Lee Baker

Many thanks for that reply. That has certainly helped me a lot and also reassured my own thoughts and understanding. So to clarify with Query 1, on FD30 doors, installing hardwood lipping should be acceptable and deemed an improvement to a door not ideally suitable due to the large gap and I can be fairly confident is certifying these alterations? We are being approached more and more regarding upgrading "Fire Doors". I state Fire Doors in this way because I cannot guarantee or evidence these are, neither can the client. these doors are installed in residential blocks of flats and have been installed for over 15 years, more coats of paint on that are in a tin from Dulux!! We often come across these doors that have the tell take signs. Solid, Heavy, 44mm, Hardwood, however no manufacturers markings, most ironmongery installed do not comply. We stand by replacing all doors and frames for new sets, not replacing a frame or a door separate as these are not tested together. Again, I thought this was correct but I have been questioned on it. All these queries I try to argue and stand by, but after sometime of people knocking and questioning, I start doubting myself...

Good afternoon I have a few burning queries that seem to play on my mind regarding upgrading and repairing of existing fire doors. Speaking to many people in passing, it appears people interpret what should or shouldn't be done differently. Query 1: Upgrading a fire door where gaps to the bottom of the door is more than 8mm. We get asked to install hardwood lipping to the base or sides of doors where gaps exceed the allowance stated in the regulations. I always understood that it is very difficult or hard to gather any test evidence for "retro fitting" lipping to an existing Fire Door, unless you are aware of the manufacturer of door and can get written approval and have test data to prove it is allowed is installed as per the manufacturers recommendations. If you cannot obtain this, then as the installer / contractor, we cannot guarantee or prove its fire resistance, therefore we cannot or should not certify the work. Is this correct? Query 2: Vents within FD30s / FD60s doors. From time to time we have been asked by surveyors to install an intumescent vent into an existing fire door. These doors serve the riser cupboards in blocks of flats. The surveyor states due to gas regulations, we have to allow ventilation into the riser due to the gas feed pipes?! My issue again, so I understood is that 1: We are damaging the integrity of any fire door if we decide to cut a large opening out to install a vent. 2: Installing an intumescent vent into a FD30(S) will not stop the passing of smoke onto the escape route (Communal corridor) before the intumescent starts to react and close, therefore causing a smoke issue on the escape route. The only option would be an electrical mechanically operated vent on the door. Thank you in advance for your assistance