Upgrading Fire Doors in Older Buildings: What You Need to Know

Burnt room interior with walls, furniture and floor in ash and coal, ruined building after fire

Fire safety regulations continue to evolve, and older buildings face unique challenges in meeting modern compliance standards. Fire doors, a cornerstone of passive fire protection, play an essential role in containing fires, providing safe evacuation routes, and safeguarding property. Upgrading fire doors in older buildings requires a careful balance between achieving modern safety standards and maintaining architectural integrity.

This guide delves deeper into the retrofitting options for fire doors, explains the challenges, and provides practical advice for ensuring compliance without compromising the character of older buildings.

 

 

Why Upgrade Fire Doors in Older Buildings?

Older buildings often have doors that were not designed to meet modern fire safety requirements. Upgrading these doors is essential for several reasons:

1. Compliance with Regulations

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 mandates that fire doors in commercial, multi-occupancy, and other specified properties meet fire resistance standards (e.g., FD30 or FD60 ratings, offering 30 or 60 minutes of protection). Failing to upgrade could result in fines, legal action, or increased liability in the event of a fire.

2. Enhanced Fire Safety

Modern fire doors are designed to resist fire and smoke for extended periods, giving occupants more time to evacuate and emergency services more time to respond. This is particularly crucial in older buildings where fire compartmentation might already be compromised.

3. Protecting Property and Lives

Containing a fire within its point of origin limits damage to the rest of the building and prevents smoke from spreading to escape routes, stairwells, or other vulnerable areas.

 

 

Challenges in Retrofitting Fire Doors in Older Buildings

1. Preserving Architectural Features

Many older buildings feature decorative or custom-made doors that contribute to their charm and historical value. Replacing these outright can lead to a loss of character and may violate heritage preservation laws.

  • Example: In a listed Georgian townhouse, ornate wooden doors with hand-carved details may need to be preserved while meeting fire resistance standards.

2. Structural Limitations

Older door frames may not be the right size or strength to accommodate modern fire doors. Additionally, the surrounding walls might not provide the necessary fire resistance, complicating the installation process.

  • Example: A 19th-century building with irregular masonry walls might require extensive modification to fit modern fire doors securely.

3. Regulatory Balancing Act

Listed buildings or those in conservation areas are often subject to restrictions from planning authorities or heritage organisations, making it difficult to carry out upgrades without specific permissions.

 

 

Retrofitting Options for Fire Doors

Retrofitting is often the most practical approach for upgrading fire doors in older buildings. Here’s how it can be done:

1. Upgrading Existing Doors

Where possible, the original doors can be adapted to meet fire safety standards, retaining their aesthetic appeal. This can include:

  • Adding Intumescent Strips and Seals:
    Intumescent strips expand when exposed to heat, sealing gaps around the door to prevent smoke and fire from spreading. Combined with cold smoke seals, they enhance protection against toxic fumes.
  • Installing Fire-Resistant Panels:
    Reinforcing doors with fire-resistant panels or materials can improve their fire rating without altering their outward appearance.
  • Reinforcing Hinges and Frames:
    Retrofitting fire-rated hinges and ensuring the frame is strong enough to hold a heavier, upgraded door ensures structural integrity.

2. Custom Fire Door Replicas

In cases where the original doors cannot be upgraded, replicas can be made using modern fire-resistant materials while mimicking the design of the original.

  • Example: A Victorian-style fire door with moulding and panelling can be recreated using materials that meet FD60 standards.

3. Upgrading Glass Panels

For doors with glass features, fire-rated glazing can replace existing glass. Options include wired glass or clear fire-resistant glass that withstands heat for specified periods.

4. Concealed Closers and Hardware

Modern fire doors can incorporate concealed self-closing devices, hinges, and other hardware, maintaining a traditional look while ensuring functionality.

 

 

Maintaining Architectural Integrity

Preserving the character of an older building while upgrading its fire safety is crucial. Here’s how to achieve this:

1. Collaborating with Specialists

Work with contractors and consultants who specialise in fire safety for heritage properties. They can provide creative solutions that balance compliance with preservation.

2. Consulting Heritage Organisations

For listed buildings, liaise with organisations like Historic England or your local planning authority to ensure proposed upgrades meet conservation requirements.

3. Using Authentic Materials

Choose fire-resistant materials that mimic the appearance of original finishes, such as wood veneers or painted coatings, to ensure the upgrades blend seamlessly with the building’s style.

 

 

Regulatory Compliance in the UK

Retrofitting fire doors in older buildings must adhere to the following UK standards and guidelines:

  1. BS 8214:
    Provides guidance on the installation, maintenance, and testing of fire door assemblies.
  2. Approved Document B:
    Details fire safety requirements for new and existing buildings, including fire doors.
  3. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005:
    Mandates fire risk assessments and compliance for commercial and multi-occupancy buildings.
  4. Local Planning and Heritage Rules:
    Additional requirements for listed buildings or those in conservation areas may apply.

 

Maintaining and Testing Fire Doors

Once upgraded, ongoing maintenance is essential to ensure fire doors remain effective. Key steps include:

1. Monthly Visual Inspections

Check for visible signs of damage, such as cracks, warping, or loose hinges. Look for missing intumescent strips or worn seals.

2. Professional Annual Testing

Engage certified fire safety professionals to conduct full inspections. This includes testing self-closing mechanisms, checking gaps, and ensuring compliance with regulations.

3. Immediate Repairs

Address any faults immediately, as even minor issues, such as a misaligned latch or damaged seal, can compromise the door’s performance in a fire.

 

 

Upgrading fire doors in older buildings is a critical step in modernising fire safety systems while preserving architectural integrity. By exploring retrofitting options, working with experienced professionals, and adhering to UK regulations, building owners can achieve a balance between safety and preservation.