Fire Doors within Flats (not Flat Entrance)

[Graham Kilpatrick]

1) My existing Flat Entrance door is 60 minute fire rated but, I would like to know if the doors within the Flat require to be fire rated (i.e Kitchen door, gas cupboard door, etc.)

2) Can you refer me to any Legislation? (I live in Scotland) 

[AnthonyB]

See https://www.gov.scot/publications/building-standards-technical-handbook-2019-domestic/2-fire/2-0-introduction/

Standards change over time - depending on the age of the flat a different specification would apply and be acceptable as building standards aren't retrospective if not carrying out work that comes under them.

[Graham Kilpatrick]

Thanks for the reply Anthony.

Flat was built in 2006 - does that make a difference?

I find in some areas Scottish Technical Handbooks are vaque.

My existing doors have intumescent seals; however, jamb mounted closers, hinges and latches/locks don't bare BS 1154, BS 1935 and BS 12206 stamps.

The installation is also poor as doors do not maintain 3mm gaps and there are no labels present; therefore, my conclusion is that they are not fire doors, but the inclusion of 10x4 intumescent smoke seals through a spanner in the works.

Any further information would be very helpful - cheers! 

[AnthonyB]

In England/Wales you would be expected to see FD20 doors internally other than the bathroom, with no self closers. As FD20 doors aren't made sometimes an FD30 door will be fitted without the intumescent seal - other times they just put in a standard FD30 with intumescent seals.

I would expect similar in Scotland

[Graham Kilpatrick]

Hi Anthony,

So is it reasonable to presume that I can replace my tired looking existing so called FD30 doors with fresh new solid core FD30 doors?

Or would I need to consult a fire door inspector? 

Graham 

[AnthonyB]

I would say so, yes.