Door Fitting with Strip in London
In recent years, local councils and safety authorities in London have taken extra steps to enhance fire safety, especially in older apartment buildings. One major initiative includes the mandatory fitting of door strips—also known as intumescent strips or smoke seals—on flat entrance doors. This upgrade isn’t just about compliance; it’s a critical part of protecting lives and properties.
We specialize in fitting both internal and external fire doors. Our services include the installation and repair of fire doors, such as replacing door frames, changing strips, and creating strip channels. We also install door closers to ensure proper function and safety. All our services come with a one-year guarantee.
Internal fire doors typically come in at least three standard sizes. However, we offer a wide selection of styles and sizes, including two thickness options: 30-minute fire-rated doors and 60-minute fire-rated doors. Please note that 60-minute fire doors are available in more limited designs. Fire door regulations are strict, so it’s important to make an informed choice.
We provide various fire door sizes commonly found on the market. For example, our 30-minute fire-rated doors (45mm thick) include sizes such as:
1981 x 610 mm
1981 x 686 mm
1981 x 762 mm
1981 x 838 mm
2032 x 813 mm
We also offer true metric sizes (2040mm high and 40mm thick), including:
2040 x 626 mm
2040 x 726 mm
2040 x 826 mm
2040 x 926 mm (limited availability)
All fire doors, whether prefinished or unfinished, are manufactured to be 45mm thick for 30-minute ratings, and 54mm thick for the less common 60-minute fire doors.
Fire Alarm Installation
Your safety and the safety of your loved ones is our top priority. We also provide fire alarm installations in accordance with British Standards, using fire-rated cables. Our services include installing central fire alarm systems and detectors. A valid certificate will be provided upon completion.
What Is a Door Strip?
A door strip is a sealing system installed around the edges of fire-rated doors. These strips expand when exposed to heat, sealing gaps and slowing the spread of fire and smoke. They’re typically installed on flat entrance doors, communal hallway doors, and fire exits to ensure fire resistance for a specific time—usually 30 or 60 minutes—depending on the building’s fire strategy.
Why Is Door Fitting with Strip Now Mandatory?
London councils, in coordination with fire safety inspectors, have instructed many older apartment buildings to retrofit their doors with fire-safe solutions. This includes fitting fire doors equipped with intumescent strips and smoke seals. These additions significantly increase the door’s ability to block smoke and heat in the event of a fire, giving residents more time to evacuate safely.
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How Does the Fitting Process Work?
Fitting doors with strips requires technical knowledge and adherence to British Standards (BS 476) and Building Regulations Approved Document B. The process includes:
- Assessing the current door’s material and condition
- Installing or replacing intumescent and smoke seals within the door frame or door edge
- Ensuring correct alignment and airtight closure
- Testing latch and hinge function after installation
In most cases, qualified installers or fire door specialists are required to ensure the installation is fully compliant. DIY installation is not recommended unless you’re trained, as improper fitting can render the door ineffective during a fire.
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Choosing the Right Service in London
If you’re a landlord, property manager, or homeowner in London looking to upgrade your doors, it’s important to work with a professional who understands fire safety regulations. Services offering door fitting with strip in London should provide:
- Certification of fire door installation
- Use of approved materials and strips
- Full inspection after fitting
- Compliance documentation for council approval
At Fix in London, we specialize in fire door upgrades, including strip fitting for flat entrance doors across London. Whether you’re updating an older property to meet new council guidelines or replacing a non-compliant door, our expert team ensures every job meets safety standards with peace of mind.
FAQs
- What type of strip is used for fire doors?
Intumescent strips and smoke seals are typically used. They expand in high heat to block fire and smoke.
- Do all flat entrance doors in London need strips now?
Many councils require them, especially in older buildings. Check with your building management or local fire safety officer.
- Can I fit the strip myself?
It’s recommended to use a qualified installer, as incorrect fitting may void the fire resistance of the door.
- How long does a door strip fitting take?
Most installations take between 1–2 hours per door, depending on the condition and complexity.
- Does this apply to new buildings too?
Yes, but new builds typically already include compliant fire doors with strips as part of construction.