Fire doors are a critical element of fire safety in buildings, both residential and commercial. They provide a physical barrier against fire and smoke, ensuring occupants have safe exit routes and limiting damage to the building. Below is an overview of the types of fire doors commonly used in the UK, their features, and where they should be applied to maximise safety.
1. Timber Fire Doors (FD30, FD60)
- Overview: Timber fire doors are constructed from hardwood, softwood, or composite cores, surrounded by fire-resistant panels. They are the most widely used fire doors in both residential and commercial settings.
- Fire Rating: FD30 (30 minutes) and FD60 (60 minutes).
- Typical Use: Ideal for internal doors separating high-risk areas such as kitchens or rooms with heavy electrical equipment. Common in homes, office buildings, and schools.
- Special Features: Often equipped with intumescent strips that expand under heat to seal gaps, preventing the spread of fire and smoke.
2. Steel Fire Doors
- Overview: Built with steel skins and filled with a fire-resistant core, steel fire doors offer more robust protection than timber models.
- Fire Rating: FD60 or higher, often up to 240 minutes.
- Typical Use: Found in industrial settings, warehouses, and areas requiring high-security fire protection, like data centres and storage units.
- Special Features: Highly durable, making them ideal for areas with heavy traffic and significant fire risks.
3. Glass Fire Doors
- Overview: Glass fire doors are designed with fire-resistant glazing, offering visibility without compromising safety.
- Fire Rating: Typically FD30 or FD60.
- Typical Use: Commercial buildings, offices, and corridors where visibility is required while maintaining compartmentalisation against fire.
- Special Features: Fire-resistant glass that can withstand extreme heat, allowing for a modern, aesthetic solution without sacrificing fire safety.
4. Sliding Fire Doors
- Overview: These doors slide into a wall cavity, making them ideal for spaces where traditional hinged doors are impractical.
- Fire Rating: Usually FD30 or FD60.
- Typical Use: Industrial areas or commercial settings with limited space, such as warehouses and airports.
- Special Features: Space-saving and automatic closing in case of fire detection.
5. Automatic Fire Doors
- Overview: These doors close automatically when triggered by smoke or heat sensors, ensuring that fire doors close even if left open during normal use.
- Fire Rating: Available in FD30, FD60, or higher ratings.
- Typical Use: Public buildings, hospitals, and commercial offices where doors are often left open during regular operation but must close swiftly in case of fire.
- Special Features: Integrated with fire alarm systems to close without human intervention.
6. Acoustic Fire Doors
- Overview: These combine fire protection with soundproofing, making them essential in environments where noise control is important.
- Fire Rating: Commonly FD30 or FD60.
- Typical Use: Hotels, theatres, and office buildings requiring both fire safety and noise reduction.
- Special Features: Excellent for settings where quiet and safety are both priorities.
7. Thermally Insulated Fire Doors
- Overview: Designed to provide both fire protection and insulation against temperature changes.
- Fire Rating: FD30 or higher, with added insulation benefits.
- Typical Use: Data centres, cold storage areas, or any location sensitive to heat changes.
- Special Features: Prevents heat transfer, crucial for temperature-controlled environments.
Summary
Fire doors are a vital component in fire safety strategies across a wide range of building types. From timber fire doors offering basic protection to steel and glass models suited for industrial and commercial applications, each type serves a specific role. Whether you are safeguarding a residential home or a commercial warehouse, selecting the right fire door ensures compliance with UK fire safety regulations and provides critical protection in the event of a fire.
Need to know more?
To ensure your property is fully protected, contact a member of our certified team today for a free, no obligation consultation.
For more details on fire safety standards and regulations, visit the The Gov Website.
