Fire Door Upgrades UK: Enhancing Fire Safety and Compliance
As a responsible business owner or facility manager in the UK, ensuring fire safety and regulatory compliance is of utmost importance. Fire doors play a crucial role in preventing the spread of fire and smoke, safeguarding lives and property.
Upgrading existing non-fire-rated doors to meet current standards can be a cost-effective solution, especially in historical buildings or large-scale projects.
At Lyons Fire Safety (LFS), we specialise in fire door upgrades UK, helping clients achieve enhanced fire safety and compliance while preserving the aesthetics of their properties.
Our experienced professionals are dedicated to providing comprehensive solutions tailored to your specific needs.
We handle fire door inspections, installations and maintenance at Lyons Fire Safety – that includes repairs and, of course, upgrades to existing installations. Fire doors are known as “passive fire protection” – and everything you need to know can be found, here, on our recent blog page- Passive Fire Protection: Safeguarding Lives and Property
Understanding Fire Door Upgrades UK
Fire door upgrades UK refer to the process of modifying existing non-fire-rated doors. For the purpose of meeting fire safety standards and building regulations. This involves applying specialised fire-resistant products and components. Overall, Upgrading the door’s fire resistance rating, typically to FD30 (30 minutes) or FD60 (60 minutes).
The Fire Door Upgrade Process
At LFS, we carry out a thorough process to ensure the highest quality and compliance standards for fire door upgrades UK:
Door Assessment
Our experts evaluate the existing door’s construction, materials, and condition to determine its suitability for upgrading. This step ensures that the upgrade process will be effective and meet the required fire resistance rating.
Preparation
We carefully remove any existing hardware, trim, and prepare the door surface for the application of fire-resistant products. Proper preparation is crucial for ensuring the upgraded components adhere correctly and function as intended.
Intumescent Coatings and Panels
Our team applies intumescent coatings or paints, which expand and form a protective char when exposed to heat. Sealing gaps and preventing fire spread. Additionally, we install intumescent panels or cards onto the door’s panels or faces. This provides additional fire resistance.
Intumescent Seals
We install intumescent seals around the door frame and edges to prevent smoke and fire penetration. Enhancing the overall fire resistance of the upgraded door assembly.
Hardware Upgrades
Existing hardware, such as hinges, closers, and locks, are replaced with fire-rated components compatible with the upgraded door rating. Ultimately, ensuring the entire assembly meets the required fire safety standards.
Certification
Upon completion, we obtain certification from the product manufacturer or a third-party accredited body, confirming that the upgraded door meets the required fire resistance rating and complies with relevant regulations.
Benefits of Fire Door Upgrades UK
Choosing to upgrade your existing doors with LFS offers several benefits:
- Cost-effective: Upgrading existing doors is often more cost-effective than replacing them with new fire-rated doors, especially in historical buildings or large-scale projects.
- Preserves Aesthetics: Upgrading allows you to retain the original door’s appearance and character, which is crucial in heritage buildings or period properties.
- Compliance: Our fire door upgrades UK ensure compliance with the latest fire safety regulations, such as the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 and the Fire Safety Order 2005.
- Improved Fire Safety: Upgraded fire doors provide enhanced fire compartmentation, preventing the spread of fire and smoke, and allowing safe evacuation in the event of an emergency.
Fire Door Upgrade Costs
The cost of upgrading a fire door depends on several factors:
- Number of Doors: Upgrading multiple doors is naturally more expensive than a single one. Discounts may be available for bulk upgrades.
- Fire Rating: Fire doors are rated based on their ability to withstand fire for a set time (30 minutes, 60 minutes, etc.). Higher fire ratings typically come with a higher cost. You can learn about fire door ratings here on our dedicated blog: Fire Door Ratings Explained
- Upgrade Type: A simple upgrade might involve adding fire-resistant seals or intumescent strips. Replacing the entire door with a pre-certified fire door is a more complex and expensive option.
- Labour: The complexity of the upgrade and the experience of the installer will affect the labour cost.
Here’s a general range to consider (prices may vary depending on your location):
- Low-cost Upgrades (Seals, Strips): £25 – £150 per door
- Moderate Upgrades (Ironmongery, Hardware): £100 – £300 per door
- Full Door Replacement (Fire-rated): £400 – £1000+ per door (steel doors being more expensive than wood)
For a precise quote, a fire door specialist can assess your specific needs and provide a detailed cost breakdown. If you get in contact with us, at LFS, we’ll give you a personalised quote – working through your requirements, can coming up with a cost effective solution. Don’t hesitate to give us a call!
Timelines, Assessments, and Ongoing Maintenance
At LFS, we understand that fire door upgrades are a critical investment for ensuring compliance and safety. As such, we prioritise transparent communication and thorough assessments to provide accurate timelines and recommendations tailored to specific project requirements.
The duration of a fire door upgrade project can vary significantly depending on several factors, such as the number of doors, their condition, and the scope of work required. Our experienced team conducts comprehensive assessments to evaluate the suitability of your existing doors for upgrading.
What Type of Doors can be Upgraded?
Importantly, not all doors are suitable candidates for fire door upgrades. During the assessment process, our experts carefully examine the construction, materials, and overall condition of your doors to determine if they meet the necessary criteria for successful upgrading. This step ensures that the upgraded doors will achieve the desired fire resistance rating and comply with relevant regulations.
If you’re existing doors are deemed eligible for upgrading, our team will provide a detailed timeline estimation, taking into account the project’s complexity, site accessibility, and any potential logistical challenges. We pride ourselves on our efficient processes and strive to minimise disruptions to your operations during the upgrade process.
What about Fire Door Inspections?
Once the fire door upgrades are complete, regular inspections are crucial to ensure the doors remain compliant and in optimal condition. We recommend following the manufacturer’s guidelines or regulatory body recommendations. Which, typically suggest inspections every six months. However, our experts can provide tailored maintenance schedules based on your specific circumstances and usage patterns.
During these inspections, our certified professionals thoroughly examine the upgraded fire doors. We’ll check for any signs of damage, wear and tear, or issues that may compromise their fire resistance rating.
Regular inspections allow for timely identification and resolution of potential problems, ensuring the continued safety and compliance of your fire door systems. Learn more here on our recent blog page – Lyons Fire Safety Fire Door Inspections – or our main service page: Fire Door Inspections – Ensure Safety and Compliance | LFS (lyonsfiresafety.co.uk)
Choose Lyons Fire Safety for Fire Door Upgrades UK
At Lyons Fire Safety, we are committed to providing exceptional fire door upgrades UK services. Our team of qualified professionals uses certified products and follows the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the desired fire resistance rating is achieved.
Don’t compromise on fire safety. Contact us today to schedule an assessment and experience the peace of mind that comes with entrusting your fire door upgrade needs to the experts.
Phone: 0121 517 0562
Email: david@lyonsfiresafety.co.uk
Lyons Fire Safety: Your Trusted Partner for Fire Door Upgrades UK, Inspections, Maintenance, and Compliance Solutions.