Fire doors are a vital part of any building's fire safety strategy, and it is important that they are installed correctly.
Internal fire door hinges are a crucial part of this, as they help to hold the door in place and prevent it from being forced open by the force of the fire.
Installing fire door hinges is not a difficult task, but there are a few things that need to be considered.
Preparations for installing fire door hinges
In order to be effective, fire door frames must be installed correctly and maintained in good condition.
The frame must be able to support the weight of the door, and it should be wide enough to allow the door to open fully.
Before fitting the hinges you need to check that the fire door fits properly within the frame, and has an equal gap between 3 and 4mm between the door and frame on either side and at the top.
If there are any adjustments to be made then you must do this before installing your hinges.
Installing fire door hinges
Unlike standard doors, fire doors require 3 hinges. This is to support the extra weight from the fire door itself and the door closer.
Tools required:
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Chisel
- Measuring Tape
- Level
- Pencil
When installing a fire door hinge you should also use intumescent hinge pads. These will help to maintain the integrity of the fire door by swelling up in the event of extreme heat and filling the gaps created by the holes for the hinges.
They are cost-effective and easy to install as they are self-adhesive and can be cut to size if required. You can attach these to your hinges at the beginning of the process and then follow the steps below.
The first step is to mark the location of the hinge on the door and frame.
The hinge leaf with two knuckles is to be attached to the door, and the hinge leaf with 3 knuckles will be attached to the door frame.
Hold the hinge in place and draw around the base with a pencil.
Use a router to cut out the groove where the hinge will sit. Check that the hinge sits nicely within the groove and is flush with the rest of the door.
Once the hinge is in place, you'll need to use a drill to make pilot holes for the screws.
Next, insert the screws and tighten them with a power drill until the hinges are secure.
Make sure to work on all three hinges at the same time and only tighten fully at the end once you’ve checked the door opens and closes smoothly and it fits the frame with the correct gaps as mentioned above.
Conclusion
When installing fire door hinges, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Once the hinges are in place, they should be checked to ensure that they are functioning properly.
At FireSealsDirect, we stock and supply a range of fire door hinges in a range of styles and finishes depending on your requirements. Find out more about the types of fire door hinges in our helpful guide.
For further advice on the fire door hardware products you need for your project, get in touch with our expert team who will be happy to help you.
