Fire safety doors - UK

[Teresa14]

I did a risk assessment on my 1750 cottage which said I needed to replace my historic doors with fire safety ones.. just wondering if other people have had to do this as well? I feel gutted at losing the character from my current doors

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Teresa14 If you did the risk assessment then you presumably decided you needed to replace the doors. Did you read the government guidance which talks about notional fire doors?

[Teresa14]

the professional risk assessment done October 1st when the regs came in said I needed to replace but wondering in people's experience particularly for historical cottages. Mine is not listed but it is from 1750.. 

what is notional fire door ? 

[Mike-And-Jane0]

Ho @Teresa14 Please see the Link below to read the government guidance.

Link

I have cut out the relevant bit re fire doors. You could also research fire resisting paints/varnishes that might help you save your current doors. Basically anything that gets you to 30 minutes should be good enough.

In most instances, it should be possible to accept solid, conventional doors that are
a good fit in their frames. This will typically comprise a 44mm thick door of solid timber or with a core comprising flaxboard or chipboard. However, hollow core and thin panel doors, and any plain (non-fire resisting) glazing within doors or frames, provide little fire resistance and will normally need to be replaced with new 30-minute fire-resisting doors. Fitting intumescent strips and smoke seals to existing fire doors is not considered essential in properties covered by this Guide; in case of doubt, the advice of a competent fire safety specialist should be obtained.

[Bhumika]

Hi @Teresa14 ! You've received some amazing tips from Mike. Did you manage to research more about notional fire doors as suggested by Mike?

I would also like to invite one of our experienced Host members @Kitty-and-Creek0 to this discussion since they've once shared of their remarkable experience as volunteer firefighters and how they improved on the existing fire safety procedures for a property as resort managers. 

It would be great to hear from @Kitty-and-Creek0 as well, if they could please share some suggestions for us for your unique situation🌻

[Teresa14]

this is helpful - yes mine are thin. panels.. so sounds like will need to be replaced.. the cost of ones I found are reasonable it is more aesthetics that I was worried about 

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Teresa14 

Mike's suggestions are terrific - mine would be to consult a contractor who is familiar with the regulations of your area, and would be part of an upgrade the would not spoil your lovely old home. I'd also suggest getting someone from the fire department over to  personally have a look and suggest. Your business insurance agent would also have useful information. As we all know, fire is a huge risk, and as hosts we are responsible for public safety. Building standards for accommodations are very often quite different from those of a private residence. 

Do let us all know what you learn!