An update for residents
We’ve published the below frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) on fire doors for our residents. By following the below safety information provided, you can help ensure that your door is fire safe.
Should my front entrance door be a fire door?
If you live in a block of flats and your front door is within the enclosed communal area (such as in a corridor, lobby or staircase) then your front door will need to be a fire door. Your front door will also need to be a fire door if your neighbours can only exit the block by passing in front of your door, for example by passing in front of your door to get to the balcony exit. If unsure, please contact the fire safety team at Lewisham Homes.
Why do I need to check my front entrance fire door?
We regularly carry out fire risk assessments (FRA) in your building, which would normally include checking a sample of front entrance fire doors. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, our fire risk assessors have not been unable to fully inspect your front doors.
How can I check that my fire door is compliant?
You can check that your front door is a compliant fire door by following the steps below. If you identify faults during your check, please contact us to carry out a repair or replacement.
Please note that leaseholders are responsible for repairing or replacing their doors.
Self-closing front doors
If your front door is a fire door, it will fully self-close when you release it – this is to prevent the spread of a fire. To ensure that your door self closes, it should be fitted with an adequate self-closing device (like the ones below).
| Image 1 Overhead self-closing device  |
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Image 2 Chain ‘perko’ self-closing device  |
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To test if the self-closing device is working, open your front door to roughly 45 degrees and then let it go. Your door should self-close fully on its own, but if it doesn’t, it means your self-closer might be faulty and you should contact us to arrange a repair.
Please note that the door must fully self-close flush to its frame, and the door latch should not be propping the door open. Even small gaps can allow the spread of smoke.
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Checking smoke seals
If your door is a fire door of recent design, it will likely have smoke seals fitted along its edges or on the door frame. See the images below:
Door with smoke seals fitted on the edge |
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Door with smoke seals fitted on the door frame |
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Below is a damaged smoke seal edge |
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Here is an example of a missing smoke seals |
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You can check the seals for damage by comparing with the image examples above and by ensuring that when the door is shut, the gap between the door and door frame should not exceed 3mm anywhere.
If it appears that the smoke seals have been damaged or removed, or there are large gaps between the door and door frame, please contact us to arrange a repair.
Please note some doors are fire safe and do not require smoke seals. Only report doors where a seal has been damaged or removed/
Checking the overall condition of your doors
Shut your door from within your flat and check:
- That there are no large holes in the door, such as holes from old locks or cat flaps(see photos 7 and 8)
- If letterboxes and vision panels are present, check with the manufacturers to ensure these are fire rated (if these are present – see images 9 and 10)
- The door should be fitted with 3 steel fire rated hinges (see images 11 and 12)
Image 7 |
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Image 8 |
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Image 9 (non-fire rated/open letter plate) |
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Image 10 (fire rated letter plate) |
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Image 11 |
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Image 12 |
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Please note, front doors do not always require to be a fire door, it can be a standard door. If your door is not need to be a fire door, it will not have the components above and the checks will not be needed.
If you are unsure or concerned about your fire safety door, please contact the fire safety team at Lewisham Homes.