Fire Doors

Fire Doors in Northamptonshire

Certified fire doors for residential and commercial properties

Fire doors are specially designed, tested and certified to resist the spread of fire for a specified period. Their fire rating identifies how long the doorset will hold back fire and smoke under standardised test conditions. UK Building Regulations require them in specific residential and commercial applications, including flats, HMOs, certain new builds and most commercial premises.

We supply certified fire doors across our Northamptonshire installation area, with FD30 and FD60 ratings available in composite, timber and steel constructions. All products meet BS EN 1634 testing standards and current UK regulatory requirements.

What makes a fire door different?

A standard internal or external door doesn’t qualify as a fire door regardless of how solid it may look. Fire doors are engineered specifically to hold back flame and smoke under test conditions, with several features that distinguish them from standard models:

  • Core construction, typically solid timber, mineral composite or steel that resists burn-through
  • Intumescent strips around the perimeter that expand under heat to seal gaps
  • Smoke seals that prevent cold smoke ingress before fire takes hold
  • Certified hardware, including hinges, locks and closers rated for fire resistance
  • Self-closing mechanisms that close the door after every opening
  • Fire-rated glazing where the door has glazed panels (typically Pyrostop or Pyroguard)

Every component of a fire door is part of the certified system. Replacing certified parts with non-certified alternatives invalidates the fire rating, which matters for both compliance and insurance.

Fire door ratings explained

UK fire doors are classified by integrity rating, indicating how long the door resists fire spread under BS EN 1634 testing.

FD30 fire doors

FD30 fire doors provide resistance against fire for at least 30 minutes in test conditions. FD30 is the most popular residential fire resistance rating, which is employed in flats, HMO’s, loft conversions within two storey houses making three habitable floors, and between integral garages and the main house.

The fire resistance period is usually 30 minutes, giving the residents enough time to either exit the building or wait for the emergency services.

FD60 fire doors

FD60 fire doors provide at least 60 minutes of fire resistance under standard test conditions. They are specified where a higher level of fire protection is required, including certain commercial applications, compartment walls and some HMO settings, depending on the building design and fire safety requirements.

FD60 are generally heavier than FD30 alternatives, with a more substantial construction designed to achieve the longer fire resistance period.

FD90 and FD120 fire doors

FD90 and FD120 ratings are specified for high-risk commercial and industrial applications. Less common in residential settings, available on request for specialist projects.

Our fire doors in Northamptonshire

Where you need fire doors in a UK home

UK Building Regulations require fire doors in several common residential situations:

  • Flats and apartments, where the entrance door must be FD30 minimum and self-closing
  • HMOs (houses in multiple occupation), where bedroom and communal-area doors commonly require at least an FD30 rating
  • Lofts in three-storey houses, where the door at the foot of the stairs to the loft conversion typically requires FD30
  • Integral garages connecting to the main house, where the connecting door requires FD30 minimum
  • New build properties with specific room arrangements per Approved Document B

The exact fire door requirements depend on the property type, layout and any conversion or extension work. We confirm requirements during the survey and advise on the appropriate fire door spec.

Fire doors for HMOs

HMO fire doors are subject to stricter rules than standard residential properties. Each habitable room (bedroom, living room, kitchen) typically requires an FD30 fire door with intumescent strips, smoke seals and a self-closing mechanism.

Local authority HMO licensing inspections check fire door specifications carefully. Our HMO fire door range comes with full certification paperwork that satisfies HMO licensing requirements across all UK local authorities.

Fire Door FAQs

What are fire doors?

They are specialist assemblies tested and certified to resist the spread of fire for a specified period, commonly under BS EN 1634-1 test conditions. Depending on the specification, they may include intumescent strips, smoke seals, suitable hardware and a self-closing device. Building Regulations in England require fire-resisting doorsets in certain locations and applications, with the exact specification depending on the building.

What's the difference between FD30 and FD60?

FD30 provides at least 30 minutes of fire resistance under standard test conditions, while FD60 provides at least 60 minutes. FD30 is common in residential settings, whereas FD60 may be specified where a higher level of protection is required, depending on the building design, compartmentation and fire strategy.

Where are fire doors needed in a home?

Requirements depend on the property type and layout. Common examples include the entrance to a flat, certain rooms opening onto a protected escape route, loft conversions that create an additional storey, and the connection between an integral garage and the house. HMOs may have additional requirements based on the fire risk assessment and local licensing conditions. We confirm the appropriate specification at survey.

