Commercial Fire Rated Windows and Doors
Aluminium Fire Systems (AFS – the trading arm of Fire Windows Direct Ltd) manufacture high-performance commercial fire rated windows and doors. Providing bespoke, certified glazing for architects and building managers across the UK.
Our engineered structural fire-separations (such as fire doors, fire rated glass partitions and fire windows) integrate seamlessly into high-traffic commercial environments. By using narrow-profile aluminium, we deliver the structural performance required by Approved Document B without sacrificing the expansive glazing required for natural light and clear visibility for safe evacuation.
High-Performance Office Fire Doors and Frames
We provide complete office fire door and frame sets. The entire assembly must be tested together to satisfy office fire door requirements. We offer fire rated glass office doors for internal partitions. We also supply fire rated commercial glass doors for main entrances.
Our profiles feature specialised GKF boards or ceramic cooling inserts. These inserts absorb heat to protect the structural integrity of the aluminium. We prioritise EI 60 fire rating and EI 30 fire rating systems. Radiant heat is a major risk. ‘E’ glass stops flames but allows the air on the safe side to reach 180°C. Our EI systems block that heat.
| RATING | STOPS FLAMES? | BLOCKS RADIANT HEAT? | BEST FOR |
|---|---|---|---|
| E (Integrity) | Yes | No | External boundaries >5m |
| EI (Insulation) | Yes | Yes (Cool to touch) | Internal escape routes |
Fire Rated WINDOWS AND DOORS FOR COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS
Verified Compliance & The "Golden Thread"
Under the Building Safety Act, documentation is as critical as the fire door itself. Every delivery includes a comprehensive Compliance Pack to satisfy Building Control and the “Golden Thread” of information. This includes:
- Official UKCA technical testing documentation.
- Full certification for the specific glass and frame assembly.
- Internal production photos verifying the placement of cooling inserts and intumescent seals.
High-Performance Fabrication: The Aluprof MB-78EI & MB-118EI
As a specialist UK manufacturer, AFS uses the Aluprof MB-78EI system for internal partitions and entrance doors. This system is engineered for versatility, allowing us to build bespoke fire door sets and fixed fire glazing that provide clear visibility for safe evacuation while maintaining a fire-safe compartment.
For higher-risk environments or industrial boundaries, we fabricate the MB-118EI system. This allows for massive glazing spans and provides up to EI 120 (120-minute insulation) protection, ensuring structural integrity even under extreme thermal stress.
Our fire rated aluminium windows use the MB 78EI system. It is classified as non-fire propagating (NFP). Our MB 78EI fixed units provide a reliable fire barrier for UK commercial requirements.
The AFS 6-Step Gateway Process
We use the PRINCE2 methodology to manage every project. This ensures quality is verified at each stage.
- Start Up: Initial enquiry and requirements scope.
- Initiation: Project planning and requirement alignment.
- Materials: Procurement of high-grade aluminium and certified fire-rated glass.
- Build: In-house fabrication of frames and door sets.
- Despatch: Final quality checks and documentation preparation.
- Closure: Fast, secure delivery of your commercial fire rated windows and doors to your site.
Commercial Fire Rated Windows and Doors Company
Why Partner with Aluminium Fire Systems?
Buying direct from UK fire rated window and doors manufacturers gives you access to the technical experts manufacturing your systems. Lauren Walker, our Managing Director, oversees the Gateway Process. We track every order from enquiry to despatch.
- Bespoke UK Manufacturing: We fabricate all units in our UK facility, allowing us to work directly from architectural drawings or technical specifications for a precision fit.
- Supply Chain Reliability: We partner with Alimet for window cill pressings. This local supply chain ensures finishing components are fabricated in sync with main production.
- Boundary Protection: We help clients meet the “1-Metre Rule” where external walls must be fire-rated.
- Digital Compliance: Every fire door we ship includes a Digital Compliance Pack, photos of the internal components and test certs linked to your specific serial number.
Aluminium Fire Systems: Fire Rated Windows and Doors Company
Supply-Only Precision or Managed Installation Support
AFS specialises in the high-precision manufacture of commercial fire rated windows and doors.
