modern design, we combine safety with style, no compromise required.
What maintenance do fire doors require?
Fire doors should be checked regularly to ensure they’re working properly. This includes inspecting hinges, seals, gaps around the door, and the self-closing mechanism. We recommend a quick monthly visual check, with a more thorough inspection at least every 6 months. If you're unsure, our team can guide you through what to look for.
Can I install a fire door myself?
While it’s possible for experienced tradespeople to install fire doors, we always recommend using someone familiar with fire door regulations and installation standards.
Even a small mistake can reduce the effectiveness of a fire door. We can supply fully pre-hung door sets and provide support for proper fitting.
What is an intumescent seal and why is it needed?
Intumescent seals are fitted into the edges of a fire door or frame. In the event of a fire, they expand under heat to close any gaps, slowing the spread of smoke and flames. Without these seals, even a certified fire door won't perform as intended.
Door Image Guides
Due to some doors being bespoke, an original door image is not possible at present, and a design drawing is provided as a guide.
We're in the process of updating all our images to resolve this issue, so should you need further guidance we shall do our best to provide a better image were possible.
What are intumescent seals, and why are they important?
Intumescent seals are materials that expand when exposed to high temperatures, sealing gaps around the door to prevent the spread of fire and smoke. They are crucial for maintaining the integrity of a fire door during a fire. Products like Zoo Hardware's Universal Intumescent DIN Lock Sets are designed to enhance fire resistance by sealing gaps around locks.