How much does a fire-rated door cost?

Supply-only prices typically range from £180 to £400 for an FD30 timber option and £700 to £1,500 for an FD30 composite option, depending on size and finish. FD60 options typically cost 30 to 50% more than FD30 equivalents. Installation adds around £100 to £200 per unit, depending on the application, frame condition and any remedial work required.

Are HMO fire door requirements different?

HMOs often require a 30-minute fire-resistance specification, together with intumescent protection, smoke control and self-closing hardware where required. The exact arrangement depends on the property, fire risk assessment and local licensing conditions, which can vary between councils. We provide the relevant certification paperwork with the products we supply.

Can a fire door be painted?

Yes, in many cases, provided the manufacturer's instructions are followed and essential components are not coated, obstructed or damaged. Intumescent strips, smoke seals, glazing systems, hinges and other hardware should remain functional, and excessive paint build-up must not reduce the required clearances around the frame.

How long does a fire-rated door last?

There is no fixed service life. Performance depends on condition, installation, use and maintenance. Regular checks should confirm that the leaf and frame are undamaged, gaps remain suitable, seals are intact and any self-closer works correctly. If damage or wear affects performance, repair or replacement may be needed.

How often should fire doors be inspected?

Inspection frequency depends on the building and its use. In England, multi-occupied residential buildings over 11 metres require communal fire doors to be checked at least every three months and flat entrance doors at least every 12 months on a best-endeavours basis. Other premises should follow the Fire Safety Order, the fire risk assessment and appropriate maintenance arrangements.

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Composite fire doors

Composite fire doors combine the security and thermal performance of standard composite models with certified fire resistance. They are well suited to flat entrances and integral garages, where a single product can provide both security and fire protection.

Our composite range is available with FD30 or FD60 certification, with intumescent strips integrated into the frame, smoke seals around the perimeter and certified locking hardware. The Ultion 3-Star cylinder remains available as a security upgrade.

Timber fire doors

Timber fire doors are a traditional choice for fire-rated applications. Solid-core timber constructions with intumescent strips and smoke seals can achieve FD30 ratings, with FD60 options available where a higher level of fire resistance is required.

They are well suited to internal applications, including HMO bedrooms, communal areas and loft access points. The timber face can be painted, stained or finished with veneer to match the property’s interior scheme.

Steel fire doors

Steel fire doors are specified for commercial premises, service rooms, plant rooms and high-risk industrial applications. The steel construction delivers FD60, FD90 and FD120 ratings depending on the spec, with options for vision panels using fire-rated glazing.

Fire-rated glazing

Where the fire door has glazed panels, the glazing must be fire-rated to match the door’s overall rating. Pilkington Pyrostop and Pyroguard are the most common fire-rated glass specifications in the UK.

Fire-rated glazing maintains its integrity under fire conditions, preventing flames and smoke passing through the glazed area. Standard double glazing isn’t fire-rated and should never be used in fire doors.

Vision panels are common in HMO communal areas, commercial premises and loft conversions, providing visibility before the door is opened.

Fire door hardware

Every component of a fire door must be certified as part of the overall fire door system. The hardware spec on our fire doors includes:

  • Fire-rated hinges, typically three per door for FD30, with intumescent inserts
  • Fire-rated locks and cylinders, certified to match the door’s integrity rating
  • Self-closing devices, including overhead door closers (Arrone AR450SE or Rutland TS11204 typical specs) or concealed closers for HMO bedroom doors
  • Intumescent strips and smoke seals around the door perimeter
  • Fire-rated thresholds where required by the specific application


Using non-certified hardware invalidates the fire door’s rating
, regardless of how identical the components appear.

Fire door certification

Every fire door we supply comes with full certification paperwork including the BS EN 1634 test certificate, manufacturer’s declaration of conformity, installation guidance for maintaining the fire rating, and CE/UKCA marking documentation.

This paperwork is essential for:

  • HMO licensing inspections
  • Building Control sign-off on new builds and conversions
  • Insurance compliance for commercial properties
  • Property sales where buyers’ surveyors check fire door compliance

Fire door installation

Fire doors must be installed correctly to maintain their fire rating. A fire door fitted with the wrong frame, gaps too large around the perimeter, or non-certified hardware loses its rating regardless of the door spec.

Our in-house FENSA-registered installers undertake fire door installation across within the 80 km installation area. We survey the suitability of the frame, fit the door to the tested comply with the required clearances (typically 3mm around the perimeter), and install all certified hardware to as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

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