If you’ve heard about fire doors but aren’t quite sure what they are or why they matter, you’re not alone. Fire doors are a key part of keeping buildings safer. They help stop the spread of fire and smoke, giving people more time to escape and reducing damage. Whether you're a homeowner, property manager, or just curious, learning the basics of fire doors can make a big difference. You can find more helpful information at https://fireresist.co.uk, where there are plenty of simple resources to help you get started.

A fire door looks a lot like a regular door, but it’s made to do much more. It’s built from materials that can hold back fire for a set period—usually 30 or 60 minutes. This gives firefighters time to respond and lets people get out of the building safely.

There are a few main parts to a fire door. First, the door leaf—that’s the big part that swings open and closed. It’s usually made from solid wood or covered in special fire-resistant materials. Then there’s the door frame, which also needs to be fire-rated and fit tightly around the door to stop smoke and heat from getting through.

Next are the hinges. These aren’t just everyday hinges; they need to be strong enough to hold the heavy fire door in place, even under heat. Some may have extra features to keep them working properly in case of fire.

Another important component is the intumescent strip, which runs around the edge of the door or frame. This strip expands when it gets hot, sealing up gaps and stopping flames and smoke from sneaking through. Alongside that, many fire doors have smoke seals, which help stop smoke from drifting into other areas even before the fire gets too hot.

Don't forget the closer—that’s the device at the top of the door that gently shuts it after someone passes through. A fire door won’t do much good if it’s left open! The closer makes sure the door is always shut unless someone’s walking through it.

Fire doors need to be fitted correctly and checked regularly to do their job properly. Even the best door won’t help if parts are loose or broken. So whether you’re installing new fire doors or just checking the ones already in place, giving them a bit of attention can help save lives.