Fire safety in public sector housing is not just a design consideration, it’s a legal and moral obligation. For local authorities, housing associations, and contractors, ensuring the safety of residents in the event of a fire means carefully selecting building materials that do more than meet the eye.
Windows and doors are critical components of a building’s fire safety strategy. From preventing the spread of flames and smoke to allowing vital emergency access and escape routes, the right specification can save lives.
At Shelforce, we specialise in manufacturing and supplying compliant, high-performance fire-rated doors and a wide range of secure, low-maintenance windows for public sector housing projects. Here, we explore the important role windows and doors play in fire safety, what to look for when choosing fire-rated products, and how to ensure compliance with UK building regulations.
Why do windows and doors matter in fire safety?
In the event of a fire, poorly specified or non-compliant windows and doors can accelerate the spread of smoke and flames, block emergency exits, and compromise the structural integrity of a building. Fire-rated products, by contrast, are specifically designed to:
- Contain fire and smoke for a set period, allowing more time for evacuation
- Provide secure escape routes for residents
- Enable access for fire services
- Help prevent fire from spreading between flats or floors
In residential buildings, especially multi-occupancy ones such as council flats or supported living schemes, the correct use of fire-rated doors and windows is essential to ensuring life safety.
What are fire-rated doors and windows?
Fire-rated windows and doors are designed, tested, and certified to withstand exposure to fire for a specified duration, usually 30 or 60 minutes (FD30 or FD60). This performance is vital for allowing safe evacuation and for containing fires in a specific area.
At Shelforce, our Fireshel fire door meets all current safety standards, including BS EN 1634-1:2014 for fire resistance and PAS 24 for enhanced security. These doors are custom-made, low maintenance, and fully compliant, making them an ideal choice for public housing environments where safety cannot be compromised.
The role of fire doors in local authority housing
Front doors, back doors, flat entrance doors, and communal fire doors are all part of a building’s passive fire protection system. Fire doors from Shelforce are designed not only to delay the spread of fire and smoke but also to meet the rigorous daily demands of public housing. Key benefits of the Fireshel:
- FD30 rated: Withstands fire and smoke for at least 30 minutes
- PAS 24 security certified: Protects against forced entry
- Low maintenance: Resilient materials require only basic cleaning and minimal upkeep
- Energy efficient: Contributes to improved EPC ratings
For residents, that means improved home security, greater peace of mind, and a door that works for them in everyday life, not just in emergencies.
How do windows support fire safety?
While fire doors are designed to contain fire, windows play a vital role in supporting escape, ventilation, and emergency access. In some housing types, especially ground-floor flats, windows may serve as a secondary means of escape.
High-quality windows from Shelforce are built with safety in mind. Our casement windows and aluminium windows, for instance, are strong, secure, and available with a variety of security features that meet or exceed PAS 24 standards.
Are your current windows and doors fire-safe?
Regular maintenance and inspection are just as important as correct installation. Damaged seals, broken hinges, or incorrect fitting can all compromise fire performance. For public sector housing teams, it’s crucial to:
- Conduct regular fire risk assessments
- Schedule inspections of all fire doors
- Replace or repair non-compliant or damaged products
- Specify only certified fire-rated products for replacements
Installing new windows or external doors? Now is the time to review fire compliance.
Benefits of upgrading to new uPVC windows and doors
Replacing older, worn-out doors and windows doesn’t just improve fire safety, it delivers a host of long-term benefits for both residents and landlords. Shelforce’s range of new uPVC windows and doors offer:
- Improved energy efficiency: A+ rated options help reduce heat loss and heating costs
- Enhanced security: Strong, impact-resistant materials with secure locking
- Low maintenance: No painting, peeling, or warping
- Modern design: Improve kerb appeal and living comfort
- Better sound insulation: Reduce noise in high-density areas
Our uPVC casement windows and double glazing options are particularly popular for home improvements in social housing. They’re cost-effective, durable, and easy to install with minimal disruption to tenants.
How do trade windows and doors support large-scale compliance?
When managing multiple properties or entire housing portfolios, consistency is key. That’s where trade windows and fire doors from Shelforce offer exceptional value.
By working with a single specialist supplier, local authorities can benefit from:
- Simplified procurement processes
- Faster turnaround times
- Assurance of full product compliance
- Products built for public sector durability
Our factory in Birmingham is geared specifically for public sector and local authority contracts. That means we understand the specific challenges and priorities that housing managers face.
Why choose Shelforce for fire doors and compliant windows?
With decades of experience working on public housing projects, we know what matters most, safety, reliability, and compliance. Every Shelforce product is made to specification, tested for performance, and installed with expert precision.
We supply FD30 fire doors for flats and communal areas, high-security front doors and back doors and energy-efficient uPVC and aluminium windows.
Whether you’re replacing one door or refitting an entire block, we’ll help you deliver results that meet your obligations and exceed expectations.
Key takeaways
- Windows and doors are crucial to fire safety in public sector housing, affecting containment, escape, and compliance
- Fire-rated doors like those from Shelforce offer 30-minute protection and full UK certification
- Windows must also support emergency escape and secure ventilation
- New uPVC windows and doors offer benefits beyond safety, including energy efficiency, noise reduction, and low maintenance
- Choosing a trusted trade supplier like Shelforce ensures quality, speed, and full compliance with current regulations
Ready to improve fire safety across your housing stock?
At Shelforce, we manufacture fire doors and secure windows that are tailor-made for the demands of public sector housing. Whether you’re specifying a new build project or planning upgrades, we’re here to help.
Contact our expert team today to discuss your requirements or request a quote. Let us help you build safer homes, for today and the future. Get in touch with Shelforce today to specify compliant, secure and future-ready fire doors and windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are fire doors mandatory in flats?
Yes. Building regulations require that flat entrance doors in buildings with multiple dwellings are fire-rated to at least FD30 and fitted with self-closing devices.
Can windows be used as fire exits?
In some homes, particularly ground-floor dwellings, certain windows must function as escape windows. They must meet minimum size and opening regulations.
What maintenance do fire doors require?
All fire doors should be checked regularly for damaged seals, working closers, and secure hinges. Minor damage can compromise performance.
