Intumescent Kit To Suit Codelock

What are intumescent hinge pads?

Intumescent hinge pads are fire-resistant pads that should be fitted behind the hinge leaf on both door and frame side. The intumescent material will expand when exposed to heat to seal fire doors to their frames and prevent the spread of fire. 

Do all fire door hinges need intumescent pads?

Yes, legislation and fire safety regulations require the use of fire-rated doors with intumescent seals, including intumescent hinge pads. Pads ensure the door’s overall fire resistance, which is crucial in providing safe egress routes and preventing the rapid spread of fire.

What is an intumescent?

Intumescent material expands and forms a dense char when heated or is exposed to fire, increasing its volume and decreasing in density. This expansion is called intumescence.

What is the purpose of using intumescent hinge pads?

The primary purpose is to achieve the fire rating of fire doors. When hinges are fitted to fire doors, gaps form around the hinge area that could compromise the door’s ability to resist fire. Intumescent hinge pads seal these gaps, ensuring the door remains effective in preventing the spread of fire and smoke.

Why do I need to fit intumescent hinge pads?

Enhanced fire safety: They help to contain fires, preventing them from spreading rapidly

Smoke and gas protection: Intumescent hinge pads can, after being exposed to heat, prevent smoke and harmful gases from leaking through gaps

Cost-effective: They are an affordable fire safety measure compared to installing full fire-resistant doors or windows

Legislation: Fitting intumescent hinge pads is a legal requirement. Fire door hinge fire test evidence is gained when intumescent hinge pads are fitted

Easy installation: They can be retrofitted into existing doors and frames

What types of doors require intumescent hinge pads?

Intumescent hinge pads are used in fire-rated doors, such as those in commercial, industrial, or residential buildings where fire protection is a priority.  

Who has responsibility to fit intumescent hinge pads?

Our Responsibility: Offer and guide customers through fire door ironmongery legislation and offer tested and accredited fit for purpose products

Your Responsibility: To fit appropriate tested and accredited ironmongery when fire doors are required

Joint Responsibility:  Communicate effectively to ensure correct specification, selection, fitting and maintenance of ironmongery fitted to fire doors. If your not sure, please ask us

“More importantly still, I think you need to examine why you are doing this. You should be doing this because it’s the right thing to do. Not because legislation make you do it.” 

Dame Judith Hackett 

How do Intumescent hinge pads work?

The intumescent material in the pad reacts to the heat of fire and expands to seal gaps between the door and frame, preventing the passage of flames, hot gases, and smoke. 

Are intumescent hinge pads fire rated?

Yes, our intumescent hinge pads are fire-rated and come in various fire-resistance classes. The fire rating will depend on the type of strip and the application. Ratings typically range from 30 minutes to 2 hours of fire protection.  

Strips must be manufactured and tested in accordance with BS476 pt22 and BS EN 1634-1. 

What are the advantages of intumescent hinge pads over traditional fire seals?

The main advantage of intumescent hinge pads is that they are designed specifically for the hinge area of fire-rated doors. Traditional fire seals typically work on the perimeter of a door, but hinge pads address the unique fire risks posed by the hinge gap, ensuring a more comprehensive fire protection solution. 

Do intumescent hinge pads require special handling or storage?

Intumescent hinge pads should be stored in a cool, dry place and protected from damage. They do not require special handling, but care should be taken to avoid exposing them to extreme conditions like heat and moisture prior to installation.