Explore this post with your favourite AI tool:
Share this article with AI tools to summarise, remember, or explore the content further.
A fire door can look perfectly sound and still have defects that affect its performance. A closer that stops short, an unsuitable replacement lock or an excessive gap can compromise the protection it is designed to provide.
In our previous blog, we explained why fire door inspections are vital. Here, we take a closer look at the technical checks involved and why the details matter.
- Checking the complete fire door assembly
Fire doors help maintain compartmentation and are designed to restrict the spread of fire and smoke. They help protect escape routes and support the building’s fire strategy.
That protection depends on the complete assembly, including the door leaf, frame, glazing, seals and hardware. Inspectors consider how these components work together and whether the assembly is appropriate for its location.
Common designations include FD30 and FD60, referring to 30 and 60 minutes of fire resistance under specified test conditions. An ‘S’ suffix indicates additional smoke control performance. These ratings depend on the correct specification, installation and maintenance and are not a guaranteed safe waiting time during a fire.
- Measuring gaps around the door
Clearances are a critical part of an inspection. Excessive gaps can allow smoke and hot gases to pass through, while insufficient clearance can cause the door to bind and prevent it from closing.
For many timber fire door assemblies, the gap at the head and vertical edges is typically 2–4mm. The correct tolerance must be checked against the manufacturer’s instructions and supporting evidence for that particular assembly.
The threshold also needs separate consideration. Where cold smoke control is required, guidance commonly calls for a gap no greater than 3mm unless a suitable threshold seal is fitted, subject to the assembly’s specification. A larger clearance permitted for a door without smoke control should not simply be applied to a smoke control door.
- Understanding intumescent strips and smoke seals
Intumescent strips – which are heat-reactive safety seals fitted around the edges of fire doors or door frames to block fire, heat and smoke – expand when exposed to heat, helping to seal the gap between the door and frame. Cold smoke seals restrict smoke leakage before the heat needed to activate the intumescent material develops. Both functions can be provided by a combined seal.
During a fire door inspection, inspectors will check the required seals for damage, missing sections and correct positioning. Their type, dimensions and arrangement must suit the door’s specification. Replacing a damaged strip with a product that looks similar does not establish compatibility.
Older flat entrance doors need careful assessment, especially. Government guidance makes clear that an absence of modern seals or certification does not, by itself, mean an existing door is unsuitable. Its adequacy must be considered through the fire risk assessment.
- Testing self closing devices
Where a self-closing device is required, the door must close fully into its frame without assistance and engage the latch where fitted. Inspectors test operation from different opening angles, including a small angle where the closer has less movement available.
Dragging on flooring, misaligned latches and poorly adjusted closers can prevent effective closure. Double doors may also need a closing sequence device so the leaves close in the correct order. Where an approved hold-open system is fitted, its release and the door’s closing action also need checking.
- Examining hinges locks and other hardware
Door furniture and associated ironmongery, must be suitable for the particular door assembly. This includes hinges, locks, latches, handles and closers, together with accessories such as letterplates and viewers.
An inspection checks for loose or missing fixings, wear, damage and unsuitable alterations. Where the specification requires intumescent protection around hardware, that protection must also be considered. Simply fitting an item described as ‘fire rated’ does not establish that it is compatible with the door.
- Assessing glazing the leaf and the frame
A glazed fire door relies on a suitable glazing system, including the glass, retaining beads, fixings and seals. Cracked glass, loose beads or inappropriate replacement glazing can compromise performance.
Inspectors also look for splits, warping, impact damage and unapproved holes or alterations in the leaf and frame. The frame’s connection to the surrounding wall matters too. Concealed installation details may require further investigation beyond a visual inspection and the inspection report should make any limitations clear.
- Keeping inspections and maintenance up to date
Fire door inspection arrangements should reflect the fire risk assessment, door usage, condition and applicable legal requirements. Busy doors may need more frequent attention and faults should be reported and addressed promptly.
In England, blocks of flats with a top storey more than 11 metres above ground level have very specific requirements. Communal fire doors must be checked at least every three months and Responsible Persons must use best endeavours to check flat entrance fire doors at least annually.
These routine checks are distinct from a detailed technical inspection. Government guidance says appropriately instructed staff can carry out the basic checks but ‘specialist assessment is needed where suitability or more complex defects require investigation’.
How can Acorn Safety Services help?
At Acorn Safety Services, our fire door inspections assess the condition and operation of doors and identify defects that could affect their performance. We examine the door and frame, seals, glazing, hardware, closing action and clearances.
We then provide a report setting out our findings and recommendations for improvements or repairs, helping you understand what needs attention. We can also support your wider fire safety arrangements through fire risk assessments and fire compartmentation surveys.
To discuss your building or arrange a fire door inspection, call Acorn Safety Services on 01604 930380 or visit our fire door inspections service page. Alternatively, use the online form to obtain your free quotation.
