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The Critical Role of Fire Doors in Commercial & Residential Buildings
Why investing in certified fire doors is non-negotiable
When fire breaks out, the difference between containment and catastrophe often hinges on one element: the fire door. At MBP Fire Protection Ltd, we believe that every fire door must be treated not simply as a door, but as a lifesaving barrier, designed, installed and maintained to rigorous standards.
1. What a fire door actually does
A certified fire door is engineered to delay fire and smoke from passing through a doorway for a specified period (commonly FD30, FD60, etc.). This gives building occupants more time to exit safely and emergency services more time to respond.
A complete fire-door set includes: the door leaf, frame, glazing (if present), seals, ironmongery and correct installation.
2. The legal and regulatory dimension
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, businesses are required to perform fire-risk assessments and ensure escape routes and fire-resisting elements (such as doors) are maintained. The failure to provide compliant fire doors may result in enforcement action, increased risk of liability and, most importantly, endangerment of lives.
3. Common pitfalls: why many fire doors fail
- Incorrect gap sizing around the door leaf and frame
- Missing or faulty intumescent and smoke seals
- Uncertified or mismatched door-sets (door leaf and frame from different fire ratings)
- Poor or non-compliant ironmongery (hinges, panic hardware, closers)
- Retrofitted doors without full certification or inspection
4. What MBP Fire Protection offers
- Fire-door inspections covering commercial and residential properties across South Devon and the Southwest. We assess your existing doors, identify faults and bring them up to compliant standard.
- Certified installations: We provide NAPFIS-accredited installations, aligned with EN safety standards and building regulations.
- Bespoke solutions: From flat-entrance doors through to steel exit doors, we deliver made-to-measure doors where standard sizes or designs won’t suffice.
- Fire-stopping services: Beyond doors, we seal gaps, treat pipe penetrations and ensure passive fire protection is in place throughout the building fabric.
5. Case example
A client in Newton Abbot required a replacement of the integral garage fire door—a gap that compromised fire-containment and also caused cold draughts. We supplied a certified upgrade that not only met fire regulations, but improved insulation and comfort for the resident.
6. How to get started
- Contact us at info@mbpfire.co.uk or call 07779 486 135 / 07540 813 198 to arrange a site inspection.
- We provide a detailed assessment, report the findings and quote costs and timescales.
- Once accepted, we undertake supply, installation and certification. Post-installation you receive written certification for your records and compliance evidence.
7. Final word
Investing in a certified fire door is not optional—it is a critical element of building safety. Whether you manage commercial premises, multi-occupied residential housing or simply wish to improve your home’s protection, ensure you engage qualified specialists. At MBP Fire Protection, our 15 years of experience and accreditation mean you can have confidence in the safety of your occupants and property.
We also provide
Composite flat entrance fire doors
PAS24 certified FD30s fire door sets
Fire door upgrades
Fire stopping
Fire signage
NAPFIS accredited installations
Being a NAPFIS Certified Installer gives you peace of mind that the installation has been Passive Fire Control Certified and meets fire safety standards.
Customer Reviews
"I needed to upgrade my integral garage fire door but found it difficult to get anyone who would undertake this work.
Upon emailing a fire prevention company my details were passed on to MBP Fire Protection Ltd. Matthew contacted me and we discussed my requirements. He provided a variety of options to choose from & once I had decided exactly what I wanted he ordered the new door & fittings.
We agreed an installation date & he kindly arrived as planned and removed the old door & installed the new fire door that day, taking away the old one. Since then my utility room is much warmer as the new door is not only fire preventative but because of the fire seals has almost eliminated the cold draughts from my garage.
A true professional to deal with. Thank you Matt."
Colin H from Newton Abbot
"Highly recommend MBP Fire Protection Ltd. Recently had all internal doors replaced and some extras done to a very high standard!
Already thinking of giving them our next home project!"
J Teuton in Kingsteignton
Contact MBP Fire Protection LTD
MBP Fire Protection Ltd are your fire safety engineers and specialists with over 15 years experience in providing fire safety solutions. We will ensure your premises are fully compliant following fire safety and building regulations.
Call us
Matt Bickham: 07779 486135
Matt Pate: 07540 813198
Email us
Find us
MBP Fire Protection Ltd
Unit 2 West Golds Park, Jetty Marsh Road,
Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 2SL
