Assessing and Upgrading Older Fire Door Installations
Fire door safety is a critical component of any building’s fire protection strategy. In older buildings, the fire doors installed may no longer meet current UK standards, presenting potential risks to the building’s occupants and property.
At Lyons Fire Safety, we specialise in inspecting, maintaining, and upgrading older fire door installations to ensure compliance with the latest fire safety regulations in the UK. Here, in this guide, we’ll take a look at the key steps in assessing and upgrading older fire door systems to enhance fire safety and ensure regulatory compliance.
In need of fire door installation services? – look no further than our team at LFS. Get in contact for a quote, and let us know what issues you’re facing Contact – Lyons Fire Safety
Why Assessing Older Fire Door Installations Is Crucial
Over time, fire safety standards evolve, and fire doors installed years ago may not provide the necessary protection required by today’s regulations. In older buildings, many doors may be notional or nominal fire doors:
- Notional fire doors: These were compliant with fire resistance standards when they were first installed, but may not meet modern fire safety requirements.
- Nominal fire doors: These are timber doors that may offer some fire resistance but lack certification, making it difficult to assess their true effectiveness.
Both types of doors can compromise the safety of the building and its occupants, which is why a thorough assessment and upgrade are essential.
Have a read of our recent blog on Nominal and Notional Fire Doors to learn more about conformity marking systems, fire door ratings and more
The Assessment Process: Ensuring Compliance and Safety
Assessing older fire doors involves a combination of visual inspections, documentation reviews, and performance testing to ensure they meet the required safety standards.
Visual Inspection
A visual inspection is the first step in evaluating the condition of existing fire doors. At LFS, our team can help you look out for the following key indicators of door integrity:
- Gaps: Gaps between the door and the frame should be no wider than 3mm to prevent the passage of smoke and flames.
- Intumescent Seals: These seals are critical for slowing down fire spread. Check that they are present and in good condition.
- Self-Closing Devices: The door should automatically close from any open position to maintain fire compartmentation.
- Signage: Ensure there is clear, appropriate signage, such as “Fire Door – Keep Shut.”
Documentation Review
Review the available documentation to get a better understanding of the fire door’s history:
- Installation Records: These can confirm when the fire doors were installed and what standards they met at the time.
- Inspection Reports: Previous inspections can offer insights into recurring issues.
- Maintenance Logs: Maintenance records help determine how regularly the doors have been serviced.
Performance Testing
While destructive testing isn’t feasible for existing doors, non-destructive methods can be used to assess their performance:
- Smoke Leakage Tests: These check how well the door prevents smoke from passing through.
- Thermal Imaging: This can reveal any heat transfer points, indicating weaknesses in the door’s structure.
Upgrading Older Fire Doors: Retrofitting vs. Replacement
Once an assessment is complete, you will need to decide whether the existing fire doors can be retrofitted or whether full replacement is required.
Retrofitting Fire Doors
In some cases, older doors can be upgraded to improve fire resistance, which can be a cost-effective solution. Retrofit options include:
- Installing Intumescent Strips: Adding or replacing intumescent strips helps the door maintain its integrity during a fire.
- Upgrading Hardware: Replacing hinges, door closers, and latches with fire-rated components can enhance door performance.
- Fire-Resistant Glazing: In certain cases, adding fire-resistant glazing can bring older doors up to standard.
Replacing Fire Doors
In many cases, full replacement may be the only way to ensure compliance with current fire safety standards. Certified fire doors are designed to provide specific levels of protection:
- FD30 Fire Doors: These provide 30 minutes of fire resistance and are common in residential buildings.
- FD60 Fire Doors: Offering 60 minutes of resistance, these are often used in commercial buildings or high-risk areas.
All new fire doors should be certified to meet UK standards, such as BS 8214 – which dictates timber-based fire door assemblies. Look for certification labels that confirm the fire rating and compliance of the doors.
Compliance with UK Fire Safety Regulations
When upgrading fire doors in the UK, it’s important to ensure that all work complies with relevant regulations. The key regulatory frameworks include:
- Building Regulations Approved Document B: This sets the requirements for fire safety in buildings, including fire door installations.
- Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005: Requires building owners to ensure fire safety measures, including fire doors, are adequate.
- BS 8214: Provides guidelines on fire door assembly and installation.
Challenges in Upgrading Older Fire Door Installations
Upgrading older fire doors can present a variety of challenges, particularly in terms of disruption, cost, and compliance.
- Disruption: Upgrading fire doors can be disruptive to building occupants, so it’s often best to schedule upgrades during periods of low occupancy or implement phased upgrades for large-scale projects.
- Cost: Replacing or upgrading fire doors can be expensive. Prioritising high-risk areas is essential if budgets are limited.
- Compliance: All work must be carried out by certified professionals to ensure compliance with UK fire safety regulations.
Ongoing Maintenance: Ensuring Long-Term Fire Safety
Upgrading fire doors is not a one-time solution. Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial to ensuring that fire doors continue to provide protection over time. At Lyons Fire Safety, we recommend the following practices:
- Annual Inspections: Fire doors should be inspected at least once a year to ensure they are still in good working order.
- Staff Training: Ensure building occupants are aware of the importance of keeping fire doors closed and reporting any damage.
- Record-Keeping: Maintain detailed records of all inspections, maintenance, and repairs to demonstrate compliance with UK regulations.
LFS: Your Partner in Fire Door Installations
Ensure your building’s fire doors are up to standard. Contact Lyons Fire Safety today for a comprehensive assessment of your fire doors.
Our team of certified professionals is experienced in inspecting, maintaining, and upgrading fire doors to ensure compliance with UK regulations. Whether you need a simple retrofit or full door replacement, we’ve got you covered.
Phone: 0121 517 0562
Email: david@lyonsfiresafety.co.uk
Let Lyons Fire Safety help you safeguard your commercial or residential property with reliable, thorough fire door solutions. Contact us now for a free consultation and custom quote.