Chris Robinson , Aug 25, 2022 12:00:00 AM
Chris Robinson , Aug 25, 2022 12:00:00 AM
You’ve specified a fire door. You’ve agreed the fire and acoustic performance, the look and feel of the finish. You’re ready to have it installed on site.
And, now, the question is ‘Who do I get to install it?’
Depending on your unique situation, you will have several options.
If you specify a fire doorset through a manufacturer who designs, manufactures, and installs them, then of course, getting it installed through the manufacturer is by far the safest solution. Cradle to Grave certification. Perfect.
However, your manufacturer may not install or to save on budget you may be tempted to have the doorset installed by someone else, like one of your own contacts, for example…
So, if you’re going to take anything away from this blog post, please let it be this:
Getting a fire doorset installed by someone who isn’t appropriately trained will have a significant impact on the fire certification.
That’s right: You could have the most expertly engineered and beautiful looking fire doorset, but if incorrectly installed, it will not serve its primary purpose. Unfortunately, you might not know this until it’s too late.
The individual tasked with installing a fire door should have undergone appropriate fire door installation training, for example, the renewed Fire Door NVQ that was launched back in 2017.
Additionally, there are two leading UK Fire Door Schemes for installers: Firas and the BM Trada Q-Mark Fire Door Scheme – both of which provide independent reassurance to specifiers and purchasers that products are Installed in accordance with the strict guidelines of fire doorset manufacturer.
If installers haven’t been accredited to one of those schemes, you shouldn’t be using them to install your fire doorsets.
Speak to the manufacturer. They will provide complete and detailed reception, installation, and compliance guidelines.
The following list, taken from RW Joinery, outlines clearly some of the key things to remember when installing a fire doorset:
The Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS) – which is a joint scheme between the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) and the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) – sets out to inform people on why fire doors work and the potential dangers of getting it wrong.
Research carried out by the FDIS in 2020 highlighted some serious concerns around the installation of fire doors.
Alarmingly, 76% of fire doors inspected were condemned as ‘not fit for purpose’. The three main ‘condemned’ reasons were:
However, the biggest point in regard to this blog post is:
30% of fire doors inspected were condemned due to poor installation.
That’s right. Approximately 85%* of an installed doorset cost is the manufactured doorset and ironmongery but the 15% of installation cost could simply negate the complete doorset.
*Historic data costing from RW Joinery & RW Doorsets.
Speak to the manufacturer. They will provide complete and detailed reception, installation, and compliance guidelines.
The installation of your fire door is as important as the product specification itself. Therefore, installation should only be carried out by someone who is competent, has been specifically trained and who understands their responsibilities in getting it right!
For a full, cradle to grave service, talk to an expert here at RW Joinery today. As specialists in the design, supply and installation of fire doorsets, we value compliance and the importance that fire door installation has on the overall result.
Download our Installation guide today to learn everything you need to know about fire door installation regulations!
RW Joinery forms a trigon of companies RW Doorsets, RW Install and
RW Maintain that will take you through the specification, manufacture, installation and maintenance process within one certified and seamless fire doorset scheme.
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