Fire Door Gap Regulations UK – What You Need to Know
Fire doors are essential for the safety of ourselves and those around us. In fact, the government states that fire-resisting doors (fire doors) are one of the most important measures to safeguard the means of escape from fire. However, they stress that all fire doors should be equipped to handle emergencies.
Although the structure and durability of fire doors are essential, many business owners overlook the importance of fire door gap regulations specifically. We’ll take a look at what you need to know.
What is the maximum sized gap allowed in a fire door?
According to the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022:
‘The industry standard is that the gap size should never be more than 4mm, except at the bottom of the door, where the gap should be as small as practicable while ensuring that the door is unlikely to snag on the floor even if the door drops slightly on the hinges.’
How can fire doors be made safer?
While it goes without saying that fire doors provide good levels of protection, however, there are some things you can do to make them even more effective; one example of this is by using fire and smoke seals.
What are fire seals?
Put simply, fire seals release a foam which fills the gaps around a fire door, and creates a tight seal between the door lead and frame. This barrier then prevents the passage of fire.
In the UK, fire seals are a legal requirement, and so they must be used for every door.
What are fire and smoke seals?
Fire and smoke seals work in the same way as regular fire seals, however, they also feature the addition of a low-friction brush strip which serves to prevent the passage of smoke.
Although this extra feature isn’t legally required, when you consider the fact that most fire-related fatalities are caused by smoke inhalation as a result of the fire, rather than by the fires themselves, it’s easy to see why many people opt for the duel option.
What to consider when installing fire and smoke seals
Fire and smoke seals are likely easier to install than you may first think. As long as you consider sizing, thoroughly read through the instructions, avoid overstretching and ensure edges are kept clean and free of dirt, you’ll be well on your way to making your property a safer place to be.
However, if in doubt, it’s always best to consult a professional who can expertly fit your fire and smoke seals. At Noberne Seals, we believe in delivering premium quality and reliable passive fire protection to both the industry and the public. If you’d like to find out more about our product range, contact us today to speak with the team.
