Timber-Based Fire Door Installation: Professional Services from Lyons Fire Safety
Correctly installing timber-based fire doors is crucial for compliance and safety assurance. At Lyons Fire Safety (LFS), we prioritise ongoing professional development to uphold our Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS) accreditation and enhance our team’s expertise.
Recently, our team expanded its knowledge by studying with Neil Ashdown, the managing director at Fire Doors Complete, a renowned expert in fire door safety. By undertaking this comprehensive training LFS can provide our clients with the highest quality service in fire door installation.
The Importance of Timber-Based Fire Door Installation
Timber-based fire door installation is a highly specialised process that requires meticulous attention to detail.
To meet British safety standards and ensure long-lasting fire protection, every step in the installation process must align with specific regulations and guidelines. This page serves as a comprehensive overview of timber fire door installation best practices, providing insights into the critical components involved and how LFS approaches each project.
CPD Training in Fire Door Safety
At Lyons Fire Safety, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is integral to how we maintain our team’s skillset and uphold industry standards.
CPD training ensures that our team is not only compliant with FDIS accreditation requirements but also constantly evolving in response to the latest fire safety developments. Through CPD, our experts stay updated on new techniques, regulations, and technologies that enhance fire door installation and fire safety procedures.
Training under a recognised industry figure like Neil Ashdown has enabled us to deepen our technical expertise in timber-based fire door installation. With ongoing CPD training, we keep our skills sharp, ensuring we can provide clients with the best solutions while meeting all regulatory standards.
Studying BS 8214:2016 for Timber Fire Door Installation
As fire safety specialists, Lyons Fire Safety values in-depth study and understanding of the BS 8214:2016 document, which is the benchmark for timber-based fire door assembly.
Essentially, this British Standard outlines the requirements for installing timber fire doors, including specific guidance on components such as frames, seals, gaps, and ironmongery.
By studying BS 8214:2016 closely, our team gains a thorough understanding of each aspect, from frame compatibility to final checks, ensuring that we meet exacting standards in every project.
Investing in the right materials and standards documents allows LFS to give our clients accurate advice, expert installations, and reliable fire door solutions. Our clients benefit from our in-depth knowledge, as we are equipped to provide insights and services that meet the precise fire resistance and performance specifications laid out by BS 8214:2016.
What is Timber-Based Fire Door Installation?
A timber fire door installation involves the precise fitting of fire-resistant timber doors designed to contain fire and smoke for specified timeframes, providing crucial escape time and preventing fire spread. Adhering to British Standard BS 8214:2016, these doors are installed with exacting specifications to meet fire protection requirements, reduce fire-related hazards, and ultimately save lives.
Key Aspects of Timber-Based Fire Door Installation
When installing a timber fire door, each component plays a role in ensuring full compliance and functionality. Here’s a detailed breakdown of our installation steps:
The frame installation is foundational, and its compatibility with the fire door’s certification is crucial for regulatory compliance.
- Frame Compatibility: Only use frames that meet the door’s fire certification standards.
- Correct Fixing: Fix corners of the frame carefully, using pre-drilled pilot holes to prevent wood from splitting.
- Positioning and Fixing Points: Follow specifications for fasteners, generally positioned 100mm from the top and bottom, with additional fixings every 500mm.
- Alignment: Ensure the frame is perfectly plumb, level, and square within the opening.
Gap management is essential for both fire protection and door functionality.
- Gaps Between Door and Frame: Maintain a 3mm (±1mm) gap at the top and sides.
- Threshold Gap: Ensure an 8-10mm gap at the threshold, although manufacturer instructions may vary.
- Sealing Gaps: For any gap between the frame and wall (up to 10mm), use intumescent mastic or fire-resistant foam.
Intumescent seals expand when exposed to heat, providing essential fire-stopping capabilities.
- Seal Placement: Typically, intumescent seals are installed within the frame, though occasionally within the door edge.
- Condition of Seals: Ensure all seals are intact and continuous around the door perimeter.
Fire-rated hardware (ironmongery) is essential for door integrity and performance.
- Certified Components: Only use CE-marked, fire-rated hinges, locks, and door closers.
- Hinge Placement: Follow certification guidelines for hinge number and positioning.
- Intumescent Pads: Use under hinge blades if specified.
- Intumescent Protection for Locks: Ensure locks and latches have necessary intumescent protection if required.
The door leaf must be positioned accurately to function effectively as a fire barrier.
- Minimal Adjustments: Avoid adjustments to ensure the door meets certification standards.
- Label Integrity: Never remove or damage the fire door certification label.
- Smooth Operation: The door should close evenly into the latch without resistance.
For fire doors with glass apertures, specific requirements are in place to maintain fire resistance.
- Fire-Rated Glass: Use certified fire-rated glass within the door.
- Guidelines for Glazing Retention: Follow guidelines strictly, including intumescent protection for glazing.
After installation, a series of checks ensure the door’s reliability.
- Operational Test: Ensure smooth operation and complete closure.
- Smoke Seals: Check that smoke seals make uniform contact around the door.
- Door Closer Adjustment: Confirm that the closer brings the door to a fully closed position from any angle.
A close-up of the top trim on the fire door reveals the application of fire-rated sealant along the edges, ensuring a tight fit and compliance with fire safety regulations. Correct fire sealant is critical to maintaining the door’s integrity and effectiveness in case of a fire.
Why Choose Lyons Fire Safety for Timber Fire Door Installation?
Lyons Fire Safety offers unmatched expertise in timber-based fire door installation. Our commitment to ongoing professional development is crucial in maintaining our FDIS accreditation and delivering exceptional services.
We don’t just handle installations either – our team is equipped and qualified to provide fire door inspections and fire door maintenance also.
With our in-depth understanding of BS 8214:2016 and adherence to the highest standards, LFS can provide effective solutions to enhance fire safety for your property. We ensure that each fire door we install meets its intended fire resistance rating and helps achieve compliance with UK fire safety regulations.
Get in Touch for Expert Fire Safety Services
Take the first step in protecting your property and those within it. Contact Lyons Fire Safety to book a fire door inspection or installation consultation today. Our dedicated team is ready to assist you in achieving full compliance with fire safety regulations, providing solutions you can trust.
Phone: 0121 517 0562
Email: david@lyonsfiresafety.co.uk
Enhance your building’s fire safety with Lyons Fire Safety – committed to protecting what matters most.
Timber-based Fire Door Installation (FAQs)
What is a timber-based fire door?
A timber-based fire door is a door constructed from fire-resistant timber materials, designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke within a building for a designated time.
Why is it important to use certified frames and components?
Certified frames and components ensure that each part of the fire door system functions cohesively to provide effective fire resistance.
What maintenance does a fire door require after installation?
Regular inspections and maintenance are essential. Look for wear on intumescent seals, check door gaps, and ensure hardware is functional.
Are intumescent seals mandatory for all fire doors?
Yes, intumescent seals are a critical component, as they expand under heat, providing an airtight barrier that prevents fire spread.
What’s the difference between a fire door and a regular door?
Fire doors are specifically tested and certified to contain fire and smoke for a specific duration, while regular doors lack this capability.
Can I install a fire door myself?
Fire door installation requires expertise and knowledge of standards like BS 8214:2016. It’s best left to certified professionals like Lyons Fire Safety.
What types of buildings require fire doors?
Most commercial, residential, and public buildings require fire doors to enhance safety and comply with building regulations.
How does LFS ensure compliance with FDIS requirements?
LFS undergoes continuous training and regular audits to uphold our FDIS accreditation, ensuring we meet the highest fire safety standards.