Common fire door myths debunked
It is a legal requirement for many buildings to be fitted with fire doors – commercial offices, public buildings, and large residential developments are typical examples where certified fire doors are mandatory.
However, it’s also important to ‘debunk’ any myths and misconceptions around the use and maintenance of fire doors:
Myth 1: A standard timber door can do the job
A certified fire door will have features that a standard door does not include. Such as door closers, intumescent seals, fire retardant hardware, as well as thicker core materials, such as timbers with high burning points, along with fire resistant finishes and paints.
Myth 2: All fire doors are broadly the same
You may hear people refer to a fire doors as being the same, and this is not true.
There are different forms of fire door that are manufactured from varying materials and offer different levels of fire protection. These fire resistance ratings range from Fd30, which offer resistance against heat, smoke and flame for a minimum of 30 minutes, through Fd60 and Fd90 fire doors offering the same protection and resistance but for periods of 60 and 90 minutes respectively.
Every public or commercial building will have a nominated Responsible Person with regards to its’ health and safety aspects, and it is within their remit to identify which type of fire door is best installed for that environment – this is usually determined through a fire risk assessment.
Myth 3: Only commercial buildings need them
All commercial buildings must have certified fire doors installed – but it is not JUST commercial buildings that must adhere to this.
As well as commercial buildings, all public buildings and multi-storey residential properties must have appropriate fire doors installed.
This also the case for domestic housing where (for example) internal doors to a garage of loft conversion will likely need fire doors installed.
Myth 4: Fire door components can simply be replaced with standard materials
All doors will suffer from wear and tear, and maybe damage from constant use. However, in these circumstances all repairs or replacement parts must be made using certified components.
If replacement hardware is needed it’s recommended to refer to the manufacturer for accurate information on repairs or sourcing replacement parts
If substandard components are fitted, or inappropriate repairs made, the fire door’s certification will be invalidated and the safety aspect will be compromised.
Myth 5: Any door painted in fire retardant paint is compliant
Another common misconception is that if a standard, non-certified door is painted with fire-retardant paint, then it can be regarded as a compliant fire door – this is not so!
Simply applying fireproof paint does NOT make a door fire resistant – it makes it a door with a fireproof coating, which isn’t a certified fire door.
Fireproof paint only adds a minimal period of fire protection, no more than a few minutes. A standard door doesn’t offer the protection of intumescent seals, specialised glazing or fire-retardant hardware.
Myth 6: You can fit standard glazed panels to a fire door
Any glazing incorporated into a fire door MUST be certified and fitting during the manufacturing process. Cutting holes in a certified and approved fire door to fit glazed or vision panels will invalidate the fire doors’ certification and therefore it’s compliance.
Myth 7: Fire doors only offer protection against flames
A fire door offers protection from flames, smoke inhalation and heat. Smoke inhalation and other toxic fumes produced in fires are responsible for more deaths than actual flames. A certified fire door gives people far more protection and provides significantly more time for evacuation.
