19 August 2020 / Quality Alert

Metal Fire Door Frames & Doors

Metal fire door frames are a tested system so it’s critical each frame is manufactured to meet the requirements of the fire test to remain compliant.

Relevant Standard / AS 1905.1-2015

Components for the protection of openings in fire-resistant walls

Part 1: Fire-resistant doorsets

Key Elements

There are several key elements that need to be monitored in respect to the manufacture and install in accordance with each manufacturer’s test reports / construction manual.


Test reportIt is important to have the test report for the system. Request it when letting the contract
Metal thicknessRefer test report – usually 1.1mm min thickness but may be greater
Door stopMin 25mm as per the standard
Fixing points / strapsTypically 300mm maximum between fixings
Monitor closely as it has become an issue with manufacturers increasing spacings creating a likely non-confirming product. Refer photos below
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Insulation

Grout filled, prefilled insulation or site plasterboard backed dependant on what the frame is being fixed to and strictly as per the tested system details (no expander foam or the like)

Frame install

Frames installed square/plumb/not twisted

Clearances

Doors installed with max 3mm gaps to the jambs and head

Doors installed with max 20mm under door to floor substrate and 10mm floor covering across full width of the door

Metal hardware fixing plates (in fire doors)

Doors have metal plates to locate the door furniture

Check the door has a small hole drilled in the top on the hinge side. If the hole is there, then the door is installed the right way up.

If there is no hole in this location, then the door is likely installed upside down or back to front. Reinstall the door correctly or replace as required

Screws

All screws in hinges MUST be compatible metals, e.g. NO zinc screws in stainless steel hinges. Refer image below

Tag

Door frames and doors to have correct labels as per AS 1905.1 clause 6.1.4 (must include year of manufacture). Refer image below

Other considerations

In addition to the key elements, consider sensible door/door frame quality, including:


External doors frames requiring weather protection (hoods or the like)

Door frames preferably should not be ‘buried’ in wet area bedding or concrete (where this occurs the frame must be suitably prepared with metal primer and waterproofed)

Use stainless, epoxy painted or galvanised frames in corrosive environments. Use stainless within 100m of salt water

Utilise bat wing seals to provide a seal between airconditioned and humid external air in corrosive environments. This reduces saltwater forming on the frame

Jambs and head MUST be back filled in accordance with manufacturer’s details

All doors MUST be painted top and bottom

Ensure owner’s manuals have clear instructions on cleaning the doors/frames to avoid corrosion

Ensure owner’s manuals have information on the tested system door clearances (to avoid maintenance companies defecting doors against incorrect information post completion)


More information

Please contact the Quality Team if you have any questions

Phone 1300 HUTCHIES

Email QualityTeam@hutchies.com.au

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