Guest Will Posted May 14 Report Share Posted May 14 We bought a leasehold flat in May 2022. Following a recent inspection of our front door (30-minute fire door), our management company said it's not compliant with the fire regulations as it has gaps greater than 4mm—in some cases 6 or 8mm—and that the door needs to be 'adjusted' (not possible—gaps are too big) or replaced. We have two years to report any defects, but the company we bought our flat from says that the door was compliant when we bought it but isn't now following legislation changes, so our problem to fix, not theirs. Everything I have read says a fire door should have a 2-4mm gap around it and that doesn't appear to have changed in the recent legislation changes. So my question is - back in May 2022 what was the recommended gap around a fire door? And if what legislation said so? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike North Posted May 15 Report Share Posted May 15 Door gaps are usually specified by the door manufacturer, but I would be most surprised if it was anything other than 2 – 4 mm. Ask the company for the regulation 38 information (which is a legal requirement) the door certification should be included which will specify the gap tolerance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil Ashdown MAFDI Posted May 16 Report Share Posted May 16 Recent HM Gov changes to fire safety regulation has not included any change to perimeter gaps around fire door leaves. You could look for marks, labels or a plug on your door to identify the door to it's manufacturer and obtain the certification data sheet. That document would state the gap requirement for compliance with the fire resistance performance certification. eg: Furthermore, the Timber-based Fire Door Assemblies - Code of practice 2016 is a guidance document that recommends a 2mm to 4mm gap - see section 9.5.2 https://knowledge.bsigroup.com/products/timber-based-fire-door-assemblies-code-of-practice?version=standard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Will Posted May 19 Report Share Posted May 19 Thanks, Mike and Neil - I suspected as much 👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Ron Posted May 24 Report Share Posted May 24 How high is your block of flats? if it was constructed post June 1992 and before Jun 2022 and over 11m or 5 storeys, then it will be a Relevant Building and if the door is a defect, then it will be the developer who should remediate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike North Posted May 28 Report Share Posted May 28 Why would a developer remediate a door that was to the regulations at the time of installation if the has been altered by a third party at a later date? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Mal B Posted June 14 Report Share Posted June 14 Therefore, does one assume the 2mm-4mm gap rule has been in force for at least 10 years ? Where would one look for 'official governmental' proof of this regulation ? MB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike North Posted June 17 Report Share Posted June 17 I don’t think that the gaps are in official government legislation, it is usually in the door certification and the installation instructions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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