Part time fire doors

[riless180]

Hi guys. I was always told there's no such thing as a stupid question so here goes!!!

I work for a social landlord who manages a traditionally built high rise residential tower block 19 storeys high. No active detection. Sprinklers fitted ground floor bin rooms only. Concierge 24/7 who conduct daily fire safety checks.
BUT the block suffers from part time fire doors.
The design characteristics of the block is a central single staircase which serves each floor with the communal landings that encompass and serve the dwellings. The windows are original and of a poor standard. The block is due a total refurb in 12months time. However when there is an increase in wind pressure the fire doors relinquish their duties. No amount of adjustments to closers or even replacments appear to make a difference.
Has anyone encountered similar?? Any ideas of products that spring to mind for a short term cost effective solution??

Regards Phil...

[jokar]

With the not so stupid question comes another, do the doors swing both ways?  If not could you put a stop on the frame to alleviate the problem!

[riless180]

 Afraid not. Doors swing in one direction.

[nearlythere]

Where are the fire doors in question? Are they between the landings and stairway?

[riless180]

both stairwells and landings affected. Not all doors at the same time but its common for 20+ random doors to be affected.

[nearlythere]

And how is the wind getting in?

[Dinnertime Dave]

Is there any reason that stops them from being rehung to swing in the other direction?

or is that a stupid answer to a stupid question?

[Tom Sutton]

We had a job many moons ago when the reverse was the case. If the wind blew in a particular direction you couldn't open the doors as a result of a partial vacuum created by the wind. Maybe its the wind sucking and not blowing is the problem.

[CivvyFSO]

How about fitting a standard door lever/handle and latch? No need for a locking mechanism, just a standard handle just as is fitted on any normal internal door. Maybe something more heavy duty though.

[Growler]

I had problems with a similar issue in a new care home. Whenever an external door opened so did the Kitchens fire door. It was resolved by a small gadget screwed to the top of the door frame.  Inside is a small piston which keeps pressure on the door by way of a small wheel. The whole thing is about six inches in length. I have since seen them used in a tower block where drying rooms are provided that are open to the elements and create a lot of draught throughout the premises.