How to Convert Doors to Fire Doors

  • 3-6 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 100-150
What You'll Need
Metal hinges
Self-closing device
Intumescent seals
3/8 Drill bit
Tape measure
Sealant
Door retainer
Drill
Drill bit set
Fire resistant glazing
What You'll Need
Metal hinges
Self-closing device
Intumescent seals
3/8 Drill bit
Tape measure
Sealant
Door retainer
Drill
Drill bit set
Fire resistant glazing

Fire doors are doors that have been designed to hold back fire and smoke for a certain amount of time. With these doors, the occupants of a dwelling has time to get out of the house before the fire and smoke over take them. For the safety of your family in your home, fire doors are a safety feature that any homeowner will want to have. A home that has had a loft conversion or a new building that is over 2 floors will need fire doors as well as any home that is over 2 floors that has been approved as rental property. An FD30 door will hold back flames for a period of 30 minutes. You can convert your existing doors to fire doors with the proper tools and instruction.

Step 1 - Remove Existing Hinges

Use the drill and appropriate drill bit to remove the existing hinges from your door. If your door is equipped with only 2 hinges, it will be necessary to prepare the door and door frame to accommodate 3 hinges. The minimum required hinges for a fire door is 3 hinges per door.

Step 2 - Apply Fire Resistant Glazing

After hinges have been removed, apply the glazing to the outside of the door. This will also allow for the door to withstand fire for up to the amount of time your door is built for.

Step 3 - Prepare Door and Door Frame

Lie the door in your work area and measure the spaces for your hinges. Take same measurements and mark them on the door frame. Drill the holes for your new measurements into your door and then into the door frame. Apply sealant to previous holes in both the door and door frame.

Step 4 - Attach Hinges and Self Closing Device

With the screws provided, attach the hinges to the door. Ensure that the screws are fully seated. After hinges are in place, attach self-closing device to door.

Step 5 - Apply Intumescent Seal

A self adhesive intumescent seal must now be applied to the door. Place the seal along the inside edge of the door closest to the hinges. Adding these seals to your doors will allow more time to escape a house fire as the seals expand when they reach a certain temperature.

Step 6 - Place Door on Frame

With the help of a friend, prepare to hang the door onto the frame. Have your friend to hold door steady while you place the screws into the frame. Ensure that the screws are fully seated and that the door is secure to the frame. The door should have no more than a 5 mm gap.

Step 7 - Test the Door

Test the fit of the door against the frame by pulling it shut. Your self-closing device should be operational and capable of closing the door on its own and not allowing any resistance. To be extra certain, hire a professional to come by and inspect the door. You really don't want to take risks when it comes to fire safety equipment.