Find out more about our expertise here

The importance of window and door maintenance for fire safety

February 23, 2018 Steve Sherbourne

When it comes to window and door safety in the event of a fire, there are two main elements to consider: preventing it from spreading, and having a suitable escape exit plan. Getting your property’s doors and windows serviced regularly ensures they remain in optimum condition to provide a safe environment for the public.

Fire doors

Fire doors are specially constructed to be robust and slow down the spread of fire, limiting the damage to the property and giving occupants more time to escape safely. They should be kept closed at all times to create a barrier between the fire and the rest of the building. It’s recommended that fire doors are inspected at least every six months, depending on usage and the type of building, to ensure they are structurally sound. Regular maintenance checks keep your doors as strong as possible, for example repairing any wear on hinges which could damage their integrity.

Emergency exits

Emergency exits in public buildings provide an extra route for occupants to evacuate through in the event of a fire, and alternative route should the main exit be obstructed. Servicing emergency exits will ensure there are no alignment issues or problems with the panic bars which could prevent them from opening smoothly and easily in an emergency.

Escape windows

Regular maintenance servicing to your windows will ensure you’re meeting the current building regulations that apply to your property, for example whether or not you’re required to have escape windows suitable for a person to fit out of in the event of a fire. It will also help keep the window frames as strong as possible, decreasing the likelihood of them bending in a fire and breaking the glass panels, as falling glass can be a real danger.

What we do

We inspect and repair a variety of types of doors and windows to keep your property safe, and ensure you’re providing a safe building for others to use. Regular maintenance will also extend their working life and help you avoid any unnecessary emergency call out charges.

Our commercial door maintenance and servicing includes checking: glass for signs of damage, door alignment, hinges and pivots amongst many other things. Our preventative window maintenance and servicing includes checking: window handles, cylinders and glass.

Contact us to find out more about the high-quality services we provide throughout Oxfordshire.

This June Windrush installed 39 Pvcu windows to our student accommodation block at Rewley Abbey Court. The work required them to install the windows while residents were in occupation, some with young children. Windrush carried out a full risk and method statement and appraisal to carry out the works in a safe manner with multi-occupation to consider. Full scaffolding and access booms were used with everything being alarmed and fenced off with appropriate signage in place. The Windrush team involved had all the necessary accreditation holding CSCS cards, asbestos awareness trained, CRB checked etc. The windows were as per our requested specification with Windrush being the most competitive out of the competition. The College are very pleased with all aspects of the work carried out and will be using Windrush on our future projects.

Steve Williams, Buildings and Estates

Green Templeton College, Oxford

Windrush have installed new pvcu patio doors in the residents homes on site. The window installers being friendly and polite and having a nice demeanour and getting on well with the residents. The work was carried out in a professional manor with their work being clean and tidy all with an insurance baked guarantee. I would have no hesitation in recommending them to others.

Alex Jordan, Site Manager

Swinbrook Court, Langdale Gate, retirement and sheltered housing, Witney, Oxon

I would just like to say that I was very impressed by the two young men who came to do the windows yesterday, they were very efficient, had impeccable manners and they cleared up after themselves which was a joy.

Windrush serviced two Velux windows and re-glazed with new sealed units, re-glazed a bedroom window with three sealed units, and re-glazed a conservatory upgrading sealed units to “Low E Argon” gas and thermal bar

Emma Sadler

Yew Tree Farm, Abingdon Road

During the School holidays the Windrush team carried out window adaption works for the School. Windrush installed remote window winding equipment to our high level windows that have been a health and safety issue with pupils and staff standing on chairs to open. I can recommend Windrush for their professional approach, competitive pricing and ability to accommodate our requirements during a busy time with many other trades on site. They were willing to change their work schedule to accommodate changing circumstances on site.

Neil Baker, Estates Manager

St Helen & St Katherine School, Abingdon, Oxon

Windrush recently attended our Academy and replaced damaged window hinges and handles with great success. The Windrush Team who carried the work out were very professional with the work being carried out during normal School hours. The Health and Safety aspect being covered with the adoption of measures from their risk assessment and method statement being carried out.

Steve Bryan, Estates Team

The Oxford Academy, Sandy Lane, Oxford

Logo | Windrush Door and Window Services Ltd

"The ongoing repeat business we receive is testament to our hard work and dedication in providing our home and business customers with the best possible window and door solutions, tailored to meet their exact needs. No two jobs are the same and we treat all our customers as valued individuals."
Steve Sherbourne, Managing Director

Contact Us