2025 fire door safety regulations: Everything you need to know

Understanding the importance of fire door safety

Fire doors are an integral component of a building's fire protection system, providing a critical barrier that can save lives and property by containing and slowing the spread of fire. Compliance with fire door regulations is not just a legal obligation but a moral one, maximising safety for everyone who may rely on these doors in the event of a fire.  

Key functions of fire doors

Fire doors perform several essential safety functions, including:

• Containing fire: Fire doors are designed to contain fire for a specific period, typically 30 to 60 minutes. This allows for safe evacuation while preventing the flames from spreading rapidly.
• Reducing smoke ingress: In addition to containing the fire, fire doors limit the spread of smoke, which is often more deadly than the fire itself.
• Providing safe egress: By ensuring that escape routes remain clear and accessible, fire doors allow people to evacuate safely in the event of a fire.

What’s new in the 2025 fire door regulations?

The 2025 fire door safety regulations introduce a series of updated fire door requirements designed to raise safety standards across the board. In the UK, fire door regulations are governed by several standards, including the British Standards Institution (BSI) guidelines and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The 2025 updates align with these existing frameworks, enhancing the safety measures already in place. Here’s a breakdown of what’s changed:

• Stricter installation standards: Fire door installation must now be performed by certified professionals to ensure compliance with the updated safety requirements.
• Mandatory use of intumescent seals: All fire doors must be fitted with intumescent seals that expand under high temperatures to prevent the spread of smoke and flames. Intumescent strips, smoke seals, intumescent glazing seals, and vision panels should be undamaged, fit up to the door edge or frame, and cannot be painted over. 
• Increased inspection frequency for high-traffic buildings: Certain public or commercial buildings must now have fire doors checked quarterly instead of annually to ensure safety standards are maintained.
• Updated fire resistance material requirements: Materials used in fire door cores, frames, and glazing must meet enhanced British (BS) or European (EN) fire resistance standards.
  

Compliance with UK fire door regulations

Building owners and managers are legally responsible for ensuring their properties comply with the updated UK fire door safety regulations. This involves:

Regular inspections

Routine inspections should be conducted regularly to verify that fire door requirements are met and that the doors are in good condition and functioning correctly. This involves looking for visible signs of damage and ensuring that self-closing mechanisms and seals are functioning properly. The frequency of inspections depends on the building type and usage. High-traffic areas may require more frequent checks.

Certification and documentation

Records of fire door inspections should be kept as proof, including certification that doors meet all regulatory standards. Documentation should confirm that each door has been certified, following the BS and EN fire door regulatory standards.

Training and awareness

All building occupants and staff should be aware of fire safety protocols, including how to properly use fire doors in an emergency and the importance of keeping the area unobstructed at all times. 

Compliant fire doors

To maintain compliance and ensure safety, you must choose fire door kits that comply with current regulations for maximum safety. At IronmongeryDirect, we offer a variety of fire door kits – ranging from heavy-duty to light-duty options, along with effective fire door hinges, door closers, door holders and fire safety signs.

If you need further confidence, take a look at our fire door checklist to ensure your doors meet all necessary safety standards.

Discover fire door kits at IronmongeryDirect

Now that you're up to speed with the 2025 fire door safety regulations, it’s time to ensure your fire safety setup is fully compliant. Explore our range of fire door kits at IronmongeryDirect — built to meet the latest standards and provide maximum protection for your building. 

FAQs

Are fire door inspections a legal requirement?

Yes, fire door inspections are a legal requirement in the UK. Under UK law, it is the legal duty of the responsible person (which may include building owners, employers, or facilities managers) to ensure that fire doors are correctly installed, properly maintained, and remain in good working condition.

How much do fire doors cost?

The cost of a fire door varies depending on several factors, including the required fire rating, the materials used, and whether installation is included. A basic fire door typically costs between £70 and £150 for supply only, whereas higher-rated doors usually start at around £300 and can exceed £600. 

Can fire doors have glass?

Yes, fire doors can have glass, but it must be specially designed fire-resistant glass that has been tested and certified to withstand fire for a specific duration. To maintain the door’s fire integrity, the glass must be installed within a fire-rated door set using appropriate fire-resistant seals and materials. 

What rooms need a fire door?

The rooms where fire doors are required depend on the type and layout of the building, with the main aim of protecting escape routes and containing fire in high-risk areas. In commercial or non-domestic buildings, fire doors are commonly required in high-risk areas such as kitchens and server rooms. In residential settings, common areas for fire doors include between a garage and the main house, as well as entrance doors in flats.  

Can you make an existing door a fire door?

It is possible to upgrade an existing door to meet fire door standards. This involves various modifications, such as fitting intumescent strips, cold smoke seals, and fire-rated hinges. The upgrade must be done carefully, usually requiring a qualified professional, and unless the door has been properly tested and certified as a complete fire door set, it cannot be officially classified as a fire door.