FAQ's
If I am replacing internal doors do I need to consider fitting fire doors?
If you are replacing internal doors, like for like and do not currently have any fire doors, then no, standard doors are fine.There is nothing to say that you cannot have fire doors if you wish, many would prefer to take the extra safety measure to protect their family and home. 30 minute fire doors (FD30) are 44mm thick, therefore your existing door frame may not accomodate this thickness and will need modifying.
Where do I need to fit fire doors?
Basically wherever a fire might start, it is advisable to use a fire door. For example, doors leading from a kitchen; a lounge with a fireplace & TV; or any room with electrical equipment or flammable items.
Building regulations for domestic properties stipulate when fire doors should be used and the key areas are:
- If a 2 storey house has a door leading from an integral garage into the house it must be a fire door.
- New build or renovated properties with 3 storeys or more, including loft conversions, must have FD30 fire doors to every habitable room off the stairwell.
Local councils issue planning permission and are responsible for policing building regulations through Building Control Officers. The architect who has specified the project is the best first point of call, regarding fire door requirements and regulations. Commercial property regulations are substantially different and it’s rare that a commercial building does not have some fire doors.
Construction of a fire door
FD30 (30 minute) fire doors are usually 44/45mm thick, as opposed to the standard door thickness of 35/40 mm, FD60 (60 minute) fire doors most commonly used in commercial settings are normally 54mm thick. Specially constructed fire doors can have a rating of 4 hours or more.
Most fire doors have a solid core construction which can include: particleboard, flaxboard, magboard and solid timber. The assembly of a fire door can vary greatly, some have: a timber framing around the core with a laminated veneer; others have a lipping (5-20mm thick) around the core with a veneer on top; and in some cases a plywood, veneer or MDF facing is glued on to the core without framing or lippings. There is no preferred construction method, as long as the desired fire rating is achieved.
How fire doors work?
A fire door must be fitted with approved intumescent strips which play a crucial part in achieving the fire door rating. When subjected to heat, the intumescent strips expand and seal the gap between the door edge and the frame. Intumescent seals can be fitted within the door frame or grooved into the door edge. Advice on the intumescent strips can be obtained from the test evidence report, which we can provide.
The material from which the door frame is constructed (e.g. softwood, hardwood or MDF), as well as its section sizes must comply with the required standards. Furthermore, essential hardware (ironmongery) must also have its’ own individual test evidence to show fitness for purpose.
Can I buy odd size doors or a style of my choice?Yes! We can supply almost any style of internal door in almost any size. Simply email us your requirements for a quote (please ntoe that extended lead times apply on special orders).
Can I finish my door with wax or teak oil?
We would not advise you use any type of wax or oil on your doors. When a door is manufactured the timber used has controlled moisture content, the above mentioned treatments will not seal the moisture into the door. This may allow moisture ingress or loss to occur causing your door to either swell or shrink. All of our doors differ slightly, full finishing instructions are available on our website (please visit our Door Care Guide) and are also included in the packaging. For internal doors (only) you can use Osmo 3060 High Solid Clear.
Laminated Veneered Lumber (LVL) is a method of construction that is economical with the use of natural timber resources. The main parts and rails of the door are constructed using strips/blocks of timber, which are glued and clamped together. This is then faced with timber to give the appearance that it is one solid piece. Panels may have an MDF or particle wood insert to stop any chance of splitting. We find this the best method of construction by far, and will make the door more stable and much less likely to warp.
What is Mortice and Tennon (M&T) construction?
M&T construction means the way in which the door is jointed together. A “Tennon” peg from one section of timber is let into a “mortised” hole in another section. The Tennon is then glued and wedged into place to secure a solid joint. The door panels are then set in waterproof mastic ensuring that the highest level of weatherproofing is achieved. Doors made from an M&T construction are traditionally better equipped to withstand the rigors of severe weather.
What are Part L compliant external doors and do they apply to me?
Some of our external doors come unglazed (i.e. without glass) and we offer Low E glass as a glazing option. If your building inspector allows you to have 44mm thick doors that have been fitted with Low E glass then you can order this type of door.
What is Low E glass?
Part L doors need to be fitted with Low E glass for compliancy. Low E glass has a transparent coating which is done by Pilkington (also known as K glass) and it also has argon gas within the sealed unit. This coating and gas prevent heat from escaping your property in the winter and in the summer it blocks out heat from direct sunlight. The total thickness of Low E units that we can fit in our doors is 16mm, (4mm thick toughened glass x 2 plus an 8mm spacer bar) and the U value achieved is 1.9W/m²K.