Welcome to our knowledge base
Sharing our decades of experience
The Armada Knowledge Base is a continually growing collection of guidance, inspiration and knowledge, in keeping with our goal to make ironmongery simpler!
Installation Guide – FP Lever Handles
Click here to find the installation guide for the FP Lever Handles range
Installation Guide – FST Lever Handles
Click here to find the installation guide for the FST Lever Handles range
What are the fixing options for Pull Handles?
Pull handles are an essential element for operating higher traffic doors. There are several ways that they can be installed –
Care of Stainless Steel ironmongery finishes
Maintaining stainless steel finishes is essential to keep them looking their best and to ensure their longevity.
How do I comply with DDA Opening Forces when fitting door closers?
The opening forces for doors, as specified by the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and now covered under the Equality Act, are designed to ensure accessibility for all users, including those with disabilities.
How does LRV relate to door handles?
Light Reflectance Value (LRV) is a measure of the amount of visible and usable light that is reflected from a surface when illuminated by a light source. It is expressed on a scale from 0 to 100, where 0 represents absolute black (no light reflected) and 100 represents pure white (maximum light reflected)
The difference between Classroom and Anti Barricade Functions
Classroom Function and Anti Barricade Function are two upgrades available on the cylinders that we supply. Both are specialist options for different scenarios but it can be easy to get them confused. Here we set out the differences and when you might need to use them:
Should I fit intumescent lock wraps on fire doors?
We find that, whilst a lot of attention is given to the installation of intumescent hinge pads, fitters can sometimes be less aware of the intumescent requirements of mortice locks. However, when you consider the amount of timber that needs removing from a door to install a mortice lock, you realise how critical this is to fire integrity. As always, we have to go by the fire test evidence, and it’s essential that the lock you are installing has been tested for use in a fire door.
What size intumescent door edge seal should I use
Intumescent door edge seal is a critical component in a fire door. In the heat of a fire, the intumescent material will expand to fill the gap between the door and the frame, thus ensuring the fire integrity of the whole doorset. The longer the door is required to resist the fire, the more intumescent material is needed. Hence there are several different sizes of seal available.
Which fire door sign should I use?
The most common design of fire door sign is a 76mm diameter disc with a blue background and white contrasting text. There are several versions to be used in different situations:
Summary of BS EN 1935 Hinge Gradings
14 Different Grades of single axis door and window hinges are identified in this important European standard.
What is Adjusted Door Weight and how do I calculate it?
When specifying a hinge, it’s critical that you check the weight of the door and ensure that the hinge can carry that weight. However there are some additional factors to consider too. The concept of adjusted door weight refers to the additional strain put on a hinge by these factors.
Can I fit flush bolts on a fire door?
There are several aspects to be aware of, including intumescent protection, length and the material the bolt is made of.
Which way around should I fit my hinges?
You may not be aware that there is a right and wrong here, however ball bearing and concealed bearing hinges should always be fitted a particular way around!
What is the biggest kickplate I can fit on an FD30 fire door?
Many people may not be aware that there are any implications to fitting kick plates to fire doors.
What height should I fit lever and pull handles?
We are often asked by our customers what height they should fit lever handles and pull handles. This isn’t a fire compliance issue but is crucial to accessibility. The subject is covered in the important BS8300 standard – ‘design of an accessible and inclusive built environment’.
Should I fit intumescent pads behind my fire door hinges?
This common question can often cause confusion!
Can I use concealed hinges on a fire door?
Architects and clients often request ‘hidden’ doors on higher specification projects. This generally involves concealed door hinges which are invisible when the door is shut.
What should I consider when fitting hinges to FD30 fire doors?
We often get asked about installing fire door hinges by our customers, and this blog is intended to answer some of the common queries. We will be talking in relation to FD30 fire doors in this article – that is doors that are designed to restrict the spread of fire for a minimum of 30 minutes. If you want to contact us about FD60/90/120 doors please get in touch!
Our experts
are here to help
Our team is here to help you from technical advice to supplying sample finishes etc.