Question 1

What is the difference between an FD30 and an FD30S fire door?

Accepted Answer

Fire Doors are available in various fire ratings and provide different levels of protection according to the needs that apply to the use of the building and the people that use it. At Vigor Doors, our standard Fire Doors hold a FD30 or a FD30S rating. FD30 is the most common specification for Fire Doors leading to escape routes. These doors are built to resist fire for up to 30 minutes. FD30S Fire Doors not only resist fire but are also able to stop the spread of cold smoke, due to them having smoke brushes in addition to intumescent strips. Smoke inhalation is the cause of death in around 42% of fire-related fatalities, so these strips on doors that FD30S-compliant Fire Doors could be the difference between life and death in some cases. An FD30 fire door is fire resistant up to a minimum of 30 minutes, whereas an FD30S fire door is fire AND smoke resistant up to a minimum of 30 minutes. The additional S in the rating shows that the door is also smoke resistant. Click here to learn more about FD30 Fire Doors

What Role Do FD30s Play In Fire Safety?

Buildings are compartmentalised to delay the spread of fire from one area to another. FD30

Usually, these compartments are linked by fire doors to allow the flow of traffic around the building. Fire doors have two important functions in a fire. They: 1. Form a barrier to stop the spread of fire when closed 2. Provide a means of escape when opened A well-manufactured and properly installed FD30s will delay the spread of fire and smoke without hindering the movement of people and goods around a building or workplace. As such, all FD30s are subjected to tests to determine how capable it is of acting as a barrier to varying degrees of smoke and/or fire depending upon its location in a building and the fire hazards associated with that building. Get FD30s fire doors right the first time. Speak to a member of our Vigor Doors team on 01642 265 034, or alternatively drop us a line at info@vigordoors.com – we’re happy to help. Contact Us

Question 2

Can you repair fire door glass?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can repair fire door glass. Ideally, the door must go back to where it was made, to be repaired in proper factory conditions before being sent back out.

Question 3

What is fire rated glass?

Accepted Answer

Fire rated glass is a clear pane of glass in normal circumstances. However, in the event of a fire (and therefore under a certain temperature), the glass cracks and falls away leaving an intumescent sheet behind. It forms part of the passive fire protection system in place.

Question 4

Do fire doors need vision panels?

Accepted Answer

Fire doors do not need vision panels, it all depends on your unique requirements.

Question 5

Can fire doors have glass panels or a window?

Accepted Answer

Yes, fire doors can have glass panels or a window, but it depends on a number of factors including the door core or the fire rating required. This glass must be fire rated glass with a thickness which matches the FD rating you require.

Question 6

What is an internal fire door?

Accepted Answer

An internal fire door is any fire door internally within a building.

Question 7

How often do fire doors need to be inspected?

Accepted Answer

Generally fire doors need to be inspected annually, unless there's an issue. Even if there is a minor issue with one, ALWAYS flag this up incase a fire occurs.

Question 8

Who are ASDMA?

Accepted Answer

ASDMA are the Architectural and Specialist Door Manufacturers Association. One of the association's key objectives is 'to promote and increase best practice in the manufacture and supply of bespoke timber doors and doorsets'. They are a good resource for all members of the bespoke timber industry.

Question 9

Can I get a custom fire door made?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can get a custom fire door made. At Vigor Doors, custom fixtures and fittings can be added to our standard sized fire doors. We can also manufacture custom sized doors, and add these fixtures and fittings too. door At Vigor Doors, we are experienced in creating custom orders. We have a number of contacts within the industry enabling us to deliver your custom requirements with ease. It is best to contact a fire manufacturer (like ourselves) and explain your individual requirements. They may be able to offer you a better value option.

Question 10

Can you decorate a fire door?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can decorate a fire door. Well, what we mean is that fire doors can be aesthetically pleasing, by using a number of different finishes and features. At Vigor Doors, we manufacture a number of different types of fire resistant door. These include foil, laminate, paint grade, veneered, and those with vision panels. Certified ironmongery can be added to doors, for example handles, drop seals, locks, latches and door viewers, as well as air transfer grills.

