Fire rated windows are specifically tested and certified to withstand fire for a designated time (e.g., 30 or 60 minutes), maintaining integrity and sometimes insulation. Fire-resistant windows, while similar, may not meet all testing standards for “fire rated” certification but still offer some level of fire resistance.

Modifying or replacing any single part of a certified fire rated door system can weaken its effectiveness and compromise its fire-resistance capabilities. Fire rated doors are tested and certified as complete units, meaning all elements – including the door leaf, frame, hardware, seals, and other components – are designed and evaluated together to meet specific fire-resistance standards.

Each component within the system is selected and tested for compatibility with the others. When one of these elements is replaced with a part that has not been tested or certified for that specific configuration, the overall fire performance of the door may no longer meet the required standards. Even small changes, such as swapping out hinges, locks, or latches, can significantly alter the door’s functionality and fire resistance.

If modifications are necessary, it’s essential to consult a third-party certifier who can guide you on the proper steps to maintain compliance. In many cases, they may recommend re-testing the entire door assembly to ensure it still meets the original fire-rating requirements.

Yes, but only if the steel fire rated door system has been specifically tested and certified for use in drywall installations. If a door system has been designed and tested for masonry wall applications, it can only be installed in a drywall system if supported by a technical assessment from the Competent Authority Body (CAB).

This assessment must rely on fire test data and established scientific and engineering principles. Drywall partitions respond differently to fire compared to masonry walls, so a direct substitution without proper evaluation could compromise fire safety.

In cases where sufficient historical test data or published engineering practices are unavailable to support such an assessment, additional indicative testing or type testing may be necessary to verify performance in the new application. Always ensure compliance with technical and safety requirements before installation.

The acceptable gap between a fire rated door and its frame varies based on factors like the door type, frame material, and intended use of the door set. For most fire doors, the gap is generally limited to 2–3 mm around the perimeter, while for steel fire doors, it is typically 3–4 mm.

Always refer to the specific manufacturer’s guidelines for the door and frame in question, as the exact allowance will depend on the certified listing and design specifications.

The required fire rating depends on the building’s design and use,

• 30 minutes (EW30 or EI30): suitable for low to moderate fire risk areas, such as bedrooms, living rooms, corridors with low fire load.
• 60 minutes (EW60 or EI60): used for high-risk zones like stairwells, kitchens, lobbies and escape routes.
• 90+ minutes: used in industrial or hazardous environments requiring extended protection, such as high-rise residential or commercial buildings and hospitals.

To ensure compliance:

• Conduct a fire risk assessment as required by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
• Use certified fire rated doors, windows, and partition walls tested to BS and EN standards.
• Regularly inspect and maintain fire safety systems, including doors and windows.

Fireresist.co offers products and support to help you achieve full compliance while ensuring safety and durability.

Our fire rated doors, windows, and other fire safety products comply with key UK regulations, including:

• BS EN 1634-1: this standard tests the fire resistance and smoke control of doors, shutters, and windows. It ensures that fire rated products can withstand fire for their designated time (e.g., FD30, FD60).
• BS 476-20/22: this standard tests the fire performance of construction elements. For windows and doors, it assesses integrity, insulation, and smoke resistance under fire conditions.
• The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005: requires that non-domestic buildings conduct fire risk assessments and maintain fire-resistant elements to ensure occupant safety.
• Fire Safety Act 2021: introduces additional fire safety measures, focusing on external wall systems, fire doors, and windows in high-rise residential buildings.

BS EN 1364-1 specifies testing methods for the fire resistance of non-loadbearing elements, including fire rated windows. It evaluates:

• Integrity (E): the ability to stop flames and hot gases from passing through.
• Insulation (I): limiting heat transfer to prevent ignition on the non-fire side.
• Radiation (W): reducing radiant heat to minimize the risk of combustion.

Fire ratings indicate the duration a door or window can withstand exposure to fire while maintaining its structural integrity. Common ratings include 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes. Testing agencies assess these products under standardized conditions to assign appropriate ratings.

Partition walls are non-load-bearing walls that divide spaces within a building. When constructed with fire-resistant materials, they help contain fires within a compartment, preventing the spread of fire to public areas and aiding in safe evacuation.

Smoke exhaust windows are designed to open automatically during a fire, allowing smoke to escape from a building. This reduces smoke inhalation risks for occupants and improves visibility for evacuation and firefighting efforts.

In fire safety, roof cells refer to compartments or sections of a roof designed to prevent the spread of fire across the roof structure. They may include fire-resistant barriers and materials to contain fire within a specific area.

It’s recommended to conduct inspections at least twice a year, checking for damage, proper functionality, and compliance with current safety standards.

Fire barriers are walls designed to restrict the spread of fire and have a specific fire-resistance rating. Smoke partitions, on the other hand, are non-rated barriers intended to limit the movement of smoke and do not necessarily have a fire-resistance rating. 

For more detailed information or specific inquiries, please contact us.