Why Scientific Measurement of Smoke Containment Matters

Smoke containment is a performance issue — not just a visual one

From laboratory evidence to in-service performance

The regulatory and standards framework relies on smoke-control test evidence for doorsets. As fire safety practice becomes more evidence-led, owners increasingly need better visibility of how installed doors are performing in service — not just how they performed when new.

Product smoke-control testing such as BS EN 1634-3 is used to classify a doorset’s smoke-leakage performance, usually under controlled laboratory conditions.

What can change after installation
Small differences in the complete installed assembly can significantly affect performance. In practice, seals can degrade, gaps can increase, alignment can shift, and maintenance or later alterations can change the result. GOV.UK guidance already focuses on seals, gaps and closure because those details matter.

Where London Quarter adds value
We work alongside inspectors to provide scientific, in-situ evidence that helps clients identify underperforming doors, target remediation and avoid unnecessary blanket replacement.

Fire doors are designed to limit the spread of smoke and are typically tested when new under controlled laboratory conditions.

Buildings are not static.

Over time:

  • Doors and frames move

  • Seals degrade or are altered

  • Installation tolerances vary

  • Ongoing use changes performance

The critical question is not how a door was designed to perform - It is how it performs today, in its actual environment

Smoke leakage is fundamentally an air leakage problem

Smoke passes through:

  • Perimeter gaps

  • Thresholds

  • Interfaces between door, frame and surrounding structure

These leakage paths are often small — but their impact can be significant.

Visual inspection can identify defects, but it cannot quantify:

How much smoke is actually passing through a door set

Why this matters

In most fire scenarios:

Smoke — not flames — is the primary threat to life

Without measurement:

  • Some doors may be replaced unnecessarily

  • Others may remain in service despite potential poor performance

  • Prioritisation becomes subjective

This creates uncertainty for Responsible Persons, managing agents and landlords.

From assumption to evidence

London Quarter provides scientific smoke leakage testing, measuring performance in situ.

This introduces:

  • Objective, quantified data

  • Clear identification of underperforming doors

  • Greater confidence in risk assessment

  • Evidence to support informed, defensible decisions

Working alongside inspections

Fire door inspections remain essential.

They identify:

  • Damage

  • Installation issues

  • Visible defects

We complement this by providing:

Objective measurement of performance

Together, this creates a more complete and robust understanding of fire door performance.

A more targeted and cost-effective approach

Scientific measurement enables:

  • Identification of genuinely underperforming doors

  • Repair-led strategies where appropriate

  • Avoidance of unnecessary full replacement

  • More effective allocation of capital expenditure

Independent and data-led

We do not manufacture, install or repair fire doors.

Our role is to provide:

  • Independent measurement

  • Objective reporting

  • Clear, unbiased evidence

Aligned with the direction of travel in fire safety

Fire safety regulation and industry standards are evolving toward more robust, evidence-based approaches to performance and compliance.

There is increasing focus on:

  • Smoke control

  • Measurable outcomes

  • Demonstrable performance

Scientific measurement provides a forward-looking layer of assurance aligned with this direction of travel.

A more informed standard of assessment

Fire doors are tested when new.

London Quarter measures how they perform in reality.