Introduction
Fire doors are more than just another feature in a building’s specification. They are critical safety assets, designed to contain fire and smoke, protect escape routes, and ultimately save lives. For developers, local authorities, and facilities managers, ensuring these doors are compliant and reliable is not simply a matter of regulation — it is a matter of responsibility.
At Guardian Shield Doors, we believe that every stage of a fire door’s lifecycle is as important as the next. From initial design consultations to installation and long-term maintenance, our approach ensures that safety, quality, and compliance remain at the forefront.
In this article, we explore the full workflow — from design to doorframe — to demonstrate how Guardian Shield Doors delivers bespoke, fully certified fire door sets tailored to social housing, public sector, and commercial builds.
Step One: The Design Stage
The design phase is where the groundwork for safety and compliance is laid. No two projects are the same, and that is why Guardian Shield Doors adopts a tailored approach.
Whether working on a new-build housing development, a public sector refurbishment, or a large-scale commercial project, we begin by understanding:
- The client’s requirements
- The building’s intended use
- Regulatory frameworks applicable to the site
- Aesthetic considerations, including finishes and styles
Example – Social Housing Development
For a recent housing association project, the brief was to design fire doors that would blend seamlessly with modern apartment interiors while providing maximum fire resistance. The solution required a balance between durability for high-traffic areas and finishes that complemented the visual appeal of the living space. By consulting directly with architects and facilities teams, we were able to propose a bespoke range of timber fire doors that met both safety and design goals.
Design Tools & Expertise
Our design process involves detailed CAD modelling, digital specifications, and close collaboration with clients. Every element — from door leaf thickness to intumescent strip placement — is considered to ensure compliance with British Standards (BS 476 Part 22 and BS EN 1634-1).
Step Two: Precision Manufacturing
Once the design is finalised, Guardian Shield Doors brings it to life through precision manufacturing.
With over 20 years of expertise, our British-based production facilities use a combination of traditional craftsmanship and advanced technology to create doors that are not only robust but also consistent in quality.
Key Manufacturing Processes:
- Timber Selection: Sustainable, high-quality timber is chosen to ensure strength and longevity.
- Core Construction: Each fire door core is engineered to resist fire and smoke for its rated duration (30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes).
- Finishing Options: From veneer and laminate finishes to paint-ready surfaces, clients are offered complete flexibility.
- Quality Control: Every unit undergoes strict checks to ensure it matches the design specifications and meets testing standards.
Example – Commercial Office Build
For a multi-storey office development in London, Guardian Shield Doors manufactured over 200 bespoke door sets, all tailored to meet varying fire ratings across different levels of the building. The consistency of manufacturing was crucial in ensuring smooth installation across the site, saving contractors both time and costs.
Step Three: Hardware Integration
A fire door is only as effective as its weakest component. That is why Guardian Shield Doors provides complete door sets, including certified hardware.
Certified Ironmongery Options:
- Frames designed for secure fitting
- Hinges tested under heat and load stress
- Handles engineered for both durability and ease of escape
- Closers to guarantee correct closing action every time
- Intumescent seals that expand under heat to block smoke and flames
By integrating hardware at the manufacturing stage, Guardian Shield Doors ensures that every component is tested as part of a system rather than as an isolated element. This holistic approach is vital for certification and compliance.
Example – Public Sector Refurbishment
In a recent hospital refurbishment, hardware selection was a key consideration. Doors required accessibility features for patients and staff while also meeting stringent fire safety standards. By supplying fully integrated door sets, Guardian Shield Doors simplified the project management process, ensuring the hospital achieved compliance without compromising functionality.
Step Four: Professional Installation
Even the most advanced fire door set can underperform if it is not installed correctly. Guardian Shield Doors’ installation teams are fully trained specialists who ensure every product is fitted in accordance with manufacturer specifications and British Standards.
Our Installation Standards:
- Accurate fitting to prevent gaps that compromise fire performance
- Alignment checks for hinges, seals, and closers
- On-site testing to verify closing mechanisms
- Documentation to support compliance records
Example – Housing Association Upgrade
A housing association required the replacement of over 150 fire doors across multiple residential blocks. With a tight deadline, Guardian Shield Doors coordinated a phased installation programme. Each door was carefully fitted and inspected, and residents were kept informed throughout the process. The result was not only improved safety but also minimal disruption to tenants.
Step Five: Final Handover & Ongoing Support
The handover process is about more than just completing an installation. Guardian Shield Doors provides clients with detailed documentation, certification, and ongoing maintenance plans.
We view handover as the start of a long-term partnership. Fire doors require regular inspection and maintenance to remain effective, and our aftercare services ensure that buildings remain compliant year after year.
Handover Package Includes:
- Certificates of compliance
- Maintenance guidance for facilities teams
- Repair and servicing options for long-term reliability
Example – Commercial Building Compliance Support
For a commercial client, Guardian Shield Doors not only supplied and installed fire door sets but also provided a scheduled maintenance package. This proactive service helped the facilities team pass subsequent fire safety audits with ease.
Case Studies in Action
Social Housing Project – Safety with Style
In a 200-unit social housing development, Guardian Shield Doors delivered fire door sets that combined modern finishes with durability for high-traffic areas. The result was a safe and visually appealing solution that met the housing association’s strict compliance requirements.
Commercial Development – Large-Scale Delivery
A multi-use commercial development required over 500 fire door sets, each with different specifications depending on occupancy type. Guardian Shield Doors managed the process from design to installation, ensuring timely delivery and full compliance.
Public Sector Building – Hospital Refurbishment
Guardian Shield Doors provided specialist door sets for a hospital refurbishment, balancing accessibility and fire safety. With patient safety at the forefront, the project demonstrated our ability to adapt solutions to unique public sector environments.
Why Guardian Shield Doors?
Choosing Guardian Shield Doors means choosing:
- Proven expertise with over 20 years in fire safety
- British craftsmanship supported by advanced technology
- Complete solutions including design, manufacture, hardware, installation, and aftercare
- Commitment to compliance with fully tested and certified door sets
Conclusion
From blueprint to installation, Guardian Shield Doors delivers a complete, end-to-end fire door solution. By combining bespoke design, precision manufacturing, certified hardware, expert installation, and long-term maintenance, we ensure that every door set provides maximum safety and compliance.
For social housing providers, public sector bodies, and commercial developers, working with Guardian Shield Doors means more than just meeting regulations — it means protecting lives and creating safer spaces for communities.
