Fire Regs

[Anonymous]

CAN ANY ONE HELP!!!

IAM RENOVATING A 200 YEAR OLD COTTAGE, WHICH IS NOT LISTED, SO FAR WORK HAS GONE VERY WELL. THE PROPERTY HAS UNGONE A TOTAL REFUBISHMENT, AND THIS HAS LEAD TOO MAKING USE OF THE LOFT AREA.
WE HAVE IN PLACE THE RIGHT WINOWS TO MEET BUILDING REGS AND INSTALLATION.
BUT.....AFTER AN INSPECTION BY THE BUILDING INSPECTOR HE INFORMS ME I HAVE TOO INSTALL FIRE DOORS ONTO THE MAIN FIRE ESCAPE RUN.
I WAS HOPING TO HANG TRADITIONAL COTTAGE WOODEN DOORS. THE QUESTION IS ARE THERE ANY ANOTHER METHOD TOO KEEP THE FIRE RATING AND USING TRADITIONAL WOODEN COTTAGE DOORS?

 

[Anonymous]

James - just a tip: typing in capital letters is regarded as shouting!

I think I remember reading somewhere that a traditional ledge-and-brace door in oak has sufficient fire resistence to satisfy the regulations, provided the frame is fitted with an intumescent strip* around all three sides. I suspect that the thickness of the oak may be an issue here, but why not have a chat with your building control officer and ask him about this?

*This is a strip of material a bit like draught excluder, but if it is affected by fire it expands to seal the gap between the door and the frame.

 

[Anonymous]

My father in law did this recently (ading the strip) for a client who is disabled and couldn't cope with a normal firedoor, but the normal door had to have a self closer on it.

 

[Anonymous]

Yes, I'm sure you're right, Graham. A fire door must self-close.

 

[Anonymous]

Hello.

I recently had this exact same issue with my loft conversion. I also have the old style "latched" doors, as was keen to maintain these.
The two alterations that need to be made are 30 mins fire proofing, and self closing doors to all rooms exiting into the stairwell, on all floors.
After speaking to the local council guy, he explaine dthe following......
1/ You can achieve the correct fire retardance with the use of certain varnishes on the door. While this may not be the finish you desire, its definately nicer than new doors.
2/ new style hinges can be purchased that have the self closing springs inside them, so not visible.

He was very helpful, even to the point of saying that the self closing doors dont actually have to close, just close to, if you know what i mean.

I have no idea where to purchase any of these items from, but hope this info helps

Regards

Rob.

 

[Anonymous]

I pushed back on this very hard with my building inspector and he admitted that only new doors needed to be 30minute fire doors. My existing doors need nothing but rising butt hinges fitted so that they close to on their own and there's 30 minute firedoor on the new loft bedroom only.

Having said that, I haven't had final signoff on my loft conversion so they could change their minds at that point.

MattJ

 

[Anonymous]

Or being sneaky you could fit what is wanted to get Bulding regs sign off, then swap back to what you want while you live there, when you come to sell the house you put the right stuff back.......

So long as you don't get incinerated in the meantime <IMG SRC="http://www.periodproperty.co.uk/discussing/smileys/smile.gif" BORDER=0 ALT="">

 

[Anonymous]

I have two nice (not nice at all really) firedoors rated to FD30 for sale. Guess where they came from.

<IMG SRC="http://www.periodproperty.co.uk/discussing/smileys/wink.gif" BORDER=0 ALT="">

Know the risks and make your own choice.

Play the game to get sign off and after that you are allowed to change doors without recourse to building regs.

But make sure you know and understand why the regulations are in place and be happy that you have means to escape from the attic.

We have a fireladder under the bed in case the worse happens.

We also have interlinked mains powered battery back up smoke detectors that leap into action at the merest wiff of burnt toast.

MJ