- Supply-Only: Ideal for contractors and developers. We deliver fully assembled frames and fire doors directly to your site, ready for installation.
- Installation Recommendations: For building managers or clients who require a turnkey solution, we have a network of trusted installers that we can recommend for your project.
FAQs
Commercial Fire Rated Windows and Doors FAQs
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY ABOUT OUR COMMERCIAL FIRE RATED WINDOWS AND DOORS
Sector Experience & Case Studies
Do office doors need to be fire rated?
Office fire doors are required if they are situated on an escape route. Approved Document B states any opening in a fire-separating element must be protected. Our commercial fire rated windows and doors maintain that integrity.
Can fire-rated doors have windows?
Yes, fire rated doors can be fit with vision panels using fire-resistant safety glass. This fire glass is certified as impact-resistant (BS EN 12600). Intumescent strips between the frame and glass swell under heat to block flames.
Do I need FD30 or FD60 fire doors?
Whether you need a FD30 or FD60 fire door depends on your fire risk assessment. Generally, office doors on internal escape routes require EI30 (30-minute insulation). However, stairs, lift shafts and basement areas typically demand EI60. Our Aluprof systems are tested up to EI 120 fire rating for maximum protection in high-risk zones.
What is the difference between fire resistant and fire rated doors?
Fire rated refers to a certified door assembly – including the leaf, frame, hardware and seals – that has been laboratory-tested as a single unit to survive fire for a specific duration (e.g. 60 min fire rating or 90 min fire rating). In contrast, ‘fire resistant’ is the technical description of a material’s capacity to withstand heat and prevent the passage of fire. We use the MB 78EI and MB 118EI systems because they are engineered as fully integrated assemblies, ensuring that the theoretical fire resistance of the materials translates into a dependable, fire rated safety barrier.
How to determine if a door needs to be fire rated?
The best way to determine if a door needs to be fire rated is to consult your fire risk assessment. If a door protects a corridor, it likely needs a rating. We provide full UKCA documentation for external fire rated doors.
What is better, fireproof or fire resistant?
Fire resistant is the correct technical term. While no material is truly 100% ‘fireproof,’ fire-rated systems are engineered to withstand extreme heat and prevent the spread of flames for specific durations. We offer 90 minute fire rated windows and 120 minute fire rated windows to provide a critical window of time for safe evacuation and emergency response.
Can you get a fire rated uPVC window?
In a commercial setting, uPVC is unsuitable. During a flashover event (Flashover is the moment a fire stops being a “fire in a room” and becomes a “room on fire.” Instead of just one object burning (like a couch), the heat becomes so intense that every single thing in the room catches fire at the exact same time). uPVC lacks the structural stability to support fire-rated glass. We exclusively manufacture in aluminium because it maintains its profile shape under intense thermal stress, ensuring the fire-safe barrier remains intact.
What is the difference between fire protective and fire-resistant glazing?
Fire protective glass (E) only stops flames. Radiant heat still passes through. We recommend fire rated glass partitions with EI (Insulation) glass. It keeps hallways cool for safe evacuation.
Are fire-rated windows more expensive?
Yes, fire rated windows are more expensive than standard windows because they require specialised fire-resistant glass, intumescent seals and engineered aluminium frames. These components are essential for legal compliance and life safety.
We are proud of the feedback we receive from our commercial fire rated windows and doors clients across the UK.
We have supported modular office builds with EvaBuild. We also worked with specialists like WDS Ltd.
“The service was spot on.” – Paul Sherlock from WDS Ltd. “The frame quality was excellent.” – Matt Gregory from Matt Gregory Transport Ltd.
NEED FIRE RATED DOORS + WINDOWS FOR YOUR COMMERCIAL BUILDING?
Get in touch
We provide commercial fire rated windows and doors to offices, units and commercial buildings across the UK. For help or to place your order please contact us today by phone on (+44) 121 277 4870, or send us a message via the form on our contact page to discuss your requirements.