What Are EXAP Reports – And Why They Matter for Your Steel Doorsets

In today’s fire safety landscape, ensuring that your steel doorsets perform reliably across a wide range of applications is essential. Extended Application reports (EXAPs) play a critical role in making that possible—giving you flexibility in design while maintaining strict compliance.

This article explains what EXAPs are and why they’re so valuable for your projects.

Understanding EXAP (Extended Field of Application)

EXAP stands for Extended Field of Application. It is a recognised method within BS EN fire resistance standards that allows the performance of a tested doorset to be applied to a broader range of sizes, configurations, or component variations.

Rather than testing every possible variation of a steel doorset, EXAP uses validated fire-test data to predict how similar designs will perform—provided they meet strict criteria.

For steel doorset manufacturers and their customers, this means:

Doors can perform as required across different sizes and configurations
Greater flexibility without compromising safety

EXAP reports in the UK typically follow the BS EN 15269 series and cover fire resistance and smoke control for doors, shutters, and openable windows.

Why EXAP Is More Important Than Ever

Following the Hackitt Report and updates to Approved Document B, fire safety compliance has become more rigorous and evidence-driven.

Today, extending fire test results is only permitted through:

Direct Application (DIAP), or
Extended Application (EXAP)

Additionally, all performance must be classified under BS EN 13501-2 and verified by Approved Bodies.

For customers, this provides:

Confidence in fire safety compliance
Assurance that every variation is backed by recognised standards

Reducing Delays and Increasing Efficiency

Without EXAP, every variation in size, hardware, or configuration could require separate fire testing—leading to delays, added costs, and project uncertainty.

With EXAP in place, you benefit from:

Reduced project delays by covering variations without additional testing
Faster specification and approval processes
Greater confidence during procurement and installation

For contractors and designers, this can significantly streamline delivery timelines.

Supporting the ‘Golden Thread’ of Information

New building safety regulations are placing increasing emphasis on maintaining a “golden thread” of accurate, accessible fire safety information throughout a building’s lifecycle.

EXAP contributes directly to this by ensuring that all performance data is:

Verified
Consistent
Clearly documented

This helps you:

Maintain the golden thread of information for clear, auditable project documentation
Demonstrate compliance at every stage—from design through to handover and beyond

Building Confidence in Design and Compliance

EXAP reports don’t just support compliance—they reduce risk.

For architects, contractors, and developers, they help address concerns around:

Design liability
Insurance requirements
Long-term performance assurance

By using EXAP-backed steel doorsets, you gain:

Confidence that your fire doors will perform as intended
A reliable route to meeting Approved Document B requirements

Conclusion

EXAP reports are a cornerstone of modern fire safety for steel doorsets. By enabling tested performance to extend across multiple configurations, they provide the flexibility projects demand—without compromising on safety or compliance.

For our customers, that means simpler specifications, fewer delays, and complete confidence in both performance and documentation.

For further information about our steel fire-rated doorsets and what we can do for you, please get in touch: