Fire Rated Metal Door Documentation: What Architects Need

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Fire rated metal door documentation is the set of test certificates, drawings, and installation details that proves a door meets the fire resistance period required by your project. For architects, it should be requested before ordering, so the door, frame, hardware, and fixing method can be verified against the approved fire strategy.

Why documentation matters for fire rated doors

A fire rated door is only as good as the evidence behind it. Building authorities and fire engineers need to see that the door assembly, not just the leaf, has been tested or assessed for the required fire resistance period. Without clear documentation, an inspection can stall handover even when the product on site looks correct.

For architects, documentation also protects the design. It shows that the chosen door, frame, seals, and hardware work together as a tested system, which is the basis for the fire strategy drawings submitted to the authorities.

Documents to request from the manufacturer

Before approving a fire rated metal door, ask the manufacturer for a complete documentation pack. A typical pack includes:

Test reports or assessment reports for the complete door assembly
Declared fire resistance period and smoke control performance, where relevant
Shop drawings showing frame profile, leaf construction, and gaps
Hardware list with the tested or approved fire rated items
Installation details, including fixing and wall type

Check that the reports match the exact configuration you specified, including size, glazing, and hardware.

How to check the drawings against your fire strategy

Compare the manufacturer's shop drawings with your fire strategy and door schedule. Confirm the required rating, the door position, the direction of opening, and whether the door is a fire exit or a fire-separating element. Look at the gaps around the leaf and the intumescent seals, since small deviations can affect performance.

Any change made during production, such as a different glass panel or an altered frame, should be reviewed and documented again before installation.

Specifying fire rated metalwork clearly

A clear specification prevents most documentation problems. Write the required fire resistance period, the test standard that applies in Israel, and the requirement for a complete tested assembly rather than a loose leaf. State the frame material, the seal type, the hardware class, and the finish.

Ask the manufacturer to confirm in writing that the supplied product matches the tested configuration. Keep this confirmation in the project file together with the certificates.

Installation and site records

Documentation does not end at delivery. The installation must follow the tested fixing method, including wall construction, fixing spacing, and sealing of the perimeter. Photograph the installation before the wall is closed, and record the door reference, the location, and the installer's details.

These site records, combined with the factory documents, give the authority and the building owner a complete trail from design to completion.

Keeping the documentation for the building file

Store all fire documents in the project handover file. This should include certificates, approved drawings, the hardware list, installation records, and maintenance instructions. Maintenance matters because self-closing devices, seals, and gaps must stay in good condition for the rating to remain valid over the life of the building.

Provide the building manager with a short guide explaining how to inspect and maintain each fire rated door.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most important document for a fire rated metal door?

The test or assessment report for the complete door assembly is the most important document. It proves the fire resistance period for the specific configuration supplied.

Can I use a fire rated leaf with a standard frame?

Not unless the combination has been tested or assessed together. Fire performance depends on the whole assembly, so the leaf, frame, seals, and hardware should be documented as one system.

When should I request the fire documentation?

Request it before placing the order, during the design or tender stage. This lets you confirm the product meets your fire strategy before production begins.

Do I need to keep the documents after handover?

Yes. Keep the documents in the building file, since authorities and future inspections may ask for them, and maintenance records help keep the rating valid.

Common mistakes to avoid

Accepting a generic certificate that does not match the exact door configuration is a common error. Also avoid changing glass, hardware, or frame details during production without updating the documentation.

Our recommendation

Request the complete documentation pack at the design stage and check it against your door schedule before approving the shop drawings. Have your fire engineer review the reports for the exact configuration you specified.

Summary

Fire rated metal door documentation proves that the complete assembly meets the required fire resistance period. Gather the certificates, approved drawings, and installation records early and keep them in the building file.

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