Professional Fire Door Installation for Commercial Properties
At Lyons Fire Safety (LFS) we take professional fire door installation seriously. That goes for all passive fire protection (PFP) assists. Of which, Fire doors are an integral component. For commercial properties, properly installed fire doors serve as a critical line of defence against the spread of fire and smoke.
Fire door installation is not merely a building requirement but a safeguard for both life and property. Here’s why it matters:
Professional Installation: A Necessity for Efficacy
The efficacy of fire doors hinges on professional installation. Certified installers like us ensure that these barriers perform optimally. Adhering to stringent regulations. In the UK, fire doors must meet the FD30 or FD60 standards, offering 30 to 60 minutes of resistance to fire’s advance. This resistance is crucial for safe evacuation and emergency response.
Why Professional Installation Matters
Incorrectly installed fire doors fail to provide their intended protection, potentially leading to catastrophic outcomes. Professional installation guarantees that fire doors will maintain integrity, stability, and functionality when it matters most. It’s not just about meeting legal requirements; it’s about ensuring that in the event of a fire, the doors will perform as expected, providing a safe and timely escape for occupants.
With that said, allow us to expand – let’s take a look at professional fire door installation. How it works. Why it’s essential. And how we at Lyons Fire Safety can ensure safe installations within your commercial properties.
Regulatory Compliance - Fire Door Installation
In the UK, adherence to fire safety regulations is not just a matter of compliance, but a commitment to safeguarding lives and property. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 sets the framework for this commitment, mandating that all business premises maintain proper fire safety measures. This includes the installation and upkeep of fire doors.
Fire doors must align with established British Standards to ensure they serve their purpose effectively:
- BS 8214:2016 (this is the code of practice for assembling fire doors); it provides comprehensive guidelines. Specifically for the specification, installation, and maintenance of timber-based fire door assemblies.
- These guidelines detail the importance of correct installation practices to achieve the desired fire resistance. Which can range from 30 minutes to 120 minutes, as detailed in BS 476 and BS EN 1634
- These standards are pivotal in determining the fire resistance classification of fire doors. Ensuring they are capable of withstanding the intense conditions of a fire and providing a safe escape route.
Following these regulations and standards ensures two things for your business. First, you’ll be fully compliant with UK fire safety laws, like the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This protects you from legal trouble and potential fines. Second, it builds trust with your occupants. They’ll know you’ve taken every step necessary to keep them safe in a fire emergency. That’s why professional installation and regular maintenance from us at LFS is key to fulfilling these obligations. We can help properties owners uphold the integrity of fire safety strategies within commercial environments.
How is a Fire Door Professionally Installed?
At Lyons Fire Safety, we guarantee the highest quality fire door installations by following the Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors. This ensures that every fire door installed not only meets but exceeds the required safety measures.
Step-by-Step Installation Process:
Pre-Installation Checks
Before installation, we ensure that the door’s certification matches the required fire resistance level. And all components are compatible with the door’s specifications.
Frame Setting
Our technicians set the door frame in place, ensuring perfect squareness before securing it with appropriate fire-rated fixings.
Door Hanging
We then carefully hang the fire door on the frame. Ensuring that it swings freely and fits well without binding at the edges.
Intumescent Seals
Intumescent seals are fitted within the door frame or the door itself (Depending on the design). Providing a tight seal against smoke and flames.
Ironmongery Installation
All ironmongery, including hinges, locks, and door closers, is installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions and the Code of Practice.
Gap Tolerance Checking
We check the gap tolerances around the door to ensure they meet the specified requirements, typically around 3mm on the sides and top and 8mm at the bottom.
Final Inspection
We carry out a thorough fire door inspection to confirm that the door operates correctly, closes fully into the frame, and that all seals and ironmongery are fitted properly.
Certification and Documentation
Upon successful installation, Lyons Fire Safety provides certification and documentation to validate the compliance and performance of the fire door.
We ensure precision in each fire door installation by adhering to these steps. Meeting all regulatory requirements and best practices within the UK industry.
Benefits of Professional Fire Door Installation
Opting for Lyons Fire Safety’s professional fire door installation services brings a host of advantages that extend beyond mere regulatory adherence:
- Ensuring Legal Compliance and Avoiding Penalties – First and foremost, our services ensure that your business is in full compliance with UK fire safety laws, such as the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This shields your business from legal repercussions and potential fines.
- Guaranteeing Performance During Critical Moments – More importantly, professional installation provides the assurance that the fire doors will function precisely as needed in the event of an emergency. This is not just about meeting a checklist; it’s about real-world performance that could save lives.
- Integration and Effectiveness – We expertly integrate fire doors into their structural openings, ensuring they are complete with necessary seals, ironmongery, and control mechanisms. This integration is key to their effectiveness, ensuring that they stand as robust barriers against the spread of fire and smoke.
- Maximising Fire Door Efficacy – The attention to detail in every installation maximises the efficacy of the fire doors. It’s not just about installing a door; it’s about creating a comprehensive safety feature that is reliable and durable.
