Fire Safety Services
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Ever wondered if your fire doors are really doing their job? It’s one of those things we don’t think about much—until we need to. And by then? It could be too late.
Fire doors aren’t just doors—they’re life savers. But only if they’re fitted right. A poorly fitted fire door is like an umbrella with holes. Looks fine, but when it’s tested, it won’t protect you when it counts.
Think yours might be fine? Let’s check. We’re going to cover five of the most common fitting mistakes. You’ll learn what to watch out for, how to spot potential issues, and, how to avoid them altogether.
Gaps might not sound like a big deal, but they’re a fire door’s worst enemy. A fire door’s job is to block fire and smoke, buying you precious time to get to safety. If the gaps around the door are too big, that protection goes out the window. Smoke and fire can sneak through before you know it.
This is why the gap between the door and the frame is so important. Do you know how big the gap should be? (Hint: it’s no more than 4mm—about the thickness of a £1 coin.) Anything bigger and the door won’t work as it should in an emergency.
The good news? Fixing it isn’t complicated. Use a gap gauge to check the spacing. If you don’t have one, you can get a professional to inspect it for you. It’s a quick win that can make a world of difference in keeping you safe. So, next time you walk past your fire door, have a quick look. Are those gaps just right, or do they need some attention?
Not all hinges are fire-rated, and using the wrong ones? Big mistake. Fire doors rely on every part working together, and hinges are no exception. Standard hinges might look fine, but they’re not designed to handle the extreme heat of a fire.
Here’s the risk: if the hinges fail, the door can’t hold its position. That means it won’t block fire or smoke the way it should. Standard hinges can’t take the heat—literally. They’ll buckle or break when exposed to high temperatures, leaving you without the protection you need.
The fix is simple. Look for CE-marked hinges that are specifically tested for fire doors. These are designed to withstand the heat and keep the door in place during a fire. Not sure if your hinges are up to the job? Ask your supplier or installer for advice. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in how well your fire doors perform.
Those rubbery seals around the door? They’re not just there to look fancy. They’re called intumescent seals, and they play a critical role in keeping fire and smoke at bay.
Here’s the problem. If the seals are missing, damaged, or even just poorly fitted, the door won’t block fire or smoke properly. In a fire, these seals expand to close the gaps around the door. Without them, smoke and heat can slip through easily, putting lives at risk.
The solution is straightforward. Check the seals regularly, especially if the door is used often. Are they cracked, peeling, or missing in spots? Replace them as soon as you notice an issue. It’s a simple fix that can make all the difference in an emergency. Easy, right?
Ever thought about the door frame? It’s just as important as the door itself. You could have the best fire door in the world, but if the frame isn’t up to standard, the whole thing fails.
Here’s the issue. A weak or wrong-sized frame can make even the best fire door useless. If the frame isn’t properly aligned or isn’t made from fire-resistant materials, it won’t hold the door securely in place during a fire. The result? Gaps, instability, and a door that won’t perform when you need it most.
The solution? Make sure the frame is strong, sturdy, and specifically designed for fire doors. It should be fitted with fire-resistant materials and meet the same safety standards as the door itself. If you’re unsure, a professional installer can confirm everything is properly set up. After all, what’s the point of a fire door without a reliable frame to support it?
DIY might be tempting, but fire doors need expert fitting. They’re not like regular doors where you can just screw on some hinges and call it a day. Fire doors are highly specialised, and even the smallest mistake during installation can render them useless when you need them most.
Think about it—would you trust just anyone to handle something this important? Fire doors are your first line of defence in an emergency. Poorly installed doors can leave gaps, weaken frames, or fail to align with the seals and hinges. Any of these issues could mean the door won’t hold up against fire and smoke when it matters.
Here’s why a professional makes all the difference:
Always hire a certified professional to fit your fire doors. They’ll make sure everything meets regulations, works as it should, and lasts for years. It’s an investment in safety that you can’t afford to skip.
Making these mistakes doesn’t mean it’s too late. The good news is that fixing them can be straightforward, and taking action now can make all the difference in an emergency.
Need advice or a professional fitting? That’s where we come in. Our team knows fire doors inside and out, from installation to regular maintenance, so you can rest easy knowing everything’s up to standard.
Have questions about your fire doors? Drop us a line—we’re happy to help! Whether you need a quick check-up or a full installation, we’re here to make sure your fire doors do what they’re meant to: keep you safe.
