Choose a Doorset Over a Door Assembly

While purchasing a fire doorset may initially seem more costly than buying components separately, it eliminates the margin for error, ensuring that the doorset installed in the project complies fully with certification and building regulations. Often, any initial savings from purchasing components separately can be offset by return site visits or unforeseen costs.

The accurate specification, supply, fitting, and maintenance of a doorset are crucial. It’s not just the door core that determines the doorsets performance; factors like hinges, closers, locks, and latches play equally vital roles. Ironmongery must comply with the door core and possess test evidence to support this. Purchasing components separately necessitates expertise and an understanding of which ironmongery and intumescent materials can be fitted while maintaining fire compliance.

Building regulations, as outlined in Appendix C, mandate that fire doorsets must be tested to standards such as BS 476-22 or BS EN 13501-2 (including BS EN 1634-1, 1634-2, and BS EN 1634-3). Test evidence should adequately demonstrate compliance and apply to the complete installed assembly.

Choosing a complete doorset offers numerous benefits:

• All components are fully certified and compatible.
• Gaps and undercuts are correctly configured.
• The door is flush in the frame and hung accurately.
• Less reliance on on-site joiner expertise.
• Improved door performance.
• Enhanced after-sales support from a single supplier.
• Quicker and smoother installation.
• Typically more cost-effective in the long term.

For compliance with PAS24:2022, purchasing as components would not suffice, as doorsets must be supplied complete (pre-hung in frame with complete ironmongery) and independently tested by a certified accreditation organisation such as UKCAS.

Approved Document Q imposes strict requirements on features like locks, hinges, and glazing for external doors in dwellings to enhance security. Compliance with standards such as PAS 24, STS 201, LPS1175, STS 202, LPS 2081, or equivalents is necessary. Q1 of Approved Document Q mandates reasonable provision to resist unauthorized access, with standards detailed in Appendix B.

If you’re still unsure, speak to the Dorplan team on 01366 386800 or complete the enquiry form on the link below.