Leaf
Construction is the starting point
A hollow-core or lightweight panelled leaf will not become fire-resisting through added components.
Guide
Can an Existing Door Be Upgraded to a Fire Door?
A fire risk assessment or a change of use may result in a requirement for fire doors where ordinary doors are currently fitted. The tempting answer is to add seals, hinges and a closer. This guide explains why that does not make a fire door, what would have to be established before any upgrade is considered, and when a complete doorset is the clearer outcome.
Why Components Alone Do Not Make A Fire Door
A fire door's performance is a property of the whole assembly as tested or assessed: the leaf's core and construction, the frame, the gaps, the seals, the hinges, the lock or latch, any glazing and how it is all fixed into the wall. Seals, hinges and a closer are part of that assembly, but they cannot supply fire resistance that the leaf and frame do not have.
An ordinary door with fire-door components added is still an ordinary door. Describing it as a fire door, or labelling it with a rating, without supporting evidence would be misleading to the responsible person and to anyone relying on it.
What Has To Be Established First
Before an upgrade can even be considered, several questions need answers. If any cannot be answered with evidence, that is significant in itself.
- What performance is required at this opening, from the fire strategy, FRA, design or building-control information
- What the existing leaf is actually made of, and whether that can be established without guesswork
- Whether test, assessment, manufacturer or project-specific evidence supports the proposed upgrade for that construction and performance
- Whether the existing frame is compatible with the required leaf, seals and hardware
- The condition of the leaf and frame, including warping, damage and previous repairs
- Existing holes, cut-outs, letterplates or glazing, and whether they can be supported
The Limits Of Piecemeal Changes
Frame
The frame has to match
Stop depth, section and fixing into the wall all form part of the assembly. A suitable leaf in an unsuitable frame is not a fire doorset.
Alterations
Previous cut-outs and holes
Redundant lock holes, letterplates and vents each need a supportable answer. See damage, holes and alterations.
Glazing
Glass and beads
Ordinary glass and beads in an existing door cannot be assumed to be fire-rated; glazing has to be part of the evidence.
Hardware
Compatibility, not just presence
Hinges, locks and closers need to be compatible with the doorset's evidence, not simply fire-rated in isolation.
Records
Evidence after the work
Without a record of what was done and on what basis, it may be difficult to demonstrate the basis later.
When A Complete Doorset Is The Clearer Outcome
Where the leaf's construction cannot be established, the frame is unsuitable or no evidence supports the proposed work, a complete tested or assessed doorset may be the clearer way to demonstrate the required performance. Our guide to leaf or full doorset replacement covers that choice, and fire door installation covers the service. Where the door is already a fire door that has deteriorated, the question is different — see repair or replacement.
Evidence And Records
Whatever the outcome, the record matters. Our guide to certification and traceability explains what identifies a doorset and what to do when that evidence is missing. On completion, where included in the quotation, we provide a door-referenced record of the works carried out.
Heritage Doors Are A Separate Question
Historic doors in listed or heritage buildings involve retention, consent and specialist judgement. That situation is covered in fire doors in listed and heritage buildings.
Getting A Straight Answer On Your Doors
Send the FRA action or design requirement, door locations and photographs through our contact form. We assess the doors to scope and price the works and tell you plainly where an upgrade is not supportable. For cost questions, see installation and replacement costs.
Related Pages
Pages that own the neighbouring decisions about existing doors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ordinary Doors That Now Need To Be Fire Doors?
Send the requirement and photographs. We will scope the works and give you a written quotation, including where an upgrade is not supportable.