The Fire Doors: What Procedure Is Involved In Their Replacement And Repairs?
Fire doors are essential components used to prevent the spread of fire within buildings. They act as barriers, limiting the movement of flames and smoke between different areas or compartments. Constructed from materials such as glass, gypsum, steel, timber, and aluminum, fire doors are designed to withstand high temperatures and pressure.
Their primary function is to protect lives and property by delaying the spread of fire.These doors find applications in both commercial and residential settings. However, due to their exposure to intense heat during fires, fire doors may sustain damage over time.
Professional fire door repair services in London ensure that any damage is promptly addressed, restoring the door’s integrity and effectiveness. Repairing fire doors is a cost-effective alternative to replacement and helps maintain safety standards within buildings.
When repair of fire door is needed ?
When there are holes in a fire door or its frame because of changes or removing of hardware or plant-on, the fire doors are in need of repair :
How to fill a hole in a fire rated door :
- Assessment: Evaluate the size and depth of the hole to determine the appropriate filling method.
- Select Filling Material: Choose a fire-rated filler material that matches the door’s composition and fire rating. Options include fire-rated expanding foam, fire-rated putty, or fire-rated sealant.
- Prepare the Surface: Clean the area around the hole to remove any dust, debris, or loose material. Use sandpaper to smooth the edges of the hole if necessary.
- Apply Filler: Depending on the chosen filler material, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application. Generally, you’ll apply the filler generously to completely fill the hole.
- Smooth and Shape: Use a putty knife or similar tool to smooth the surface of the filler and ensure it is flush with the surrounding door surface. If using foam, trim any excess once it has fully expanded and dried.
- Allow Drying or Curing: Let the filler dry or cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically takes several hours, but it’s important to ensure it’s completely set before proceeding.
- Sand and Finish: Once the filler is dry, lightly sand the repaired area to blend it with the surrounding door surface. You may also need to repaint or refinish the door to match its original appearance.
- Verify Fire Rating: If the fire rating of the door is critical, verify that the filler material used maintains the door’s fire rating. Refer to the manufacturer’s specifications for confirmation.
- Regular Maintenance: Periodically inspect the repaired area to ensure it remains intact and maintains the fire rating of the door. If any damage or deterioration occurs, repair it promptly.
- Professional Assistance: For larger or more complex repairs, or if you’re unsure about the appropriate filler material to use, consider consulting a professionals like ADV Shutters or locksmith with experience in fire-rated door repairs.
What is included in repairing fire doors?
- Adjustment or resizing of the door to fit in the frame such that the gap between the door and frame in not more than 3mm to 4mm.
- Replacement of non-fire rated hinges or worn out hinges with new BS EN 1935 fire rated hinges.
- Fixing up of new Part M compliant overhead door closers which are totally certified to EN 1154, EN 1634 and Certifire approved CF 388.
- Fixing electromagnetic holding open overhead door closers that are entirely fire tested to BS EN 163
- Fitting of fire rated glazing that meets up the standards of FRG 30/60.
- Installation of intumescent door strip with a combined smoke seal or separate Certifire approved cold smoke seal and replacing damaged intumescent door strip.
- Fitting of alarm activated door hold-open devices.
- Fitting of lever handles that are tested to EN 1906.
- Fitting locks and latches which are specially designed meeting the requirements of BS EN 12209.
- Fitting of final exit panic hardware that matches to the standards of EN 1125 for panic exit applications and EN 179 for emergency exit applications.
- Fitting up of FD 30 of FD 60 fire doors of either paint grade or veneer finishes that are complete with all of the related hardware. The fitting of doors can be individually or as a set of the door that includes the frame as well.
All in all, fire doors are a great option to save the valuable properties and lives of people at homes as well as at commercial establishments. The relevance of these doors can be understood from the fact that they stand between death and life. This means a small loophole in their repair can cost the huge loss of life and property. Thus, their adequate repair is essential.
