Fire door installation is more than smoke and mirrors—it requires serious knowledge
Fire doors are a vital line of defense. They help prevent a fire from spreading, but when they’re not installed properly, they can become a safety risk. If you’re looking for a contractor who can install fire doors, you’ll want to seek a door installation expert. Some other contractors may fit the bill, but qualifications are key.
The truth is that anyone can install a fire door, but that doesn’t mean they’re the best person for the job. You'll need to hire a qualified door installation expert to ensure your fire doors meet all safety regulations and requirements. These professionals have fire door installation training (and sometimes fire door inspection training) and may even have third-party qualifications from trade organizations like:
The Door and Hardware Institute (DHI)
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
The International Fire Door Inspector Association (IFDIA)
Fire doors are a safety feature that helps fireproof your house, but improper installation can actually become a hazard. An installation gone wrong can result in:
Excessive gaps around the door will allow smoke to pass through.
A door with an inadequate fire rating will not effectively hinder the progression of flames.
Doors with a faulty self-closing device can stick (causing a potentially dangerous obstruction), shut too quickly (causing injury), or fail to close (allowing the fire to spread).
Leave this job to a pro to ensure that your fire door provides the best protection and is safe to use in an emergency.
Different types of doors, such as exterior, interior, fire-rated, and egress doors, have distinct code requirements. A professional door installer has the extensive knowledge to ensure your project is up to code.
For most homeowners, fire door installation costs $400 to $900. You can save money with a DIY installation, but this can pose a risk unless you have extensive knowledge of local building codes and fire ratings and previous fire door installation training.
Fire doors and hinges are rated based on how long they can withstand high temperatures. On top of that, there are different requirements for filling gaps around the door and frame, along with the materials you can use. Choosing the right doors in the right places throughout your home is a delicate balance, and that’s before you consider the nuances of installation. All in all, this job is best left to a local door installation expert.
Carpenters and joiners may have more door installation experience than your average handyperson, but you’ll still want to search for a professional with specific qualifications—like third-party certification, previous experience installing fire doors, and documented training.
A qualified fire door installation contractor may have the following on their resume:
Fire door installation training
Fire door maintenance training
Fire door inspection training
Third-party certification
A long list of previous fire door installation projects
Before the project begins, your door installation expert will survey your home. They’ll look at your existing doors, the various points of entry, and the layout of your home to help them choose fire doors with the proper rating. Most pros recommend at least using an FD45 door, which can withstand a fire for around 45 minutes. For key access points, they may choose a FD60 door.
From there, the contractor will consult the manufacturer’s directions to understand the specific installation requirements. They’ll start by preparing the installation area and removing the existing door and frame. Then they’ll complete the following steps:
Install the fire door frame
Fill gaps around the frame with the appropriate fire-rated materials (fire mastic, rock wool, fire packers, etc.)
Attach the proper fire-rated hardware
Install the door
Install a fire door seal, which includes a smoke seal or fire-resistant intumescent strips
Fit the door’s self-closing device
After installation, have your fire doors regularly inspected to ensure they remain functional.
