COMMUNAL FIRE DOORS
​
Available as FD30 or FD60, our communal fire doors are designed to provide maximum protection for residential and commercial properties. Our communal fire doors and screens are designed, manufactured, tested and installed to meticulous standards to increase fire safety and security for both occupants and the property itself.
At London Fire Solutions, we specialise in designing, constructing, installing, maintaining and repairing communal fire doors. Our Secured by Design (SBD) accredited fire doors come in bespoke sizes and materials to meet your requirements.
Communal Fire Door Features
Communal fire doors include doors installed at the entrance to each apartment or office space and doors in stairwells and corridors. These doors are made of fire-resistant materials, such as steel or timber, that are independently tested and certified to meet UK fire safety standards, including BS 476-22:1987 and BS EN 1634-1:2014.
A communal fire door must have a fire-resistance rating of at least 30 minutes, marking the length of time that the door can compartmentalise a fire. Our FD30 and FD60 communal fire doors offer 30 or 60 minutes of fire protection, providing precious time for occupants to escape a building.
A fire door set must include components that provide the same fire protection level as the door. These include door frames, leafs, locks, and self-closing mechanisms, essential in enabling the fire door to function as intended.
COMMUNAL FIRE DOORS & SCREENS
​​
​Internal and external communal fire doors are essential for a building’s passive fire resistance as they contain a fire in one room, making it ‘compartmentalised’ and more manageable to extinguish.
LFS manufactures, supplies, and installs complete door sets or replacement leafs where necessary in properties across London. For communal screens, we can incorporate a door leaf into a glazed screen using standard frame sections to comply with fire certification for up to 60 minutes. We can also manufacture and install riser doors to suit the required compartment rating.
​
SECTORS COVERED:
Residential | Hotels | Commercial | Education | Healthcare | Leisure
​
CASE STUDY:
​
Placement of Communal Fire Doors
​
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 highlights the importance of installing fire doors throughout commercial properties and flat apartments with at least three storeys. This order outlines the need to appoint a responsible person per building to enforce all fire door legal regulations.
​
Fire doors compartmentalise a fire so residents can escape via a designated route, either horizontally or vertically. This route is determined by a risk assessment that will analyse the safest way to evacuate a building in the event of a fire. Communal fire doors should be strategically placed to aid the journey from each apartment or office space to the exit.
​
Flats and office spaces on the ground floor do not need fire doors if they have a means of escape, as per The British Woodworking Federation (BWF). A responsible person should consult an inspector about whether their office or flat requires communal area fire doors and on which floors to avoid facing legal charges if fire safety regulations are not fully met.
Importance of Communal Fire Doors
​Reduce Fire Spread
Fire-rated doors act as practical barriers, slowing down the rapid spread of fires within a building. In the event of a fire, these doors are designed to resist flames and heat, helping to confine the fire to its point of origin. This compartmentalisation is crucial, granting precious time for evacuation and firefighting efforts.
​
​Enhanced Fire Containment
Fire-rated doors slow down the spread of fires while also enhancing fire containment. By keeping the fire within a designated area, these doors make it easier for firefighters to access and extinguish an outbreak, reducing the chance of widespread damage. Fire containment also grants occupants precious time to evacuate a building.
​
Compliance with Regulations
Communal door sets must be placed in the necessary locations to ensure the building meets essential fire safety regulations per the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
​
Saving Lives
Fire-rated doors are essential aspects of a building's passive fire protection system with their ability to save lives. In the event of a fire, every second counts. These doors provide at least 30 minutes for occupants to escape safely. By effectively compartmentalising and containing fires, fire-rated doors create safer evacuation routes, reducing the risk of injury or loss of life.
Why Choose LFS For Communal Fire Doors?
At London Fire Solutions, we are dedicated to designing, manufacturing and installing ​​Certifire approved communal doors and screens, providing up to 1 hour of fire protection or more if required. Veneer or laminate-faced panels can be supplied to add a stylish finish to reception desk facings and boardroom wall panelling.
Our doors are engineered with versatile designs that focus on functionality and security. Our processes are driven to satisfy the needs of our accreditation bodies to maximise the fire protection level of our communal fire doors. Contact our friendly team and learn more about our communal fire door range.
Communal Fire Door FAQs
Where should communal fire doors be installed?
Communal fire doors should be installed in hallways, stairwells and individual entrances into flats and office spaces. They are critical for containing fire and smoke within specific areas and ensuring safe evacuation routes.
How do I choose the right communal fire door for my building?
When choosing a communal fire door, consider factors such as the required fire-resistance rating, door material, security features, aesthetic preferences, and compliance with local fire safety regulations. Consulting with a fire safety specialist can help you make an informed decision on maximising the safety of your occupants and property.
Are communal fire doors mandatory?
Communal fire doors are often mandatory in buildings with shared spaces to comply with fire safety regulations and building codes. They are essential for protecting occupants and preventing the spread of fire and smoke.