Yes, based on the provided information, you can change a fire door without changing the frame.
While you might want to install a new fire door (perhaps one with stylish fire-resistant glass or glazed panels) without upgrading the frame, the reference explicitly states: "While there is nothing legally preventing this, we highly recommend you always replace both your door and frame at the same time."
Legal Considerations
According to the information provided, there is nothing legally preventing you from changing only the fire door leaf and keeping the existing frame. This means from a strict legal standpoint mentioned, the action is permissible.
Why Replacing Both is Recommended
Even though it's not legally required by the source material, it is highly recommended to replace both your fire door and its frame simultaneously.
- System Compatibility: Fire doors are tested and certified as a complete system, which includes the door leaf, the frame, intumescent seals, smoke seals, and hardware. Using a new door leaf with an old frame can compromise the integrity and performance of the fire door system.
- Ensuring Fire Resistance: The frame plays a crucial role in containing fire and smoke. An old or incompatible frame may not effectively seal against the new door, reducing its ability to perform as designed in a fire event.
- Certification Compliance: To maintain the certification and effectiveness of the fire door, it is essential that all components work together seamlessly. Mixing new and old parts can invalidate the system's fire rating.
In summary: While there are no explicit legal barriers mentioned in the reference preventing you from just changing the door, the strong recommendation is to replace the entire fire door system (door and frame) to ensure maximum safety and performance.
