Fire Door Regulations

For Loft Conversions

The last major change came in 2007 and, even now, home owners are still being caught out by the new rules. The biggest single change is that when a home owner converts the loft is that most, if not all, interior doors in the property will have to be replaced with new fire doors.

Prior to the changes it was permissible to retain old doors as long as they were fitted with self closers. But the authorities took the view that self closing doors were often wedged open so decided to remove the requirement for self closing doors.

However, because of the new fire safety rules any doors facing the designated escape route from the loft conversion must be fire resistant (to 20 minutes standard) and, contrary to what many people believe, these fire doors must be installed whether or not there is an escape window fitted in the roof.

For some homeowners having to fit new fire doors is an unwanted expense but as they can literally be life savers the costs really should be included in your budget. It is also recommended that self closers are fitted to all fire doors as a fire resistant door that is left open is worse than useless.

We mentioned above that the fire door regulations state the doors must be resistant for 20 minutes. An FD20 grade door is sufficient for this though FD30 will add more security.

It is important to check that intumescent strips are fitted to the doors (an FD20 door without an intumescent seal will not meet the requirements of the building regulations).

Intumescent strips are fitted into the frame or sometimes the door itself and if fire occurs they swell up effectively sealing the gap between the door and frame to prevent smoke escape.

When converting the loft it is important that the fire door regulations are followed and that the home owner insists that the builder fits the best and most efficient doors. Take advice from your councils building control officers if in any doubt about this.

For more info see the related pages below or complete the form at the bottom of the page for a free no obligation quote from tradesmen near you for your loft conversion project...

The GOLDEN RULE If You Build A Loft Conversion

Loft Stairs

Loft Conversion Specialist

Loft Conversion Ideas

Loft Conversion Prices

Fire Door Regulations And Other Regs For Loft Conversions

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