External Fire Rated Doors
(2 Products)External fire rated doors are purpose-built to slow the spread of fire and smoke between internal areas and the outside of a building. Unlike standard internal fire doors, these units are designed to withstand external conditions while still offering certified fire protection. All doors in our range offer up to 30 minutes of certified fire resistance, denoted by the FD30 rating in their title.
They are commonly used in high-risk locations such as flat entrance doors, shared stairwells, commercial fire exits, bin stores, plant rooms, and internal garage access points. These doors are often a Building Regulations requirement in multi-occupancy and commercial settings, and increasingly specified in domestic builds for added safety and compliance.
What Are External Fire Rated Doors?
External fire rated doors are specialist doors designed to resist fire for a specified time period, typically 30 or 60 minutes (FD30 or FD60). They are manufactured using non-combustible materials, intumescent seals, and fire-resistant cores - all rigorously tested under BS 476 or BS EN 1634 standards.
Unlike internal fire doors, external variants must also be weather-resistant and secure, making them dual-purpose in both fire protection and exterior durability.
Fire doors must be installed to manufacturer specifications to remain compliant. The use of non-compatible hinges, seals, or frames can void the certification.
Applications
External fire doors are used in locations where fire-resistant separation is needed between internal escape routes and the outside. Common applications include:
- Flat entrance doors in apartment blocks
- Fire exits in commercial and industrial units
- Shared stairwells or escape corridors
- Boiler houses, bin stores, and plant rooms
- Basement exits
- Outbuildings or garages attached to dwellings
In some new-build homes and extensions, Building Control may also require a fire-rated external door if an internal garage connects to the main property.
Benefits
- Certified Fire Resistance: Provides reliable fire protection for the duration specified, helping to meet Building Regulations and safety codes.
- Smoke Control: Intumescent strips expand when exposed to heat, sealing gaps and preventing the passage of smoke and toxic gases.
- Weather Resistance: Designed to withstand outdoor conditions with durable finishes and seals.
- Acoustic Performance: Solid cores and seals also provide noise reduction benefits.
Maintaining and Inspecting External Fire Doors
Even the highest-rated fire door will fail if not correctly maintained. Regular inspections are a legal requirement in commercial and multi-occupancy buildings under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and they’re just as important in domestic settings where fire doors protect escape routes.
Key maintenance and inspection points include:
- Check door closers: The door must close firmly and latch without sticking or dragging
- Inspect intumescent seals: Look for damage, paint over-sealing, or missing sections
- Test hardware: Hinges should be tight, with no missing screws or signs of wear
- Look for visible gaps: Ensure clearances around the door edge are correct and consistent
- Inspect glazing (if present): Fire-rated glass must be intact and beaded
- Check for surface damage: Warped or heavily damaged doors may no longer be compliant
- Examine signage: Ensure ‘Fire Door - Keep Shut’ signs are clearly displayed (where required)
In high-traffic or commercial environments, six-monthly inspections are standard. Fire doors must also be checked after any building work, damage, or redecorating to confirm seals and components haven’t been compromised.
Frequently Asked External Fire Rated Doors Questions
Do Fire Doors Need To Be Self-Closing?
Yes. All fire doors must close automatically and securely. This is typically achieved with an overhead or concealed closer. A fire door that doesn’t close fully will not perform as intended in a fire situation and will fail compliance checks.
Can I Install A Fire Door Myself?
Fire door installation should only be carried out by a competent person following manufacturer instructions and certified guidelines. Poorly fitted doors may not meet regulations and can fail in the event of a fire.
Are Fire Doors A Legal Requirement In Residential Properties?
They can be. Building Regulations (Approved Document B) require fire doors in certain areas of domestic properties, for example, between an internal garage and the main house, or on the front door of flats opening into shared corridors. Always check with Building Control for project-specific requirements.
Can I Get A Fire Door With A Letterbox Or Peephole?
Yes, but these must be fire-rated components tested for use in fire doors. Standard letterplates or viewers can compromise the door’s integrity. Always use certified ironmongery that has been tested as part of a complete doorset.
