A fire door is a tested door and frame assembly designed to hold back fire and smoke for a set time, usually 30 minutes in homes (shown as FD30). Most ordinary houses don't legally need them throughout, but they are commonly required on flat entrance doors onto a shared close, between an integral garage and the house, and in certain loft conversions and three-storey layouts. A fire door only works if the whole assembly — frame, seals, hinges, gaps and closer — is right.
DM Installations fits fire-resistant doors. This guide explains when you might need one and how to judge the installation.
Where homes commonly need fire doors
Rules depend on the building, so check with building standards, your factor or the terms of your lease. If a warrant is involved, the specification will say what is needed.
- Flat entrance doors opening onto a common stair or close
- Doors between an integral garage and the house
- Doors onto the escape stair in some loft conversions and three-storey homes
- Where a building warrant or your factor or landlord specifies one
What FD30 and FD60 mean
The number is the minutes of fire resistance achieved in testing: FD30 for 30 minutes, FD60 for 60. An 'S' suffix means the door is also tested to restrict cold smoke. The rating applies to the tested set of door, frame and ironmongery, not to a door leaf on its own.
The details that make a fire door work
Gaps
The gap between the door and frame needs to be small and even so the intumescent strip can seal it when heated. Oversized gaps let fire and smoke through.
Intumescent and smoke seals
These strips in the frame or door edge expand in heat to close the gap. They must be intact and not painted over.
Hinges and closer
Fire doors use rated hinges, and a self-closer so the door shuts on its own. A fire door wedged open does nothing.
Glass and hardware
Any glazing must be fire-rated glass in a suitable bead. Locks, letterplates and spy holes must be compatible with the rating.
Checking an existing fire door
Look for a label or plug on the door edge showing certification, check the door closes fully on its own from any angle, that seals are present and gaps are even, and that hinges are secure. If a door has been cut down, drilled for new hardware or fitted with ordinary glass, its rating may no longer hold.
Common questions
Most single-storey and two-storey houses don't need them throughout, but flats, integral garages and some loft conversions often do. Check with building standards or your factor.
The rating depends on the whole assembly and correct gaps, seals and hardware, so professional fitting is strongly advised.
Yes, if it is fire-rated glass fitted with the correct glazing system.
Yes. Call 07538 882579 or use the contact form to arrange a free survey.
Want a straight answer on your own windows or doors?
DM Installations fits and repairs windows and doors across Central Scotland — Cumbernauld, Glasgow, Falkirk, Stirling and the surrounding towns. Free survey, written quote, and an honest answer on whether you need a repair or a replacement.
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