Each year, Fire Door Safety Week highlights one of the most important – and often underestimated – aspects of building safety: the humble fire door. A correctly specified, installed and maintained fire doorset can literally mean the difference between life and death in an emergency.

At Preston Plywood Ltd, we’re passionate about raising awareness around fire door safety and supporting contractors, specifiers, and facilities managers with expert guidance and high-quality, certified products. Below we’ve compiled everything you need to know about fire doors, how to ensure compliance, and why choosing the right supplier matters.

Why Fire Doors Matter

Fire doors are far more than just another fixture in a building. They’re an integral part of a property’s passive fire protection strategy, designed to compartmentalise fire and smoke and protect escape routes. Correctly functioning fire doors:

• Contain fire and smoke to the room of origin.
• Protect escape routes for occupants.
• Provide vital extra minutes for evacuation and emergency services response.

Without them – or with poorly maintained or incorrectly installed doors – the spread of fire can be catastrophic.

Key Fire Door Safety Tips

During Fire Door Safety Week, building owners, contractors and facilities teams are encouraged to take a closer look at the doors in their care. Here are some practical tips from our team:

1.       Check Certification

Always look for third-party certification such as BM TRADA Q-Mark or equivalent. Certified fire doorsets give you the assurance that they’ve been tested to rigorous standards and perform as intended.

2.       Match the Specification

Ensure the fire door or doorset you install meets the fire rating and performance requirements of your specific project (FD30, FD60, etc.). Substituting components can compromise performance.

3.       Install Correctly

Even the best fire doors can fail if installed incorrectly. Use competent installers familiar with fire door requirements, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

4.       Inspect Regularly

Fire doors aren’t a ‘fit and forget’ item. Schedule regular inspections to check for:

• Gaps exceeding 3mm between door and frame.
• Damaged or missing intumescent seals.
• Warping, alterations, or hardware changes.
• Document your inspections as part of your building safety management plan.

What You Should Do Today

1. Walk around your building(s) and inspect all fire doors using our 5-step checklist.
2. Mark any doors that fail any of the steps (even small issues) and report them or get them repaired.
3. If you’re replacing or building a new door, make sure every part is certified and correctly installed.
4. Share this post — help spread awareness. Someone else’s safety may depend on it.

Quick 5-Step Check You Can Do Right Now ✅

1️⃣ Certification

Look for a label, plug, or marking on the top or side of the door that confirms it’s a certified fire door.

2️⃣ Apertures & Alterations

Check there are no unauthorised holes, glass panels, mail slots or modifications – these can void the fire rating.

3️⃣ Gaps & Seals

Measure the gap around the door: it should be consistent (about 2-4mm all round, up to 8mm under the door). Check that smoke/heat seals are intact and not missing or damaged.

4️⃣ Closers & Hinges

Make sure the self-closing device shuts the door onto the latch every time. Hinges should be secure with no missing screws.

5️⃣ Operation

Open and close the door. Does it stick? Does it fully close without obstruction? A working fire door saves lives.

Our Fire Doorsets: Compliance Without Compromise

Preston Plywood Ltd supplies fully certified BM TRADA Q-Mark fire doorsets manufactured to your exact specifications. Our service includes:

• A full range of fire ratings and finishes to suit your project.
• Expert advice on specification, installation and ongoing maintenance.
• Bespoke sizing and hardware options to fit seamlessly into your design.
• Quick, reliable delivery to keep your build on schedule.

By choosing us, you’re not only getting a high-quality product but also peace of mind that your building is protected and compliant.

Supporting You Beyond Fire Door Safety Week

Fire Door Safety Week is a great reminder, but fire door safety is a year-round responsibility. Whether you’re a contractor specifying materials, a facilities manager responsible for inspections, or an architect designing a new building, our team is here to help at every stage.

Take Action Today

Don’t wait until an inspection or an emergency highlights a problem. Speak to our friendly experts about your fire doorset requirements today. Call 01772 561656, email sales@prestonplywoodltd.co.uk or take a look around our website to find out more.

Together, we can ensure your buildings stay safe, compliant, and ready to protect the people inside them.