Fire door installation update

In October 2020 we requested that all fire door frames should be installed ahead of a pre-plaster site inspection. Since then, a successful trial has taken place where inspections of fire door frames have been completed later on in the build process and, as a result, we can confirm that there are now three options with respect to the installation and inspection of fire door frames.

Option 1 Fire door frames installed at pre-plaster stage

This was the original requirement from the update in October 2020 and is still a valid option.

Option 2 Fire door linings installed at pre-plaster stage

Fire door linings could be plywood or part of the fire door set provided by the manufacturer or supplier. The lining would be installed at pre-plaster to allow the fitting of the frame at a later stage of the build process. The fire door frame should fit tightly within the plywood lining.

Option 3 Fire door frames installed after pre-plaster

Fire door frames can be installed post-plaster and architraves not fitted until satisfactory inspection by NHBC has been completed. Once installed, the site manager should notify their Building Inspector that the door set is ready for inspection. The Building Inspector will then inspect the door frame installation on their next visit to site, thus negating the need for a separate inspection.

To clarify: a site visit to specifically inspect the fire door sets should not be undertaken.

No satisfactory inspection

Where a satisfactory inspection has not been conducted and architraves have been fitted to a fire door frame, we reserve the right to request that architraves are removed so an inspection can be made. Architraves should only be re-fitted once the Building Inspector is satisfied that the door frame is correctly fitted.

Default is Option 1

It is important that the site manager advises the Building Inspector what option they intend to take. Once the option is confirmed by the site manager, the Building Inspector will record this in the NHBC Site Record Book. Where an option has not confirmed, the default position will be that fire door frames will be fitted ahead of the pre-plaster inspection.

Gaps between fire door frames and openings

It is recognised that due to site tolerances there will be small gapes between openings and fire door frames, however every effort should be made to ensure that the door frame or lining fits tightly within an opening. Approved expanding fire foam sealants may be used to seal gaps of up to 10mm. The fire foam must completely fill the void.

Some fire sealant products can be used on gaps in excess of 10mm. In these circumstances, confirmation from the Fire Door Testing Body will be required to demonstrate that the fire door set meets the required level of fire resistance. The confirmation must specifically identify the type of fire foam used and its maximum permitted thickness.

UKAS Accredited Fire Door Installation Schemes

We are currently conducting a trial to assess the viability of accepting UKAS accredited installers as an additional option.