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Flat entrance doors are crucial to a council building’s fire compartmentation. This is because they stop fire and smoke spreading:
- from flats to communal areas, meaning residents can use escape routes
- from communal areas into flats, protecting residents awaiting fire services
In 2021 we started an upgrade programme to bring entrance doors in line with the latest fire and building regulations. The council is covering the cost for tenants. In May 2024, 3,000 flat entrance doors had been upgraded.
Ground floor flats with doors opening to the outside are not included because they do not affect escape routes.
Programme challenges
Complex installations
Some doors, particularly those with side panels housing utility meters, require intricate work involving disconnection, removal, and reinstallation of meters.
Asbestos
Where we’ve identified asbestos, residents of the flat and possibly neighbouring residents may need to leave their flat while the asbestos is removed safely. We will provide a respite area for people affected.
Entrance doors for leaseholders
In 2024 and 2025, leaseholders will be offered compliant doors and frames for £250, inclusive of labour and materials. We will contact leaseholders to let them know more, including how to pay.
Replacing doors yourself
Leaseholders can replace doors themselves if the lease agreement states they are responsible for the flat entrance door. However, they are controlled under building regulations.
If your flat requires a fire door, we recommend you do not replace the door yourself unless it is damaged or compromised. We will shortly be replacing leaseholder’s front doors with fire doors when required, at a much reduced cost of £250.
If you need to replace a door urgently you must:
- check your lease to make sure you own your front door
- use an installer who is a member of the Competent Person Register
- make an application to building control
If you live in a building that is seven storeys or higher, it is classified as a high-risk building. This means you need to submit a building control application for approval to the Building Safety Regulator.
Fire door requirements
- Fire door sets to flats must be:
- minimum fire resistance of half an hour (FD30s standard) in accordance with BS476: Part 22 1987 or BSEN 1634-1 2000
- 44mm thick
- of solid construction
- The gap between the door and doorframe should be:
- no more than 4mm on the top and sides
- less than 8mm on the bottom of the door
- Intumescent strips must be present either in the door itself or door frame. A intumescent strip expands and seals the edges of a fire door when exposed to heat.
- Ironmongery must be compatible with the fire door’s design and tested as part of the complete assembly. This means the door needs:
- at least three hinges to support the weight of the door and prevent warping, and fitted with fireproof screws (CE marked BSEN 1935)
- locks that are both integral to the door design and CE marked
- handles that are CE marked
- a letterbox with an intumescent liner, BS476
- fitted with a door closer, CE marked BSEN 1154
- Glazing should meet a minimum of E30 rating (E is glass with integrity)
- Flat doors should meet ‘security by design’ standard
