Fire Door Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about fire doors, compliance, or what you need on site? Here's a detailed FAQ from APEX Fire Doors, covering Fleetwood and beyond. We're happy to travel up to 100 miles for installations and remedial works across most of the North.
Which areas do you cover?
We cover the Fleetwood area as standard and routinely travel up to 100 miles for installations and larger remedial projects across the North of England.
What is a certified fire door and why does certification matter?
A certified fire door is a complete, tested door set (leaf, frame, glazing, seals, and ironmongery) proven to hold back fire and smoke for a stated period (e.g. FD30/FD60). Certification ensures components are compatible and installed as tested, giving confidence in real-world performance and compliance with Building Regulations.
Do you install both FD30 and FD60 doors?
Yes. We supply and install FD30 and FD60 door sets (and associated frames and hardware) for residential blocks, commercial premises, healthcare, education, hospitality, and industrial sites.
Are your installers qualified?
Yes. Our installers are qualified via the UK Fire Door Training Fire Door Installation Course, regulated by FireQual. We work to BS 8214 guidance and UK Building Regulations (Approved Document B) for compliant, audit-ready installations.
What's included in a fire door inspection?
A complete inspection assesses: door leaf and frame condition, certification labels, gaps and tolerances, intumescent and smoke seals, glazing and beading, hinges and fixings, closers and latches, signage, threshold details, hold-open devices, and any alterations. You'll receive a documented report with pass/fail items, photographs, and remedial recommendations.
What are acceptable fire door gap sizes?
As a guide, perimeter gaps are typically around 2–4 mm and the threshold gap is commonly up to 8 mm (or as specified by the door's certification). We check against the door set's test evidence and relevant standards during inspection and installation.
Can you upgrade an existing door to meet fire resistance?
Sometimes. Where suitable, we can retrofit upgrades (e.g., intumescent/smoke seals, appropriate hardware, self-closing devices, and approved glazing systems). We'll confirm viability on survey - if the door leaf, frame, or construction is not appropriate for upgrade, we'll recommend a certified replacement.
What's the difference between a fire door and a fire door set?
A fire door is the leaf itself. A fire door set includes the leaf, frame, seals, glazing, and compatible ironmongery, tested together. For best compliance and performance, a door set is usually preferred.
Do you supply the hardware (hinges, closers, latches) as well?
Yes. We supply and fit tested and certified ironmongery - hinges, closers, latches/locks, handles, intumescent kits, and signage - selected to match the door set's certification and performance requirements.
How often should fire doors be inspected?
Frequency depends on building type and usage. As a practical rule, we recommend six-monthly inspections for most buildings, and more frequent checks where doors are heavily used (e.g., communal corridors, schools, hospitals, hotels). We can set up a planned maintenance schedule.
Who is responsible for fire doors in my building?
Typically, the building owner, landlord, managing agent, or designated Responsible Person under fire safety legislation. We work with you to ensure your responsibilities are met and properly documented.
Can you provide compliance documentation for audits and insurers?
Absolutely. We provide inspection reports, installation records, and certification evidence suitable for building control, fire risk assessors, and insurers. Our paperwork is clear, itemised, and audit-ready.
Do you replace non-compliant communal and apartment entrance doors?
Yes. We regularly replace and certify communal corridor doors and flat entrance doors (including smoke control and self-closing requirements) to suit residential blocks and HMOs.
What about glazing and vision panels - are they allowed in fire doors?
Yes - provided the glazing system (glass, bead, intumescent materials) is tested and approved for the specific door set and rating. We supply and install certified vision panels where required.
Do you fit seals and signage as part of the install?
Yes. We install intumescent and smoke seals in accordance with certification, and fit mandatory fire door signage (e.g., "Fire Door Keep Shut") where required for compliance.
Can you fix doors that don't close properly or drag on the floor?
Usually, yes. We can adjust or replace closers, correct hinges, address floor clearances, and resolve latch misalignment. If the door is beyond economical repair or fundamentally non-compliant, we'll advise replacement.
How quickly can you respond to urgent issues?
We offer rapid call-outs for dangerous defects (e.g., failed closers, broken hardware, significant damage). Response times depend on location and workload, but we prioritise urgent safety risks in Fleetwood and within our 100-mile service radius.
What's your lead time for new installations?
Lead time varies by door specification (FD rating, size, finish, glazing, hardware) and manufacturer availability. We'll confirm timescales at the quotation stage and can offer interim safety measures if needed.
Do you work on heritage or architect-specified projects?
Yes. We collaborate with architects, conservation teams, and main contractors to deliver spec-compliant solutions, including bespoke finishes and certified glazing/ironmongery that respect design intent and listing constraints.
How do you price fire door work?
Pricing depends on the number of doors, specification (FD30/FD60, finishes, glazing), site conditions, and remedial scope. We provide a clear, itemised quotation after the survey so you can see exactly what's included.
Can you help us plan a phased compliance programme?
Yes. We can prioritise high-risk doors first and phase replacements or repairs to suit budgets and operational needs, while keeping you compliant and progress documented.
What information do you need to quote?
Door schedule (if available), photos of each door (both sides, labels/markings), approximate sizes, building type, and any known issues. If you're unsure, we can conduct a site survey and build the door schedule for you.
Do you remove old doors and make good?
Yes. We can handle removal and responsible disposal of old doors and make good around frames/linings as required. Where fire-stopping is needed around the frame, we install approved materials to maintain compartmentation.
Can you coordinate with our fire risk assessor or building control?
Definitely. We regularly liaise with FRAs, building control, and insurers to ensure your documentation, specs, and outcomes align with compliance objectives.
Still have a question? Contact APEX Fire Doors for expert advice, a detailed survey, or an itemised quote. We cover Fleetwood and travel up to 100 miles for installations across most of the North.
