Fd30 flat front door frame.

[Rascal]

I live in a small block of flats converted in 80s.  We need new front fire doors fitted. The management company are saying they need new frames, the lott, over 2k a door. One fiat had the door done a few years ago to comply so it could be sold. It's just an fd30 internal fire door from what I can see, no new frame. I can do that my self, I'm a competent trade, it will cost me no more than £200.  Surely that's OK and should be for all the flats? 

Tia

[Neil Ashdown MAFDI]

So long as you can demonstrate that the fire door assembly you install has all the documentary evidence of product fire and smoke performance and that the installation work can be confirmed as meeting the relevant standards and regulations, it would be reasonable to expect the management company to be satisfied.

It may be prudent to consult them before you proceed. 

Also, trying to fit a new fire door leaf to an existing door frame is challenging due to the usually very limited allowances permitted when trimming the edges of the door. Personally, I would avoid using basic off the shelf fire door leaves for flat entrance doors and would select a higher quality door with good quality hardware and seals for reliable self-closing performance and high security.  

Replacing a fire door is notifiable works, so I would also consult the Local Building Control office to check what compliance requirements are required to be met. 

[Rascal]

27 minutes ago, Neil Ashdown MAFDI said:

So long as you can demonstrate that the fire door assembly you install has all the documentary evidence of product fire and smoke performance and that the installation work can be confirmed as meeting the relevant standards and regulations, it would be reasonable to expect the management company to be satisfied.

It may be prudent to consult them before you proceed. 

Also, trying to fit a new fire door leaf to an existing door frame is challenging due to the usually very limited allowances permitted when trimming the edges of the door. Personally, I would avoid using basic off the shelf fire door leaves for flat entrance doors and would select a higher quality door with good quality hardware and seals for reliable self-closing performance and high security.  

Replacing a fire door is notifiable works, so I would also consult the Local Building Control office to check what compliance requirements are required to be met. 

But there is nothing wrong per se with using the existing frame? Without any trimming the correct size door should allow 3-4mm gap around edges? 

What can determine a frame has to be changed? 

[Neil Ashdown MAFDI]

Q) What can determine a frame has to be changed? 

A) Does it meet the specific requirements stated in the certificate of approval / installation instructions for the particular fire door leaf you intend to fit and is the linear gap between the door frame and surrounding wall correctly sized and sealed?

[Rascal]

49 minutes ago, Neil Ashdown MAFDI said:

Q) What can determine a frame has to be changed? 

A) Does it meet the specific requirements stated in the certificate of approval / installation instructions for the particular fire door leaf you intend to fit and is the linear gap between the door frame and surrounding wall correctly sized and sealed?

I don't see an easy way to determine the gap and seal between the frame and wall when it's painted and finished? The inspector would just use their judgement? 

[Mike North]

The only way is to take photos of each step, ensure that there are some distinguishing marks on the frame in each photo.  This can then be at any point in time to prove the frame was installed correctly

[Neil Ashdown MAFDI]

Q) I don't see an easy way to determine the gap and seal between the frame and wall when it's painted and finished? The inspector would just use their judgement?

A) Remove the architraves or trims where present. Unless of course the door frame can be seen to be an intimate fit with the wall.