Getting fire door hold-open devices right in Reading
From the RG1 postcode district outwards, we take on fire door hold-open devices across Reading for homes, blocks and workplaces.
In and around Reading, fire door work covers everything from converted flats to purpose-built blocks of flats. We plan each job around the people who use the building.
Where doors in Reading care homes, schools or offices are being wedged open, a hold-open device is the safe fix. We coordinate with your fire alarm contractor in Reading so every hold-open releases when it should.
Types of hold-open
Electromagnetic door holders are wall or floor magnets wired to the fire alarm. Hold-open closers combine the closer and the hold-open in one unit. Free-swing closers let the door move freely and close it on alarm. Some battery units listen for the alarm sound; these must be suitable for the alarm system and the building. The right choice depends on the door, the alarm and how people use the space.
What you get:
- Assessment of door use and alarm system
- Electromagnetic holders to BS EN 1155
- Record of devices and test results
- Coordination of alarm interface
Rules and responsibilities in Reading
Fire doors in Reading fall under English rules. New and replacement doors are covered by the Building Regulations 2010 and Approved Document B. In workplaces and the common parts of blocks, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, as clarified by the Fire Safety Act 2021, puts the duty on the responsible person to keep fire doors suitable and maintained.
For residential buildings in Reading above 11 metres, regulation 10 of the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 adds checks: communal fire doors at least every three months and best-endeavours checks of flat entrance doors at least every twelve months. Higher-risk buildings of at least 18 metres or seven storeys also come under the Building Safety Act 2022, where works may need approval from the Building Safety Regulator.
Which buildings in Reading need fire door hold-open devices?
Landlords, managing agents, facilities teams and homeowners in Reading can all commission fire door hold-open devices from us. The usual settings are schools and communal corridors, though single doors for offices are just as welcome.
What happens after you enquire
- Survey the doors and the fire alarm arrangement
- Choose device type for each door
- Agree interface work with the alarm contractor
- Fit and commission the devices
- Test release on alarm activation
- Record results and hand over
What does fire door hold-open devices cost in Reading?
If you need a budget figure first, the guide for fire door hold-open devices is £180–£450 per door for the device, excluding fire alarm interface work, ex VAT. We firm that up after a survey, pricing each door separately so you can see where the money goes.
Around Reading
Beyond Reading itself we also cover nearby towns such as Lower Earley (4.8 km), Wokingham and Crowthorne. The service, pricing and evidence are the same wherever you are.
Common questions
Do you work in Reading?
Yes, we take on fire door hold-open devices in Reading and the surrounding area, including Lower Earley and Wokingham. Send your postcode and a few details and we'll come back with survey dates.
Do I need to be there for the survey?
Someone needs to give us access to the doors. For blocks and commercial buildings, a caretaker or site contact is fine; for HMOs and homes, we agree a time with you or your tenants.
Do hold-open devices need the fire alarm?
Hard-wired devices are released by the fire alarm system. Some battery units detect the alarm sound instead; they must be suitable for the building and its alarm.
Is it legal to wedge open a fire door?
Wedging a fire door open defeats its purpose and is likely to breach the duties under fire safety law. A hold-open device that releases on alarm is the safe alternative.