Fire doors play a major role in containing and preventing the spread of fire and protecting residents' lives. However, the effectiveness of fire doors is not only dependent on their design but also on the quality, functionality, and installation of their ironmongery. In this guide, we will explore the significance of fire door ironmongery, and best practices for installation.
Fire door ironmongery refers to the hardware and accessories installed on the fire doors to ensure their operation and compliance with safety regulations, which contributes to the overall safety and functionality of a fire door.
It's extremely important to check components are graded appropriately for application, and that they are compliant with any certification or other restrictions that may apply. Verifying factors like the weight capacity of hinges, selecting the right door closer with a power rating for the conditions, and confirming the fire rating of components is crucial to ensure the fire doorset is equipped with suitable elements.
Fire doors vs fire doorsets
Fire door leaves (or slabs) are available to purchase individually which can be useful for renovation environments. An individual door, whilst still rigorously tested to withstand smoke and fire to the stated amount of time is usually delivered without the appropriate ironmongery.
A fire doorset, however, is delivered with the door pre-hung into the door frame with all compatible fire-rated ironmongery delivered with it. A fire doorset benefits from coming pre-assembled as it saves time and money on-site and offers additional peace of mind as it's all tested and certified within one unit.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Ironmongery
Compliance with Fire Door Regulations
Fire door ironmongery must comply with strict building codes and regulations. This can vary depending on factors such as the type of building, occupancy, and the specific purpose of the door. In buildings with diverse purposes, such as residential or commercial, the fire door ironmongery must align with the unique demands of each setting.
Kick plates may be essential in areas with heavy foot traffic like corridors, while letter plates could be necessary for flat entrance doorsets. Considering the doorsets function in its intended location, dimensional requirements and aesthetics are crucial for making informed choices.
Approved documents
Approved documents are crucial for building regulations as they provide clear guidelines and standards, ensuring that construction projects meet essential safety, health, and environmental requirements. Our SecureSET, SecureFIT and ReadyFIT Internal and Communal doorsets can all be manufactured to comply with Approved Document B, ensuring they meet the requirements for fire safety and performance.
Third-Party Certification with JELD-WEN
Third-party certification goes beyond the one-off testing required by Building Regulations and is the only way to ensure that a fire door will meet safety requirements consistently.
Independent type tests only provide part of the picture. Without third-party certification and a full audit of manufacturing systems, processes, and the wider supply chain in combination with an independent assessment of results there is no guarantee of consistency and repeatability of product performance - this is crucial regardless of whether you specify one or multiple fire doors.
A fire doorset functions as a comprehensive system, and each component, including the ironmongery, plays a crucial role in its performance. If any part of the internal fire doorset is faulty, it can compromise the overall integrity of the doorset. For example, a malfunctioning hinge might hinder proper closure, allowing the spread of fire or smoke.
The Importance of Certified Ironmongery Components
When it comes to fire door ironmongery, there is a crucial importance of using certified components. All hardware must meet stringent standards and undergo rigorous testing to ensure it can withstand the heat and pressure generated during a fire.
All the hardware displayed on our website is fire-compliant, it is compatible with our internal doorset ranges and has been tested to guarantee quality and fire safety.
Our compatible hardware can be viewed below.
Installation Best Practices
The smallest change to a fire doorset can affect its ability to resist the spread of fire, issues like damaged seals, and excessive gaps between the door leaf and frame can be avoided at installation by following a manufacturer's instructions carefully. Any property over 11m should have fire doorsets regularly checked – at least every 6 months, in line with current government standards.
Professional installation: At JELD-WEN we advise that fire doors and the ironmongery should be installed by a trained professional to ensure that each component functions as intended. This eliminates the risk of inadequate installation and breach in the doors' performance. Our fitting instructions can be viewed here. (add link once we have the videos back)
Regular maintenance: Frequent inspections and maintenance of fire doors are required by Regulation 10 under The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 by a responsible person it is crucial to guarantee that all components of the fire door continue to meet safety standards. You can learn more tips for the care and maintenance of flat entrance doorsets here.
Fire door ironmongery is an indispensable aspect of building safety, contributing significantly to the overall effectiveness of fire doors which can in turn save lives. Investing in certified components, professional installation, and regular inspection, is not just a legal requirement but a commitment to the safety of occupants and property.
By maintaining high-quality fire door ironmongery, we can create environments that are more effective and prepared to withstand the event of a fire and protect lives.
Download our fire doors e-book for more information on fire door safety and best practices.
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