Leaf
What the existing leaf is
Hollow-core, panelled or older solid doors differ. Construction and evidence decide whether any work on the existing leaf is supportable.
Guide
Fire Doors for Loft Conversions
Adding a storey to a house can change how the stair has to protect people escaping from the upper floors. Where a protected-stair approach applies, the existing room doors onto the stair become part of that protection. This guide covers how those door works are scoped and priced.
Why The Stair Matters
In a house with an upper storey above a certain height, Approved Document B sets out approaches for escape, one of which is a protected stairway separated by fire-resisting construction and leading to a final exit. Where that approach is used, the doors from habitable rooms onto the stair form part of the enclosure.
Which approach applies to a particular house is a design and building-control matter. Building control determines compliance for the project; this page covers the door works once the approach is set.
Existing Doors Onto The Stair
Frame
Frames and linings
Existing linings may not suit a fire-resisting leaf. See frames and liners for what is assessed.
Closing
Closers, where specified
Whether self-closing devices are required depends on the approved design. Where specified, they need to close the door fully.
Hardware
Hinges and latches
Ironmongery needs to be compatible with the doorset evidence, not just fitted.
New Leaf Or Complete Doorset
Where an existing frame is sound and compatible, a new fire-resisting leaf may be an option; where it is not, a complete doorset may be the supported scope. Our guide to leaf or full doorset replacement covers that choice, and frames and liners explains frame condition. For the wider repair decision, see repair or replacement. We do not promise that any upgrade will be accepted.
Houses That Become, Or Already Are, Three Storeys
A loft conversion on a two-storey house can create a third storey, and some houses already have three. In both cases the escape route from the upper floors is a design question first. Where the approved design relies on a protected stair or protected route, the doors that open onto it form part of that enclosure; where a different approach has been approved, the door requirements follow that design instead.
There is no single door specification that suits every three-storey house. The doors needed, and any rating or self-closing requirement, come from the approved design, the current fire strategy or assessment where one applies, and building control's decision on the project. We price to that information rather than assuming it.
Loft storey
Doors on the new floor
Where the design calls for it, the door from the loft room onto the stair is part of the route. Its position, swing and headroom should be confirmed against the drawings before ordering.
Lower storeys
Existing doors below
Room doors on the first and ground floors that open onto the stair may also be included. Their existing construction, frames and hardware are checked against what the design requires.
Evidence
What the existing doors are
Labels, records or invoices for existing doors help. Where none exist, a door cannot be assumed to be fire-resisting, and the scope may be a new leaf or complete doorset.
Changes
Alterations after approval
Moving a door, changing its swing, adding glazing or removing a door from the stair after approval may affect the design. Those changes should go back to the designer or building control before we price or fit.
Phasing And Coordination
- Agree the door list and specification from the approved design
- Confirm opening sizes once stair enclosure and linings are complete
- Sequence fitting around decorating and flooring
- Keep product and installation records for the project file
- Note any doors outside the agreed scope for the designer or builder
Other Doors In The House
A door between an integral garage and the house is a separate question, covered in integral garage fire doors. For the general service, see fire door installation.
Guidance Source
Approved Document B Volume 1: Dwellings, 2019 edition incorporating the 2020, 2022, 2025 and 2026 amendments, collated with the 2029 amendments (England), via the GOV.UK Approved Document B collection, accessed 16 October 2026. Paragraph 2.5 and its diagrams describe a protected-stairway approach for applicable dwellinghouses; that approach predates the 2026 amendments. The 2026 amendments took effect on 30 September 2026, subject to transitional provisions; the 2029 amendments are future changes not yet in force. Transitional arrangements may mean an earlier edition applies to a particular project. Approved Documents are guidance; building control determines compliance for building work. Wales and Scotland have their own guidance.
What To Send For A Works Quote
Send the approved drawings or door list, the number of storeys before and after the works, photographs of each door onto the stair on every floor (both faces, edges and hardware), any existing door labels or records, the programme stage and the property address through our contact form. We return a written quotation listing each door, inclusions, exclusions and VAT basis. We do not give DIY instructions.
Related Pages
Pages that own installation, evidence and frame questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Doors To Price For A Loft Conversion?
Send the approved drawings or door list and photographs. We will return a written, door-by-door quotation.