Making a Fire Door

[Roger H]

Hi. At 3 storeys, building control want firedoors between my habitable rooms. For the most part, I have used conventional firedoor blanks and am adding fillets of timber to the faces to resemble the fillets sometimes used to cover the board joints on basic, plank, ledged and braced doors. (The building is utilitarian, ex brewery). Now, some of my door openings are very wide and squat and require a bespoke version. Anyone any tips on making a 30min fire rated door?

I am thinking, softwood framing, 12mm plasterboard inside and sandwiched between either t&g or plywood face, bolted through, with bolts concealed behind ledge and bracing. Anyone done this or similar?

Thanks in anticipation,

Roger.

 

[Penners]

Have you considered making a simple timber door, painted with intumescent paint or lacquer?

More information here.

 

[Flyfisher]

I don't know the answer but since this seems to be a regulatory issue I don't see how you will be able to convince the BCO of whatever construction you choose unless you can reference some formal design standard. At the very least, I would submit the proposed specification to the BCO for approval before construction. I'm not saying your proposal would not perform as required but that's only part of the issue here. Your BCO's approval is the first concern.

 

[Roger H]

Hmm. Thanks for that. Might run your suggestion by them Penners.
The spec for a fire door appears to be along the lines of "Typical door details are 83*38mm framing with 165mm middle rail, 9.5mm plasterboard lining to both faces (flush with framing) and 3mm ply facing both sides". So..some additional timberwork either side of this should not compromise the function of the door I'd hope. Will report back.