Fire Doors: The Unsung Heroes of Passive Fire Safety—Why You Need 'Em and What They're Made Of

Alright team, let’s have a chat about fire doors. Now, you might be thinking, "Why do I need to worry about fire doors?" Well, imagine this: there’s a fire in your building. Without fire doors, that blaze could spread faster than you can say "VAR is ruining this game." Fire doors are your first line of defence, giving everyone precious time to get out safely and keeping the fire from causing more damage.

Why Do We Need Fire Doors?

First off, it’s all about safety. Fire doors are designed to hold back flames and smoke for a set amount of time, usually 30 or 60 minutes. This delay can save lives and give firefighters a better chance to put out the fire before it spreads. They’re not just a nice-to-have; they’re a must-have.

The UK building codes got a proper shake-up in the 2020s, especially after some serious incidents made everyone sit up and take notice. These changes mean stricter rules about where and how fire doors should be used, particularly in commercial buildings.

If you’re a building owner or manager, you’ve got to make sure you’re up to scratch with regular fire door surveys. Commercial buildings need these checks every six months to a year, depending on the building’s use and occupancy. Skipping these surveys is a big no-no and could land you in hot water if something goes wrong.

What Are Fire Doors Made From?

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. You might be scratching your head and thinking, “How can a fire door be made of wood? Doesn’t wood burn?” And you’re not wrong – wood does burn. But here’s the twist: fire doors made from solid timber are specially designed to resist fire.

Let’s break it down:

• Solid Timber: A lot of fire doors have a solid timber core. These doors are thick and dense, which means they take longer to burn through. They’re like the hard nuts of the door world – tough to crack!
• Steel: Some fire doors are made of steel, which is even more fire-resistant. These are often used in places that need extra protection, like industrial buildings.
• Gypsum: This stuff is great for fire resistance. It’s used in the core of some fire doors because it doesn’t burn and helps keep the structure intact.
• Glass: Fire-resistant glass can be part of a fire door too. It’s specially treated to withstand high temperatures and stop flames and smoke from spreading.
• Intumescent Seals: These clever seals expand when they get hot, sealing gaps around the door to keep flames and smoke from sneaking through.

For the finishing touches, fire doors can be covered with laminates or veneers to look nice while still being fire-safe.

A Bit of History

Did you know that the idea of the fire door goes way back? The first known fire door patent was granted to a bloke named Lyman Reed in the USA in 1891. He wasn’t from the UK, but we’ll forgive him because his invention has saved countless lives over the years.

Keep It Safe, Keep It Legal

So there you have it. Fire doors are an absolute must for any building, especially with the new UK building codes. Make sure you’re on top of your fire door surveys – every six months to a year – to keep everyone safe and sound. And remember, whether it’s timber, steel, or something else, these doors are built to be tough and give you time to get to safety.

Ensure your fire doors are always ready to protect. At UK FM Services, we offer comprehensive fire door surveys, maintenance, remedials, and installations to help you stay compliant and safe. Email [email protected] or call us at 020 3371 7488 to chat with the team about your fire door requirements. Don’t wait for an emergency—contact us today for a free consultation and quote.

Stay safe and compliant with UK FM Services—your trusted partner in fire safety.

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