Fire Exit Doors For Commercial Buildings: Types, Benefits & When To Upgrade

By Author: UK Doors and Shutters
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Fire exit doors are essential safety components for every commercial and industrial building. From offices and retail units to warehouses, schools, factories, and public venues, these doors provide a protected escape route in the event of a fire or emergency. A well-designed fire exit door can save lives, reduce evacuation times, and prevent fire from spreading throughout a property. As a legally required safety feature under UK fire regulations, businesses must ensure these doors are properly installed, maintained, and compliant at all times.

This comprehensive guide explores the types and benefits of fire exit doors, key hardware components, signs that it’s time to replace or upgrade your door, and how UK Doors & Shutters supports businesses across the North West with expert installation, repairs, and ongoing servicing.

Types & Benefits of Fire Exit Doors for Commercial Buildings

Fire exit doors come in various designs, each suited to different commercial environments. While the purpose remains the same — to allow fast, safe evacuation — the specific construction and features may vary depending ...
... on the building type and occupancy level.

1. Steel Fire Exit Doors

The most common and durable option, steel fire exit doors offer excellent fire resistance, weather protection, and security. They are ideal for warehouses, factories, schools, hospitals, and any commercial building requiring high durability. Benefits include:

· Long lifespan

· Suitable for internal and external use

· High resistance to forced entry

· Can be fitted with panic hardware, louvres, and vision panels

2. Insulated Fire Exit Doors

Designed for temperature-controlled environments such as food storage units, laboratories, and industrial facilities, insulated models offer both fire safety and thermal efficiency.

3. Fire Exit Doors with Vision Panels

Common in public buildings and schools, vision panels help staff monitor corridors and identify hazards before opening. They also improve accessibility and reduce collision risks.

4. Double Fire Exit Doors

Perfect for buildings with high foot traffic, large open spaces, or wide evacuation requirements. Shopping centres, gyms, factories, and event venues often use double-door systems.

5. External Fire Exit Doors with Weather Protection

These models include additional seals, thresholds, and weather-resistant coatings to prevent warping and ensure reliable performance outdoors.

Fire Exit Door Hardware Explained: Push Bars, Panic Bolts & More

The effectiveness of a fire exit door relies heavily on the hardware installed. The correct components ensure quick evacuation while maintaining security when the door is not in use.

Push Bars (Panic Bars)

A push bar allows occupants to exit quickly by applying pressure to the horizontal bar. They are ideal for high-traffic commercial buildings and are required for many public-use environments.

Panic Bolts

Used on double fire exit doors, panic bolts secure the door until someone pushes the mechanism to release the top and bottom locking points.

Fire-Rated Hinges

Heavy-duty, fire-rated hinges are essential for keeping the door securely attached during intense heat. Standard hinges may fail, leading to dangerous obstructions.

Door Closers

A fire door closer ensures the door automatically shuts after use, maintaining fire compartmentation. This prevents flames and smoke from spreading through the building.

Intumescent Seals & Smoke Seals

These seals expand when exposed to heat, creating a fire-resistant barrier around the frame.

Anti-Tamper Exit Hardware

Ideal for schools and industrial buildings, these systems prevent unwanted use while still guaranteeing emergency operation.

When Is It Time to Replace or Upgrade Old Fire Exit Doors?

Fire exit doors require routine inspections, and there are several warning signs that your system is no longer compliant or safe:

1. Warping, Rust or Corrosion

Metal damage can weaken the door structure and affect its ability to close properly.

2. Sticking or Hard-to-Operate Hardware

Push bars, bolts, or hinges that no longer work smoothly can delay evacuation — a serious risk in an emergency.

3. Gaps Around the Door Frame

Gaps allow smoke and flames to spread. This indicates failing seals or structural issues.

4. Damage to the Door Leaf or Frame

Dents, holes, or impact damage reduce fire resistance and security.

5. Outdated or Non-Compliant Hardware

Many older buildings still use hardware that no longer meets modern standards.

6. Frequent False Alarms or Door Misuse

If a fire exit door is constantly used as a general access door, an upgrade to a more robust, tamper-proof design may be required.

If your fire exit doors show any of these signs, it’s crucial to arrange a professional assessment.

Fire Exit Door Installation, Repairs & Servicing Across the North West

UK Doors & Shutters provide complete fire exit door solutions for commercial and industrial buildings. Our services include:

• Fire Exit Door Installation

Fully compliant installations tailored to your building’s layout, fire safety plan, and usage requirements.

• Fire Exit Door Repairs

From damaged frames and faulty panic hardware to hinge replacements and door realignments — we restore your fire exit door to full safety compliance.

• Fire Exit Door Servicing & Maintenance

Regular servicing ensures smooth operation, compliance with British Standards, and reliable performance in the event of an emergency.

We support businesses across Bolton, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Bradford, and Blackpool, providing fast response and expert workmanship.

Book Your Fire Exit Door Installation or Service Today

Ensure your building complies with UK fire safety regulations — and keep your staff and visitors safe.

Book your free site survey or schedule servicing today — call 0800 102 6136.
Emergency repairs available across the North West.

UK Doors & Shutters proudly install, service, and repair Fire Exit Doors for commercial and industrial buildings.

UK Doors and Shutter we specialise in the supply and fit of high quality security shutters, roller shutters and garage roller shutters. We have a dedicated servicing division for all roller shutters & all types of doors.To book your service online and to get a free no obligation quotation 01204 918 991