How To Choose A Fire Door Manufacturer
Fire safety in buildings is of paramount importance in any construction project – one of the most important aspects with regards to fire safety is the fire doors installed in the building. Fire doors are the most visible and frequently used safety feature, so it is vital to ensure that the most effective and relevant fire doors are used for that environment and development. To ensure complete fire door safety compliance, those responsible for the procurement of the fire doors should make an informed decision when choosing their fire door manufacturer and supplier. Here are some important considerations when choosing your fire door manufacturer:
Industry Standards, Compliance And Certification
For people to be sound in the knowledge that the fire doors in their building are fit for purpose, they need to know that all fire doors have been fully tested and certificated to the mandatory legal requirements and standards. Ensure that your chosen manufacturer employs the relevant quality assurance processes in the manufacture and production of their fire doors.
All fire doors must undergo the rigorous testing an independent third-party testing body, through an approved UKAS testing house, will perform. These tests should result in certification of the doors ensuring complete compliance to the latest published industry standards.
Always ask to see the appropriate evidence of testing and certification – a manufacturer’s commitment to quality management can be assessed through their certification schemes for their products – the stringent safety standards set by the appointed government industry bodies should be applied to the design, manufacture, and testing of all fire doors.
All fire doors should display evidence of this safety certification to confirm they are fit-for-purpose. A compliant-approved fire door manufacturer should also be issued with a Field of Application Assessment which states they are deemed appropriate and competent to manufacture fire doors to bespoke sizes and designs.
Quality Assurance
For reassurance and peace of mind, you should look for fire door manufacturers and suppliers who produce doors with the Q mark accreditation. These are manufacturers who have committed themselves to improving the quality of fire doors through regular third-party audits and the production of proven, ongoing test evidence and fire door industry compliance.
Service And Reputation
It is always wise to do your homework! Selecting the right fire door manufacturer is important, so research the suppliers in which you are interested – look for a fire door manufacturer with an established reputation and track record of customer satisfaction. Choose a manufacturer that offers dedicated account managers – a contact with whom you can establish an ongoing professional rapport and business relationship.
Look for any recent reviews on the internet, trade websites, local business forums, social media platforms, and such. Check online sites for photographs of the products both before and after installation, and always look for supporting evidence of the review posted to ensure authenticity.
As in all business arenas, the best business is repeat business and referral, so ask friends or business contacts who have recently employed a door manufacturer about the supplier they used and their experience. Obtaining a personal recommendation from someone who has used, and been satisfied with, a door manufacturer is the best source for quality service.
Bespoke Manufacture
A bespoke fire door manufacturer will provide a wider range of door products than a standard supplier or manufacturer. Bespoke manufacturing is essential when you need specialist doors – you may need replacement fire door sets and, depending upon the environment in which your doors are to be installed, you may want to include fire doors of different standards and levels.
Some environments may require the fire doors to have the additional functions and qualities of a high security element included, or perhaps fire doors with enhanced acoustic and noise control qualities.
An established bespoke door manufacturer will be able to provide you with a wide range of doors, constructed with appropriate materials and different available finishes, along with the relevant safety and security features. The door furniture is another consideration – a bespoke manufacturer will ensure that they can construct and supply fire doors for your specific purpose and environment.
Installation Services
As well as the manufacture of your fire doors you need to consider the installation – this can be as important as the door itself! The installation of your fire doors also needs to be of equal professional care and quality to ensure full fire door compliance. Confirm that your door manufacturer/supplier provides the expert installation and maintenance – they should provide complete doorsets and install them as single units on site with all the relevant and necessary security testing and warranty certificates.
Cost
In any business, cost is always an important consideration – choose a door manufacturer that delivers an affordable product, as well as one that provides all the important aspects and safety and security features for your property. Choose a fire door manufacturer that uses quality materials and can provide doors that fulfill all the necessary protective functionality, as well as the aesthetic finish.
