Internal doors: fire or non-fire

[SonicHedgeHog]

I’m about to pull the trigger on some new internal doors for a 20 year old flat. The current doors are white panel doors. They have automatic closing mechanisms and a white beading inset into the frame. We think, but do not know that they may be fire doors. Does anyone know if this guess is likely correct and if so, does that mean we have to replace with fire doors or are regular doors ok?

[Jayyy]

They will be fire doors I imagine, the white beading is likely the intumescent strip - I've got similar in a flat of the same age. My understanding is that all entrance doors to individual flats, and for those at first floor level and above, any internals into the hallway and leading back to the entrance must be fire rated by law. I could be out on this, but if it is right and your flat is anything like the one I've got that will basically mean all doors must be fire doors.

You'll know by the weight as soon as you take them off.

[Rough101]

Yeah, they sound like fire doors, even late 60’s flats had a fire door somewhere between the kitchen and hall.

At least the intumescent strip is in the frame, saves adding it routed into the door.

As per the post above, take one off and they’ll be heavy.

Fire doors need fitted to a tight tolerance as well, keep seeing brand new professionally fitted ones getting rejected!

[SonicHedgeHog]

Agreed. I’ve been doing some digging and they are required. A real PITA as glazed fire doors are very expensive. Thinking cap on. Thanks.

[Little Lofty]

Standard doors are usually 35mm thick, fire-doors are 44mm. These sound like fire-doors, replacements need to be fitted by someone competent, and yes, glazed fire doors are VERY expensive.

[Arranguez]

I’m looking for a 15 panel glazed fire door. XL Joinery used to do them until they went bust. Was about £300. Any advice where to try next? I am having very little luck.

[S6PNJ]

Arranguez said:

XL Joinery used to do them until they went bust.

Still seem to be trading. What makes you think they went bust? https://xljoinery.co.uk/

[Arranguez]

My order wasn’t fulfilled. They have been bought by someone else and are trading but inly have what stock was left and no ability to bespoke anything for 9-12 months.

[Little Lofty]

It must be 25 years since I last fitted a 15 light door. £300 seems very cheap, probably why they went bust

[Gtom]

Arranguez said:

I m looking for a 15 panel glazed fire door. XL Joinery used to do them until they went bust. Was about £300. Any advice where to try next? I am having very little luck.

Get one like this and put some mock beading on it

https://www.vibrantdoors.co.uk/fire-doors/glazed-f...

[Arranguez]

That isn’t a bad shout.

[Arranguez]

Little Lofty said:

It must be 25 years since I last fitted a 15 light door. £300 seems very cheap, probably why they went bust

Having looked at some alternative styles I agree. Need double that budget.

[dhutch]

For me, even if they arnt fire doors now, I would be tempted to fit fire doors!