If you live in a block of flats or an apartment building in East London, fire safety is an essential consideration that can’t be overlooked. However, you might be worried about the aesthetics of adding a protective door. The good news is that keeping your home or building safe doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style.
In this article, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about our composite fire doors, explaining why they’re important and how they can add both safety and style to your property.
What is a Fire Door?
A fire door is a specially designed door that acts as a barrier against the spread of fire and smoke. Made from fire resistant materials and often with intumescent strips, these doors are engineered to compartmentalise buildings, contain flames, and provide precious time for evacuation during a fire emergency.
Do I Legally Require a Fire Door?
Fire door requirements in the UK are governed by specific building regulations that vary depending on your property type. If you live in a block of flats or apartments, fire doors are legally required for the entrance to each individual flat to create what’s known as a “protected escape route.” This is covered under Approved Document B of the Building Regulations. These regulations exist because in multi-occupancy buildings, a fire in one flat shouldn’t prevent other residents from safely evacuating.
For houses, the rules are different. Standard homes typically need fire doors between the house and an attached garage, and in homes of three or more storeys (including loft conversions), fire doors are required for all rooms that open onto the stairwell.
If you’re unsure of whether you need a fire door, we’re more than happy to discuss the specifics of your property with you and advise you.
Myth Busting: Fire Doors Can Be Stylish Too
When many people think of fire doors, they picture institutional-looking metal doors that wouldn’t look out of place in a school or hospital. This common misconception couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to modern fire doors.
At Aim Windows, our composite fire doors combine safety features with attractive designs that would complement any home. Available in a range of colours and styles, our doors look identical to regular front doors but pack serious fire protection capabilities inside.
You can choose from classic colours like black or white, or opt for something with more personality, such as blue, red or green. The external finish is customisable to match your existing décor or to create a fresh new look for your property. Unlike old-fashioned fire doors, our composite options add kerb appeal.
Our FD30 Composite Fire Doors
Our FD30 composite fire doors are essential for those living in blocks of flats or apartments throughout East London. But what exactly does FD30 mean?
The “FD” stands for “fire door”, while the “30” indicates that the door has been third party tested to contain fire and smoke for a minimum of 30 minutes. This half-hour fire rating gives occupants valuable time to escape in the event of a fire and helps prevent the spread of fire to other parts of the building.
What makes these doors so effective is their carefully engineered interior structure. At the heart of each door is a specialised fire-resistant core that differs significantly from traditional options. This core material combines remarkable strength with a light weight, making the doors both protective and practical.
A critical safety feature is found around the perimeter – specially designed intumescent seals that respond to heat. When temperatures rise during a fire, these seals expand to close off any gaps between the door frame. This seemingly small detail plays a significant role with smoke control, stopping it from travelling between rooms or flats.
We’ve gone beyond minimum requirements with our fire doors. They’ve been rigorously tested to stand up to extreme temperatures reaching 885 degrees Celsius from either side. They also carry dual certification, confirming they meet strict fire safety standards while also satisfying the security requirements of PAS24:2016 (Secured by Design).
Our doors are supplied as a complete door set, with the door, compatible frame, hardware and seals all designed to work together.
Safety Without Sacrificing Security or Efficiency
Beyond fire protection, our composite fire doors offer additional benefits:
- High level of security: Our doors feature multipoint locking systems, giving you peace of mind about intruders
- Energy efficiency: The composite construction provides excellent thermal insulation, potentially lowering your heating bills
- Ease of installation: Professional installation ensures your door meets all required regulations
- Low maintenance requirements: Unlike timber doors, our composite doors need minimal upkeep to maintain their performance
Why Choose Aim Windows for Your Fire Door?
We take fire door safety seriously. Our team is fully trained and certified in fire door installation to the BMTrada Q-mark standard, ensuring proper fitting that complies with all UK building regulations.
Remember that fire doors are only effective when correctly installed and maintained. A professional installation is essential to ensure the door, frame, seals, and hardware work together properly to provide the intended protection. Regular maintenance checks are also crucial to keep your fire door functioning as it should.
Protect Your Property with Us
If you live in a block of flats or apartments in East London, having proper fire doors is often a legal requirement. But meeting this requirement doesn’t mean settling for unattractive doors.
Our composite fire doors combine top-tier fire protection that gives you peace of mind and stylish designs that complement the property.
The best way to view and use our fire doors and our other doors is to visit our Poplar showroom. We accept visitors by appointment only so that we can give you our full attention.
To find out more about our range of composite fire doors or to arrange a free quote, get in touch with us today. Our friendly team is ready to help you choose the right fire door for your property.
You can:
- Call us on 0207 537 0852
- Email us at info@aimwindows.co.uk
- Use our online contact form
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do composite fire doors last?
With proper care, composite fire doors can last for several decades. They’re more durable than traditional timber doors and won’t warp, crack or fade over time.
Do I need fire doors in my home if I don’t live in a block of flats?
While not always legally required in standard houses, internal fire doors are recommended between living spaces and high-risk areas like kitchens and garages. They’re also valuable in creating safe escape routes in larger homes.
Can I paint or modify my fire door after installation?
No. Fire doors should never be modified, cut down, or painted with non-approved finishes, as this could compromise their fire resistance. Any alterations could invalidate certification and reduce safety.