Question 11

Can you put blinds over fire doors?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the application of blinds, and where the door is, whether or not you can put blinds over fire doors. You can get integral blinds in a fire door and roller blinds for screens, so it is possible to have blinds over fire doors and maintain their integrity. In the case of a fire exit door, if it is covered up, then it's not clear that it is the place of exit. It must be as clear as possible in the event of a fire.

Question 12

Do fire door handles need to be fire rated?

Accepted Answer

Yes, fire door handles need to be fire rated. Every part of a fire door, including its components, must be tested and certified to satisfy regulations.

Question 13

What should you never do to a fire door?

Accepted Answer

There are many things that you should not do to a fire door. First, you should never prop a fire door open. Propping open a fire door removes its ability to do its job (blocking fire and smoke for a period of time) in the event of a fire. Second, you should never fit uncertified products to one. Every part of a fire door must satisfy regulations.

Question 14

Is it OK to paint a fire door?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is ok to paint a fire door. It is superficial. At Vigor Doors, we manufacture paint grade doors, providing a great foundation for your finishing touch.

Question 15

Do I need a specialist fitter for fire proof doors?

Accepted Answer

At Vigor Doors, we believe that you need a specialist fitter for fireproof doors. All of our manufactured products are tested and certified to either a FD30 or FD60 fire resistance rating. This product must then be fitted correctly to truly act as a passive fire protector. To minimise risk, a fitter trained in the correct installation of fire doors must be used. Events like the Grenfell Tower fire cause questioning around the standard of the manufacturer and the fitter, identification of which will be found on the doors.

Question 16

How do I measure a gap in a fire door?

Accepted Answer

The standard gap in a fire door (as recommended by the industry), is 2-4 millimetres. To measure the gap, you can slide a simple measuring device into it. This straight away confirms whether or now the gap conforms. It is important to note that the right environment for the door is then needed to maintain this safe gap size.

Question 17

Are intumescent strips required on fire doors?

Accepted Answer

Yes, intumescent strips are required on fire doors. They close the gap around the door to help stop the passage of fire for a period of time.

Question 18

Do I need a door closer on a fire door?

Accepted Answer

A fire door does not always need a door closer. It depends on where it is, as to whether or not it needs one.

Question 19

How much does a fire rated door cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost of a fire rated door ranges depending on the customer and their unique requirements regarding both aesthetics and performance. When it comes to aesthetics, the cost will fluctuate depending on the features added, for example, vision panels or ironmongery. Performance related cost factors include the fire rating of the door and if the specification of the door needs to conform to the customer's unique industry standards, for example healthcare requires a certain spec.

Question 20

Where are fire doors required?

Accepted Answer

Fire doors are required anywhere that requires passive fire protection. The fire safety approveddocument B specifies in detail where to put fire doors, if you need any clarification.

Question 21

How long do fire doors stop the spread of fire?

Accepted Answer

Fire doors stop the spread of fire for the minimum number of minutes present in their fire rating. For example, at Vigor Doors our standard fire doors hold an FD30 fire rating. An FD30 fire door protects up to a minimum of 30 minutes in the event of a fire.

Question 22

How is a fireproof door constructed?

Accepted Answer

Fireproof doors are constructed depending on the customer's requirements of them, for example the fire rating. Our standard fireproof doors at Vigor Doors consist of a wooden door without vision panelling (a flush door) and a seal around its edges (the intumescent seal).

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What is the difference between an FD30 and an FD30S fire door?

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Send Us Your Requirement

Advice Centre

Latest Blog

25-03-2022

7 Simple Tips for Achieving Fire Door Compliance

09-03-2022

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28-02-2022

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Your Quick Fire Questions

What is the difference between an FD30 and an FD30S fire door?

Can you repair fire door glass?

What is fire rated glass?

Do fire doors need vision panels?

Send Us Your Requirement