What is a fire door?
A fire door is a door with a fire-resistance rating as part of a passive fire protection system. Its main purpose is to reduce the spread of fire and smoke between different sections of a building so that occupants can escape safely and give firefighters time to control the fire and prevent further damage.
Fire door requirements
According to UK law, as part of a fire risk assessment fire doors should be adequately maintained, repaired, and kept in good working order to resist the spread of fire and smoke. Poor maintenance or wear and tear can put both people and property at risk, likely resulting in a replacement being needed.
How much does a fire door cost?
Fire doors can vary in price, ranging from around £115 to £650 depending on specification. These prices are influenced by a variety of factors, including the doors fire rating, material, glazing, and thickness.
Factors affecting the cost of fire doors
Understanding the factors that affect fire door prices will help you to choose the right option to meet your budget and performance expectations.
Fire rating
The fire rating of a door will likely affect the price, with higher ratings generally costing more than lower-rated doors. These high ratings, including FD60 doors which resist fire for more than 60 minutes, offer maximum compliance and are ideal for high-risk areas. Lower-rated fire doors, such as FD30 which provide 30 minutes of fire resistance, provide less protection but still meet safety regulations, making them a cost-effective choice for lower-risk commercial and residential spaces.
Material
The material of a fire door will impact its cost. Hardwoods, such as oak, are a more expensive choice compared to laminate options, which are usually cheaper. It’s important to evaluate your desired material against your budget. Oak is a sturdier, more visually appealing option, whereas laminate is a lightweight and cost-effective choice.
Glazing options
Some fire doors come with single glazing and double-glazing options, which makes them more expensive than solid fire doors. This is because more materials are used in their construction. Glazed fire doors provide additional visibility while maintaining their fire rating, so if that’s an important factor in your building’s design or layout, they’re a good option.
Size and thickness
Standard fire doors are usually 35mm or 44mm thick. If you’re looking to install doors that are non-standard sizes, these may be priced higher due to the additional materials and custom manufacturing needed to make the door.
Installation and hardware
Fire door frames, handles, and installation all contribute to their cost. Properly installing doors with the correct hardware is essential to ensure the door performs as expected and maintains compliance when needed most.
Internal or external fire doors
Whether a fire door is internal or external will influence its price. External fire doors are often heavier and more weather-resistant, so therefore will be priced higher, whereas internal fire doors are often cheaper, as they’re usually lighter and less complex in design.
Discover fire doors at IronmongeryDirect
This guide has explored the cost of fire doors and the key factors that influence their prices. All that’s left to do now is to choose the right door for your budget and begin the installation process. Find the perfect option today by browsing our wide range of heavy-duty fire doors at IronmongeryDirect.
FAQs
Can I fit a fire door myself?
In theory, yes, anyone can install a fire door. However, if these doors are incorrectly installed, they will be useless in resisting the spread of fire. While there may be an additional cost for a professional fire door installation, it will maximise safety and save lives in the long-term.
What is the standard for a fire door?
A fire door must meet UK building regulations and be fire tested to BS EN 1634-1 or BS 476 standards to ensure that it meets the requirements for fire resistance.
What is the purpose of a fire door?
The purpose of a fire door is to keep people and property safe in the event of a fire, preventing the spread of smoke and flames.
Do I need a certificate for a fire door?
Yes, all fire doors require certification. This is to prove they are compliant; meeting required safety standards and performing as intended in the event of a fire.
Where should a fire door be fitted?
Fire doors should be fitted in areas where they can help slow the spread of fire and smoke. In commercial buildings, this is likely to be along escape routes, stairwells, and corridors. In homes, this includes spaces between living areas and garages, or between kitchens and other rooms. Ensure you always check your buildings regulations or fire risk assessment for peace of mind that fire doors are installed in the right locations.
Do I need a 30 minute or 60 minute fire door?
Your location will influence what fire door you need. Most residential properties require FD30 fire doors, which are designed to resist fire for at least 30 minutes. FD60 fire doors are rated for 60 minutes, and are more commonly needed in larger buildings, commercial spaces, or high-risk areas. If you’re unsure, consult a fire safety professional to confirm the necessary rating for your property.
Is a fire-rated door compulsory?
Fire doors are a legal requirement in many UK buildings, including all non-domestic premises such as businesses and public buildings. In communal areas such as flats and houses they can also be required and must be properly installed and maintained.