When planning any kind of renovation or restoration project it’s easy to get swept up with the creative elements which influence the look and feel of your property, so fire safety regulations tend to be low down on the list of considerations. Many homeowners aren’t aware of the strict rules that apply, even to residential properties. When having new windows designed, built and fitted, fire safety considerations need to be front of mind at every step of the way to ensure a smooth and stress-free installation with no hiccups or potentially costly issues down the line.
Because timber is a naturally combustible material, there are a number of things to be aware of when incorporating it into building projects to prevent the risk and spread of fire. With wooden doors and windows, there are various options available which ensure that they are fire retardant both when they are installed and throughout their lifespan. In this guide we’ve shared four key areas to consider to ensure your timber window frames offer sufficient protection against fire now and in the future.
Fire safety consideration with timber window frames
Fire safety technology has advanced significantly in recent years – and treated hardwood window frames pose no additional risk compared with other materials. As timber is a combustible material, it’s still important to be aware of and implement safety considerations to ensure that there are no potential weak spots which could cause a fire or allow it to spread. Frame material choice, selection of glass and the inclusion of additional features all contribute towards enhanced fire safety.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or undertaking extensive restorative or renovation work on a property, you may be familiar with The Building Regulations (2010) article B1 – Fire Safety. In June 2022 these guidelines were amended and updated to include even more stipulations with regards to fire safety in residential properties. Within this additional guidelines are laid out which also specifically relate to fire risk, so it’s important to be aware of these and ensure they are followed alongside best-practice advice.
1/ Proper care and maintenance
As is the case with most external features, timber windows require regular maintenance to ensure that they are functioning properly and continue to offer robust fire protection. Timber windows need slightly more care and attention compared with aluminium or UPVC frames, but it is inexpensive and low-effort.
If your window units are relatively modern, you should receive aftercare advice and recommendations for ongoing maintenance from the manufacturer. These should be followed as closely as possible to ensure that your frames function well and remain in the best possible condition. In general, regular light cleaning and inspection should enable you to easily identify potential issues which could affect fire safety performance such as damage, degradation and visible wear and tear. It’s recommended that you periodically inspect windows yourself, but ideally a professional inspection should be carried out every once in a while to identify and remedy potential fire hazards.
2/ Understanding ‘unprotected areas’
One of the areas of regulation which specifically relates to windows is ‘unprotected areas’ – which are categorised as a side or external wall of a building. The stipulations for unprotected areas include windows, doors and any other openings, and they’re designed to ensure that there are adequate escape routes in the event of a fire. A property can only have so many areas such as this which are permitted to have reduced or even undetermined fire resistance, but the amount permitted and specific allowances will depend on the unique location, configuration and orientation of your property.
For historic or heritage properties, complying with building regulations such as these can become a lot more complex. In these cases it’s always best to request an expert opinion to ensure that all fire safety regulations are understood and prepared for prior to any work taking place.
3/ Ensuring means of escape
Within the most up to date regulations all properties are required to ensure there are emergency escape windows on each floor which can be easily used in the event of a fire. For properties with multiple floors all habitable spaces in all storeys are covered by the regulations. This means that you may need to consider this when making significant changes to your property or altering the size, number or configuration of windows on certain floors. It’s also crucial when renovating or restoring older properties.
For commercial or multiple occupancy properties, certain windows may also need to be incorporated within fire escape plans.
4/ How can timber window frames be protected against fire risk?
Although building regulations are designed to ensure safety and cover most eventualities, there are a number of added features you can opt for to further enhance the fire protection of your windows. For timber in particular there are a variety of options available. Specialist fire-retardant or resistant coatings can be applied to wooden window frames to help protect against and stop the spread of fire. Treatments for wood can come in the form of sprays, paints or varnishes which offer long lasting and robust fire performance. It’s worth noting that these generally won’t continue to deliver for the entire lifespan of your window frames, so they will need to be re-applied over time to ensure they still offer the same level of protection. Coatings requiring a refresh can be identified during a professional maintenance or inspection visit.
Hinges and hardware can also be installed to make windows easier to open and escape from in the event of a fire – these are a particularly good choice for commercial and multiple occupancy properties.
Timber windows covered by fire safety regulations
At Heritage Joinery we specialise in beautiful, high-quality timber window frames and doors designed and manufactured in-house by our experienced craftsmen. As experts in restoration and historic projects, we have an extensive knowledge of the regulations and standard your timber windows will need to be built to depending on your unique requirements and property type. Our timber frame windows are carefully crafted with care and attention to detail, built to stand the test of time.
Get in touch to learn more about fire safety for timber windows or to discuss your upcoming project.
