hard2understand Posted November 13, 2019 Report Posted November 13, 2019 Hello, I'd like some help regarding my flat's front door. I live in a council block and I was burgled a month ago (see photos of the previous blue door). On Monday a workman came around to replace the door and I'm alarmed at the quality of his work which he took 9 hours to complete. This is supposed to be a fire door (PLY INT FD 838 P), but he trimmed it because it did not fit the frame. The area around the lock feels spongy and actually there is a crack when I press down gently. He also did not fit intumescent (fireproof) seals on the door (in fact he denied the previous door had this!). Can anyone advise whether the door needs to be replaced? Also I am wondering if anyone knows the type of the previous door? It looks to be much more sturdier and I feel like the new door is more fragile. Quote
AnthonyB Posted November 14, 2019 Report Posted November 14, 2019 Is that the new door & hinges? Looks completely useless to me with the gaps, lack of seals and weird hinges. Did they fit a self closer? Quote
hard2understand Posted November 15, 2019 Author Report Posted November 15, 2019 Yes, there is a self-closer and it works when I drop the door. I'm concerned that the person who worked on the door shaved off too much of the lipping - the edge where the lock is, is actually springy and part of it is perforated and seems hollow behind it for a bit. I would imagine this means that the mortise lock is not particularly securely installed either? Can you explain what you mean by weird hinges (I was confused by why he added putty over the hinges)? I'm trying to get a list of all the things the workman did wrong to speak to the council about. Do you think that the council has to do something about this door within a specified time frame, given that fire doors are required in this block? I'm also trying to work out what type of door the blue door is so I can specify to the council I would like that type of sturdy fire door again. Quote
Tom Sutton Posted November 15, 2019 Report Posted November 15, 2019 It is impossible to identify the blue door without some form of documentation or label but based on the number you gave for the door provided, check out https://www.howdens.com/joinery/doors/howdens-spey-flush-fire-door-fd30-obj-sku-family-11831290, if it is, then it provide a lot of information. Quote
hard2understand Posted November 15, 2019 Author Report Posted November 15, 2019 3 hours ago, Tom Sutton said: It is impossible to identify the blue door without some form of documentation or label but based on the number you gave for the door provided, check out https://www.howdens.com/joinery/doors/howdens-spey-flush-fire-door-fd30-obj-sku-family-11831290, if it is, then it provide a lot of information. Sorry Tom, I have edited my first post - PLY INT FD 838 P is the new door. Quote
Neil ashdown Posted November 15, 2019 Report Posted November 15, 2019 The reference PLY INT FD 838 P would indicate that an 838mm x 1981mm fire door has been installed but the installation must be compliant and it would appear there are doubts that it is. I would recommend that you contact your landlord and suggest engaging an independent fire door inspector to check compliance. Quote
hard2understand Posted November 15, 2019 Author Report Posted November 15, 2019 1 hour ago, Neil ashdown said: The reference PLY INT FD 838 P would indicate that an 838mm x 1981mm fire door has been installed but the installation must be compliant and it would appear there are doubts that it is. I would recommend that you contact your landlord and suggest engaging an independent fire door inspector to check compliance. I have now contacted the council (my landlord) and they have said a surveyor will get in contact with me within 10 days. Would a surveyor be able to check fire door compliance? How much do you think would an independent fire door inspector might charge? Quote
Tom Sutton Posted November 15, 2019 Report Posted November 15, 2019 A surveyor maybe able to advise you, I am not sure but for the cost of an independent Fire Door Inspector you should contact Fire Door Inspection service. Quote
hard2understand Posted November 15, 2019 Author Report Posted November 15, 2019 38 minutes ago, Tom Sutton said: A surveyor maybe able to advise you, I am not sure but for the cost of an independent Fire Door Inspector you should contact Fire Door Inspection service. Hello, I have emailed a Fire Door Inspector from that website and she has emailed me that she does not need to come and see the door because "just looking at the photos I can say the door is not a FD30s compliant door". She has recommended that I go to my landlord and "demand a new door and frame". I was quite surprised by how adamant she was. I am very worried that the council has outsourced the work of installing fire doors to unskilled individuals and I'm concerned that this is happening on across multiple council premises as this raises the risk of harm considerably. Very scary indeed and worth me contacting my local councillor about. Quote
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