When managing a workplace, warehouse or retail property, fire safety is non-negotiable. One essential element is ensuring your building is fitted with the right commercial fire doors. What makes them different from domestic doors? How do you select the right kind for your business?
What Are Commercial Fire Doors?
Commercial fire doors are purpose-built doors that resist fire and smoke for a specified period, typically FD30 (30 minutes) or FD60 (60 minutes). They offer protection to both people and property in high-risk or high-traffic environments, giving more time for safe evacuation and limiting damage.
Internal Doors offers fire doors rated to both FD30 and FD60 standards.
Where Should You Install Commercial Internal Fire Doors?
The placement of commercial internal fire doors depends on your building’s usage, layout and fire risk. Some typical locations include:
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Stairwells and escape routes — vital for preventing fire from spreading between floors.
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Boiler rooms and kitchens — areas with heat-generating or potentially flammable equipment.
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Storage areas holding combustible materials.
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Between workshops or industrial production zones and office spaces.
Internal Doors’ commercial fire door collection is specifically designed for internal use in these kinds of settings.
What Materials Are Used in Commercial Fire Door Construction?
To be effective and certified, a commercial fire door must be constructed from materials that meet certain standards. Key factors include:
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Core material: All commercial fire doors use an engineered solid core, often with materials like calcium silicate to resist fire impact.
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Thickness: Typical FD30 doors are 44 mm thick; FD60 are 54 mm thick. At Internal Doors we stock many doors around those thicknesses.
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Fire-rated accessories and hardware: Hinges, locks, intumescent seals, door frames and glazing all need matching fire ratings.
Why Are Fire Doors Crucial for Businesses?
Choosing the right doors is more than ticking a compliance box. The right commercial fire doors:
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Save lives, by delaying the spread of fire and giving occupants time to exit.
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Limit property damage and loss, and help protect critical business areas.
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Reduce liability and ensure compliance with UK regulations (e.g. Building Regulations, fire safety standards).
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Offer peace of mind for clients, staff, and insurers.
When it comes to protecting your business premises, commercial fire doors are a vital investment. By understanding what fire rating you need (FD30 or FD60), where the doors will be installed, what materials and finishes are appropriate and ensuring correct installation and hardware, you can ensure both safety and compliance.