Quick Fire Questions

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

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.

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Can you repair fire door glass?

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.

What is fire rated glass?

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.

Do fire doors need vision panels?

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

Can fire doors have glass panels or a window?

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.

What is an internal fire door?

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

How often do fire doors need to be inspected?

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.

Who are ASDMA?

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.

Can I get a custom fire door made?

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.

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.

Can you decorate a fire door?

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.

Can you put blinds over fire doors?

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.

Do fire door handles need to be fire rated?

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.

What should you never do to a fire door?

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.

Is it OK to paint a fire door?

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.

Do I need a specialist fitter for fire proof doors?

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.

How do I measure a gap in a fire door?

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.

Are intumescent strips required on fire doors?

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.

Do I need a door closer on a fire door?

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

How much does a fire rated door cost?

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.

Where are fire doors required?

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.

How long do fire doors stop the spread of fire?

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.

How is a fireproof door constructed?

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).