Guide to Fire Door Maintenance

Posted on January 26, 2024 in Building Maintenance

In the realm of property maintenance, the significance of fire doors cannot be overstated. As a critical component of a building’s passive fire protection system, fire doors play a pivotal role in safeguarding lives and minimising property damage in the event of a fire. Protech Property Solutions Limited, a London-based maintenance company specialising in fire door installations, maintenance, and upgrades, offers this comprehensive guide to understanding the intricacies involved in the handling of fire doors.

Installation of Fire Doors

The installation of fire doors is a procedure that demands precision, expertise, and adherence to the UK’s stringent fire safety regulations. The process involves several key steps:

• Assessment and Selection: Choosing the right fire door for a specific location within a building is crucial. Factors such as fire resistance rating, size, and compatibility with existing fire protection systems must be considered.
• Compliance with Standards: Installation must comply with BS 8214 and other relevant British Standards, ensuring that the door’s fire resistance capabilities are not compromised.
• Correct Fitting and Sealing: Fire doors must be fitted with appropriate intumescent seals that expand in the event of a fire, thereby preventing the spread of smoke and flames. Proper installation is critical to ensure that gaps around the doors meet the specifications outlined in the regulatory standards.
• Hardware and Accessories: All components, including hinges, door closers, and locks, must be compatible with the fire door specification and installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Maintenance of Fire Doors

Regular maintenance is vital to ensure that fire doors will perform as intended during a fire. Maintenance activities include:

• Periodic Inspections: Regular checks for damage, missing parts, or signs of wear and tear. British Standard BS 9999 recommends six-monthly inspections.
• Functional Testing: Ensuring that doors close fully and securely without any obstruction.
• Seal Integrity: Checking intumescent seals for damage or deterioration and replacing them if necessary.
• Hardware Checks: Inspecting and testing all hardware components to ensure they are secure and functional.

Upgrade of Fire Doors

Upgrading fire doors involves enhancing their fire resistance capabilities or bringing older doors up to current standards. This may include:

• Replacing Non-Compliant Doors: Upgrading to doors that meet the latest fire safety standards.
• Enhancing Existing Doors: Adding or replacing intumescent strips, upgrading door closers, and installing fire-rated glass panels.
• Improving Door Surrounds: Ensuring that the structure surrounding the fire door is also upgraded to resist fire penetration, including frames and walls.

Conclusion

The installation, maintenance, and upgrade of fire doors is a complex field that requires professional expertise and a deep understanding of fire safety regulations. At Protech Property Solutions Limited, we pride ourselves on our technical proficiency and commitment to safety. Through our comprehensive services, we ensure that buildings across London are equipped with fire doors that offer maximum protection against the spread of fire and smoke, thereby safeguarding both property and lives.

For property owners and managers, engaging with a professional service like Protech Property Solutions Limited is not just a matter of regulatory compliance; it’s an investment in safety and peace of mind.

If you have a building or project that would benefit from a maintenance package for your fire doors, contact an expert at Protech Property Solutions today on 01707 644 601 or visit Protech Fire Doors for more information on the Importance of Fire Doors.