Between the late 19th Century and the 1940’s, standard doors in the UK were 35mm thick. However, the transition from 35mm thick doors to fire doors with thicknesses between 44mm and 54mm in the UK was driven by advancements in fire safety standards and building regulations.
Whilst thicker doors were routinely adopted in new developments, there are still many older buildings, for example, hotels, country houses, some council offices, and even houses that have undergone loft conversions, that still have their original 35mm doors.
These changes also had a significant impact on Period and Listed Buildings that originally had thinner doors. These buildings often have architectural and historical significance, and any modifications need to be carefully managed to preserve their integrity. The issues faced include:
- Aesthetic and Structural Compatibility: Thicker fire doors may not align aesthetically or structurally with the original design of period buildings. This can lead to difficulties in maintaining the historical appearance and architectural harmony of these structures
- Installation Issues: Retrofitting thicker doors into existing frames designed for thinner doors can be problematic. It may require significant alterations to door frames and surrounding structures, which can be both costly and invasive
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that modifications comply with both fire safety regulations and heritage conservation guidelines can be complex. Balancing these requirements often necessitates bespoke solutions.
To help overcome these issues, we have developed a viable solution in the form of the Enviro Eco 35mm door. Thinner than most modern fire doors, these can seamlessly replace many original doors in listed properties without needing to change the door frame—making it a hassle-free solution for heritage buildings. Available as standard in a wide range of finishes, these doors have been tested to provide 68 minutes fire integrity and are fully insulated. We can also make ledged & braced doors.
