Fire Door Buyers Guide

Steel fire doors are specially designed door sets that help contain fire and protect escape routes within a building. They are a critical part of a building’s fire safety system, known as passive fire protection.

They are used to:

• Prevent the spread of fire between areas
• Protect stairwells and corridors
• Allow safe evacuation

Steel fire doors are commonly installed in commercial, industrial, and public buildings where fire safety compliance is required.

Steel fire doors can either be a fire rated steel security door or a fire shutter.

Steel fire doors are available in a range of configurations depending on the application.

Solid Fire Doors

• No openings or glazing
• Provide maximum fire resistance

Glazed Fire Doors

• Include fire-rated vision panels
• Improve visibility and safety

Louvered Fire Doors

• Allow ventilation while maintaining fire resistance
• Typically used in plant rooms

Fire Exit Doors

• Designed for safe escape
• Often include panic hardware

Fire and Security Rated Doors

• Combine fire resistance with enhanced security
• Suitable for higher-risk environments

Fire Shutters

• Vertically operating fire resistant barriers
• Electric operation
  
  
  

Choosing the correct fire door is critical for safety and compliance.

Key considerations:

Fire Rating Required

• 30, 60, 120, or 240 minutes

Location

• Internal or external
• Escape routes or compartment walls

Compliance

• Must meet relevant fire standards

Usage

• Frequency of use and traffic levels

Additional Requirements

• Security, ventilation, or visibility

Always refer to your fire risk assessment or Building Control when specifying a fire door.

Steel fire doors are typically designed to operate safely in both normal and emergency conditions.

Standard Operation

• Hinged doors with handle and lock
• Self-closing mechanisms

Emergency Operation

• Panic bars for escape routes
• Easy opening from inside without a key

Controlled Access

• Can be integrated with access control systems
• Suitable for restricted areas

Fire Shutters

• Electric operation as standard

Correct operation is essential to ensure the door performs properly in the event of a fire.

Steel fire doors are built using fire-resistant materials designed to perform under extreme conditions.

Typical Construction:

• Steel door leaf and frame
• Fire-resistant core (e.g. mineral wool)
• Intumescent seals that expand under heat

Key Features:

• Fire-rated hardware
• Durable construction

All components must work together as a complete system to achieve the fire rating.

Steel fire doors can be customised to suit both functional and aesthetic requirements.

Configuration Options:

• Single or double doors
• Left or right-hand opening

Additional Features:

• Vision panels
• Louvre panels
• Panic hardware
• Access control systems

Colour and Finish:

• Powder coated in a wide range of RAL colours
• Suitable for internal or external use

Customisation allows the door to meet both safety and design requirements.

Correct installation is critical for fire performance.

Installation Requirements:

• Must be installed into suitable masonry or steel
• Installed in line with manufacturer test evidence
• All components must be fitted correctly

Key Considerations:

• Frame alignment
• Seal installation
• Correct hardware

Improper installation can compromise the fire rating.

Steel fire doors require regular inspection and maintenance.

Typical Maintenance:

• Checking seals and gaps
• Ensuring the door closes correctly
• Inspecting hinges and hardware

Life Span Factors:

• Frequency of use
• Environmental conditions
• Quality of installation

Regular maintenance is essential to ensure ongoing compliance and safety.

The cost of steel fire doors depends on:

• Fire rating (30 to 240 minutes)
• Size and configuration
• Hardware and accessories
• Installation requirements

General Pricing Guidance:

• Standard fire doors are more cost-effective
• Higher fire ratings increase cost
• Additional features such as glazing or access control add to the price

Fire Rated Steel Doors
For a single steel fire door (approx. 900mm x 2100mm):

FD30 Fire Rated Steel Door: from £650 – £1,200 supply only
FD60 Fire Rated Steel Door: from £850 – £1,500 supply only
Prices increase with added options such as vision panels, panic hardware, access control, or non-standard sizes. Installation is typically priced separately depending on site conditions.

Fire Exit Doors
For a single outward-opening fire exit door with panic hardware:

From £900 – £1,600 supply only
Final cost depends on fire rating, panic hardware type, security requirements, and external finishes.

Fire Shutters
For a small to medium opening (approx. 2000mm x 2000mm):

Fire Shutters: from £2,500 – £4,500 supplied

Pricing increases significantly with width, height, and fire resistance rating.

• Choosing the wrong fire rating
• Not checking certification or compliance
• Incorrect installation
• Using non-approved hardware
• Modifying the door after installation
• Ignoring maintenance requirements

Fire doors are safety-critical products and must be specified and installed correctly.