Fire Door Advice & Information

Fire doors play an important role in protecting people and property by helping to resist the spread of fire and smoke. Choosing the correct fire door, components and installation method is essential.

Our guide explains FD30 and FD60 fire doors, certification, frames, seals, hinges, glazing and installation requirements to help you understand what to look for.

Important safety information: This guide provides general advice only. Fire door requirements depend on the building and the specific installation. Always follow the applicable building regulations, the fire door manufacturer's certification and installation instructions, and advice from a suitably competent professional.
Illustration comparing FD30 and FD60 fire doors

1. Understanding FD30 and FD60 Fire Doors

Fire doors are designed and tested to resist the passage of fire for a specified period when installed as part of an appropriate doorset or door assembly.

FD30 Fire Doors

FD30 indicates a nominal fire resistance period of 30 minutes under the relevant test conditions. These are commonly specified for certain internal applications.

FD60 Fire Doors

FD60 indicates a nominal fire resistance period of 60 minutes under the relevant test conditions. These may be required where a higher level of fire resistance is specified.

Remember: The correct rating depends on the building's fire safety requirements. A higher rating is not automatically a substitute for the correct certified assembly.
Illustrative fire door certification label

2. Fire Door Certification

Fire doors should have suitable evidence of fire resistance performance for their intended application.

Depending on the product, this may include third-party certification, relevant test evidence and manufacturer documentation describing the approved installation arrangements.

What Should You Check?

  • The fire resistance rating required.
  • The manufacturer's product identification.
  • Relevant certification or supporting test evidence.
  • Permitted frames, seals, glazing and hardware.
  • Approved dimensions and trimming allowances.
  • Installation instructions and any limitations.
Our advice: Do not rely on appearance or thickness alone to identify a fire door. Check the actual product documentation.
Fire door frame with intumescent seal illustration

3. Frames & Intumescent Seals

A fire door must be installed with a suitable frame and the sealing arrangements required by its approved specification.

Fire Door Frames

The frame material, dimensions, fixings and installation details must be compatible with the particular fire door and its supporting evidence.

Intumescent Seals

Intumescent materials expand when exposed to heat, helping to seal gaps around the door assembly during a fire.

Smoke Seals

Where smoke control is required, suitable smoke seals may also be necessary. These can be combined with intumescent seals or provided separately, depending on the approved design.

Important: The seal type, size, location and fitting method must match the manufacturer's instructions. Do not assume all seals are interchangeable.
Fire door hinges and compatible ironmongery illustration

4. Hinges & Ironmongery

Hinges, locks, latches, handles and other hardware can affect the performance of a fire door assembly.

Fire Door Hinges

Hinges must be suitable for the door's weight, rating and approved installation. The required number, dimensions, positions and fixings depend on the manufacturer's instructions.

Latches and Locks

Where specified, the correct latch or locking mechanism helps ensure the door remains in its intended closed position.

Door Closers

Many fire door installations require a suitable self-closing device. Whether one is required, and which type is permitted, depends on the application and applicable requirements.

Our advice: Check the compatibility of every hardware item with the particular fire door assembly before purchasing or fitting it.
Illustrative clear frosted and wired glazing options for fire doors

5. Glazing in Fire Doors

Glazed fire doors can help bring natural light into hallways and rooms while providing the required fire resistance when the complete glazed assembly has suitable supporting evidence.

Clear Fire-Rated Glass

Provides visibility and allows light between rooms.

Obscure or Frosted Fire-Rated Glass

Can provide greater privacy while still allowing light through.

Other Fire-Rated Glazing Types

Specialist fire-resistant glazing products are available for different applications and performance requirements.

Important: Ordinary safety glass is not necessarily fire-resistant. The glass, glazing beads, seals, aperture dimensions and fitting method must all be approved for the particular fire door assembly. Do not cut a new glazing aperture unless expressly permitted by the supporting evidence.
Illustration of fire door installation checks

6. Correct Fire Door Installation

Even a properly specified fire door may not provide its intended protection if it is installed incorrectly.

Key Installation Checks

  • Use the approved door and compatible frame arrangement.
  • Fit the correct intumescent and smoke seals where required.
  • Use the specified hinges, fixings and other hardware.
  • Maintain the permitted clearances around the door.
  • Check that the door closes and latches correctly where required.
  • Follow approved trimming and machining limits.
  • Use the specified methods for frame fixing and perimeter fire stopping.
Our advice: Fire doors should be installed by someone with the appropriate knowledge and competence, following the relevant manufacturer's installation instructions.

Important Questions Before Ordering

Can a Fire Door Be Trimmed?

Some fire doors permit limited trimming, while others have stricter restrictions. Always check the individual manufacturer's instructions. Never assume that a fire door can be trimmed in the same way as a standard internal door.

Can I Fit a Fire Door into an Existing Frame?

Only if the existing frame is suitable and the arrangement is supported by the relevant fire door evidence and installation requirements. Frame dimensions, materials, condition and sealing details all matter.

Are All 44mm Doors Fire Rated?

No. Thickness alone does not establish a fire resistance rating. A door must have appropriate evidence of its performance.

Do Fire Doors Need Regular Maintenance?

Yes. Fire doors should be inspected and maintained as appropriate to their use and the applicable legal requirements. Damaged seals, loose hinges, incorrect gaps or a failure to close properly can affect their performance.

Do I Need FD30 or FD60?

This depends on the building's design and fire safety requirements. Consult the relevant specification, building control guidance or a competent fire safety professional rather than choosing solely on price or appearance.

Safety reminder: The images in this guide are illustrative. They do not demonstrate that a particular door, label, hinge or glazing arrangement is certified. Always refer to the actual product documentation and approved installation specification.

Need Help Choosing a Fire Door?

Our experienced team can help you explore available FD30 and FD60 door options, sizes, finishes and product specifications.

Contact Our Team