Achieving Fire Door Compliance for 26 Alexandra Road, Epsom

Project Overview

Location: 26 Alexandra Road, Epsom

Project Type: Fire Door Inspection, Maintenance, and Replacement

Property Type: Residential Care Facility for Disabled Children

Project Duration: 4 weeks

Scope of Works:

The project involved assessing and rectifying fire doors on-site after discrepancies were identified from a third-party installation. Vanguard’s focus was to evaluate each door against its primary test evidence, develop a detailed plan for remediation where repairable, and replace doors that could not be repaired—all while ensuring full compliance with UK fire safety regulations.

Challenges Identified

  1. Pre-Existing Issues:
    • The fire doors were installed using blanks only, with missing hardware, seals, and improper gap tolerances.
    • The initial belief was that all fire doors required replacement—a costly and time-consuming process.
  2. Compliance and Evidence:
    • Obtaining the Field of Application (FoA) was crucial to ensure all remediation works followed tested and approved methods.
    • “Ensuring compliance with such stringent regulations required us to leave no room for error,” said Dan Roberts, Vanguard’s Director.
  3. Client Concerns:
    • The client expressed frustration over the previous contractor’s non-compliant installation and was under pressure to ensure swift project turnaround.
    • The client feedback highlighted:

      I had very few if any concerns going into the project. This was largely due to the excellent customer service demonstrated by the Director (Dan Roberts) taking a very hands on approach and talking us through the proposed works and timescales for completing those works.

  4. Unforeseen Challenges:
    • On removing architraves, Vanguard discovered inadequately constructed apertures around some door frames, requiring immediate and creative solutions to maintain project timelines.

Solutions Implemented

  • Comprehensive Fire Door Assessment:
    • Vanguard meticulously reviewed the primary test evidence provided for the doors. This allowed them to confidently develop a plan of action without resorting to full door replacements.

    “The fire doors in our property required significant work in order to ensure that they met regulations and the recommendations set forth in our Fire Risk Assessment.”

  • Targeted Remediation and Installation:
    • Where repair was possible, Vanguard installed the required components:
      • Intumescent seals
      • Fire-rated hinges
      • Door closers
      • Correctly adjusted gaps
    • Firestopping was applied around frames to ensure full compartmentation integrity.
  • Client Collaboration and Proactive QA:
    • Vanguard worked closely with the client throughout, offering clear communication and regular updates.
    • Vanguard’s Director, Dan Roberts, personally visited the site to perform quality assurance checks.

    “I was particularly impressed that Dan visited the site on two occasions to check the quality of the work undertaken,” the client noted.

Key Project Milestones

  1. Client Enquiry (5th Nov 2024): Vanguard received the initial enquiry and mobilised immediately.
  2. Site Visit (6th Nov 2024): A thorough site assessment was conducted to understand the scope and challenges.
  3. Phase 1 (25th Nov 2024): Repairs commenced on existing fire doors that were deemed compliant after remediation.
  4. Phase 2 (12th Dec 2024): Non-repairable doors were replaced with fully certified fire doors.
  5. Final Handover (13th Dec 2024): The Regulation 38 project pack was delivered, documenting all works completed for future compliance.

Results and Outcomes

  1. Compliance Achieved:
    • All fire doors were brought into full compliance with the Field of Application (FoA) and UK regulations.
    • The client now has a complete set of functioning fire doors with certified components.
  2. Cost Savings:
    • Vanguard’s expertise saved the client 60% of the initial expected budget by avoiding unnecessary full replacements.
    • The project was delivered within the client’s timeframe, ensuring minimal disruption.
  3. Enhanced Fire Safety:
    • Full compartmentation integrity was reinstated, significantly improving the safety of the facility’s residents and staff.
    • Residents requiring critical care were able to safely move into the building following the works.
  4. Client Satisfaction:

    “The works to the doors were completed quickly and professionally. Vanguard gave me complete confidence that the work was being done correctly from start to finish.”

Client Feedback

  • Initial Problem:“The fire doors required significant work to ensure they met regulations and the recommendations from our Fire Risk Assessment.”
  • Concerns Going In:“I had very few concerns thanks to Vanguard’s excellent customer service and clear explanations provided from the start.”
  • Positive Outcomes:“We now have a fully compliant set of fire doors with intumescent strips, fire-rated hinges, and closure mechanisms. I was particularly impressed by the quality checks and the professional manner in which the works were carried out.”
  • Recommendation:“Yes, definitely! I am now entering into a contract with Vanguard to service our fire doors going forwards.”

Conclusion

Vanguard Fire Protection successfully delivered a compliant, cost-effective solution for Enhanceable at 26 Alexandra Road. By combining technical expertise, rigorous quality assurance, and clear communication, Vanguard reinstated the fire safety integrity of the property while saving the client significant costs.

This project not only demonstrates Vanguard’s capability to solve complex fire door issues but also underscores their commitment to delivering exceptional value and building lasting partnerships.

Future Opportunities: The client has since invited Vanguard to manage their passive fire protection assets across all sites, ensuring ongoing compliance and peace of mind.

Take control of your building’s fire safety.

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