- Expertise That Meets Inspection Standards – Lyons Fire Safety’s expertise in fire door installation means that our work consistently meets and often exceeds the standards required by routine audits and inspections. This is thanks to our adherence to the latest codes of practice and our commitment to using only the highest quality materials and components.
Innovating Fire Safety Management with FireDNA and Golden Thread Technology
At Lyons Fire Safety, we are at the forefront of fire safety management by incorporating the cutting-edge FireDNA software into our practices. This innovative application harnesses the power of ‘Golden Thread’ technology to weave a digital fabric of data throughout the entire lifecycle of our fire door installations. Here’s how it revolutionises our process:
Digital ‘Golden Thread of Data’: A New Standard in Compliance and Safety
Comprehensive Digital Records
FireDNA creates a digital ‘golden thread of data’ that connects all stakeholders in the passive fire product lifecycle. This includes detailed product specifications, third-party certifications, and digitised manuals, ensuring that every fire door is installed to the highest standards..
Real-Time Installation Data
Our installers use the app to log installation data, complete with date stamps and supporting photography. This not only provides a real-time record of the installation process but also facilitates team collaboration and data sharing.
Enhanced Accountability
The app’s ability to generate branded reports and document liability protection is invaluable for contractors and service providers. It ensures that every step of the installation is accounted for and up to industry standards.
Streamlined Compliance Tracking
Building owners and facility managers benefit from the app’s compliance tracking features, which include maintenance activities, fire status updates, and a digital operations and maintenance (O&M) manual. This simplifies the management of legal obligations and fire safety compliance.
Maintenance and Inspection Oversight
Maintenance teams and fire inspectors can monitor, inspect, and log actions with ease, thanks to the app’s comprehensive data logs and traceability features. This ensures ongoing compliance and safety long after the initial installation.
Transparency and Peace of Mind
For tenants and residents, the app provides unparalleled transparency and peace of mind. With easy access to fire safety data via QR codes and NFC tags, everyone involved can be assured of the safety and compliance of their environment.
Final Inspection
A thorough fire door inspection is conducted to confirm that the door operates correctly, closes fully into the frame, and that all seals and ironmongery are fitted properly.
Certification and Documentation
Upon successful installation, Lyons Fire Safety provides certification and documentation to validate the compliance and performance of the fire door.
By integrating FireDNA’s ‘Golden Thread’ technology, we can set a new benchmark for accountability and safety in fire door installation. This digital innovation streamlines documentation, enhances transparency, and ultimately contributes to a safer, more secure built environment.
You can read more on “golden thread” technology and our use of the FireDNA software here, on our dedicated page
FAQs: Professional Fire Door Installations
How does a professional fire door installation contribute to a building’s fire strategy?
Expert installation guarantees precise fitting of fire doors and equips them with necessary components. Moreover, these components are integral to the building’s compartmentalisation strategy for containing fire and smoke spread.
Can existing doors be upgraded to fire doors, or do they need to be replaced?
Although fire-resistant materials and hardware can upgrade some existing doors, replacing them with certified fire doors is often the recommended course of action to ensure compliance and performance. Our team can survey and inspect all passive fire protection (PFP) assets on your property to determine whether maintenance is needed for existing fire doors or if new fire door installations are necessary. You can read our detailed inspection process here.
What is the importance of intumescent seals in fire door installations?
Intumescent seals expand when exposed to heat, sealing gaps to prevent the passage of smoke and flames, thereby enhancing the fire-resistance capability of the door.
How often should fire doors be inspected after installation?
Regular inspections of fire doors are essential, with a recommended frequency of at least once a year, to uphold their functionality and compliance with fire safety regulations. Get in contact for a quote, or if passive fire protection, such as fire doors, need’s inspecting.
What common mistakes should be avoided during fire door installation?
Common mistakes include incorrect fitting of the door, improper alignment, inadequate sealing, and using non-compliant hardware, all of which can compromise the door’s effectiveness. At LFS, we can look for irregular or improperly installed fire doors during an inspection.
Are there specific requirements for the hardware used in fire door assemblies?
Yes, all hardware such as hinges, locks, and door closers must be fire-rated and compatible with the fire door’s certification to ensure the door functions correctly during a fire.
Choose Lyons Fire Safety for Professional Fire Door Installation
For commercial property owners and managers, ensuring fire door compliance is not just a regulatory requirement; it’s a critical responsibility for the safety of occupants and the protection of assets.
Don’t let non-compliance compromise your fire safety standards. Engage with Lyons Fire Safety for comprehensive fire door solutions that include:
- Thorough fire risk assessments tailored to commercial environments
- Detailed inspections to pinpoint any shortcomings
- Replacement of fire door assemblies that don’t meet current standards
- Installations executed in accordance with certification requirements
- Regularly scheduled maintenance and repair services to uphold safety
Secure your property, safeguard your occupants, and enjoy the confidence that comes with knowing your fire safety measures are robust and reliable. Reach out to Lyons Fire Safety today for expert fire door installation services.
Phone: 0121 517 0562
Email: david@lyonsfiresafety.co.uk
Lyons Fire Safety: Your Professional Partner in Fire Door Installation and Compliance for Commercial Properties