Ascot has more nice front doors than most places we go.
That is partly the problem.
Good-looking doors get fitted in apartment blocks because residents want a smart entrance. Leaseholders swap theirs for something from a catalogue. An interior designer picks an ironmongery set because it matches. None of that has much to do with whether the door will hold back a fire.
Smart apartment blocks
If you run or live in one of these, look at the flat front doors and see if they all match.
If one is different, ask what it is. If it has been changed, ask for the certificate. Often nobody has one.
Decorative door furniture is another one. Hinges, closers and letterboxes all form part of the fire door. Change one for something that is not tested and you may have spoiled the whole door.
Smart locks need a mention too. Fitted by someone who has not thought about it, they mean a big hole cut in the door.
We see all of these. We just record what is there and tell you what needs doing, and we can write that up in a way your board or residents' company will understand.
Care homes and retirement living
Care homes and retirement schemes in this part of Berkshire tend to be well kept. That can hide things. A freshly painted door is a door that may have had its seals painted over.
Paint is a common fault. Intumescent strips and smoke seals do not work if they are covered, and decorators often go straight over them.
We ask to be shown round by whoever is in charge, and we go at the pace of the home.
Race week and hospitality
Hotels, pubs and hospitality venues around Ascot get very busy during the racing. Fire doors get wedged open and staff are rushing. Doors take more of a beating in a week than in the previous three months.
Getting them checked before the busy period makes more sense than after. Tell us your dates and we will work around them.
Which council covers you
Ascot is a bit split. Parts of it are in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead and parts come under Bracknell Forest. Sunningdale is in the Royal Borough too. It is all Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
For the door inspection it does not matter. It only matters for who you might hear from.
Getting to you
We come from Luton, around the M25. It takes about an hour. Ascot jobs often go in with others around Windsor.
Tell us how many doors you have and we will send you a price the same day.
Questions we get asked
Can I have any door I like as long as it is fire rated?
It has to be a certified door set, fitted the way it was tested. The look is up to you within that. Panelled styles need extra care.
Do seals really stop working when painted?
Yes, they can. A painted smoke seal cannot move, and paint can stop an intumescent strip working as it should.
Tell us how many doors you have and we will send you a price the same day.
Get a price