If you’re planning to change your main door in Singapore, it’s important to know what can and cannot be done — especially if your door is fire rated. Fire rated main doors are specially built to slow down the spread of fire and smoke, protecting your home and your neighbours. Because of this, there are rules you need to follow before replacing or modifying them.
Let’s go through what changes are allowed based on your current door frame and renovation condition.
Key Requirement for Fire Rated Door
- Minimum fire rating: Doors must have a minimum fire resistance of 30 minutes, though this can vary based on the location and unit type.
- Install a self-closing device: This is a mandatory component that must be fitted to the door frame to ensure the door automatically closes.
- Install a certified digital lock: A fire-rated digital lock certified to SS 332/EN 1634-1 standards is permissible.
1. Your Existing Door Frame Is a Metal Frame
If your house already has a metal door frame, you can change only the door panel. The metal frame is already fire rated and approved, so replacing just the door leaf is perfectly fine.
This is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to refresh your entrance without breaking the rules.
2. If Your Existing Door Frame Is Wooden and Matches the New Design
If your current door frame is wooden and its design or shape is the same as the new fire rated door frame offered by your supplier, then you can also replace only the door panel.
This way, your new fire rated door will fit properly, maintain its fire protection level, and still comply with Singapore’s safety requirements.
3. If Your Wooden Door Frame Has a Different Design
If your existing wooden frame has a different design or shape compared to the new fire rated door frame, then you cannot just replace the door panel.
In this case, you have two choices:
- Change both the door and frame together using a certified fire rated set that includes the approval sticker and certificate, or
- Replace only the door panel — but note that it will not come with a valid fire rated certificate, which means it will no longer be recognised as an official fire rated door.
Many homeowners are not aware of this rule, so always confirm with your door supplier before making any decision.
4. If Your Home Is Under Renovation and the Entrance Is Hacked Off
If your house is currently under renovation and the entrance wall or frame area has been hacked off, then you can install a new fire rated door and frame together.
This is the best time to upgrade your entrance since both parts can be replaced with a fully certified set that meets HDB & SCDF safety standards in Singapore.
5. If the Door Frame Is Ordered from Another Supplier
Sometimes, homeowners may get the door frame from another supplier but plan to buy the door from us. In this case, it’s important to ensure both parts have the same door frame design or shape.
If they don’t match, the door may not fit well, and it will not pass fire safety certification. In most cases, frames from different suppliers are not identical, so it’s always safer to buy both the door and frame from the same company.
Final Tips Before Replacing Your Fire Rated Door
Before making any changes, always check:
- The supplier provides an SCDF-approved fire rated certificate
- The door and frame design match perfectly
- You keep the fire rated sticker for future inspection or resale
Replacing your fire rated main door in Singapore doesn’t have to be confusing. By following these simple rules, you can ensure your new door looks great, fits well, and keeps your home safe and compliant.