Fire Door Maintenance: How to Stay Compliant and Safe
Fire doors are a vital part of any building’s passive fire protection system. Designed to compartmentalise fire and smoke, these doors play a critical role in slowing the spread of fire and giving occupants valuable time to evacuate safely. However, even the best fire door can fail to perform if it isn’t properly maintained. In this blog, we’ll explore why regular fire door maintenance is essential, what to look out for, and how to stay compliant with safety regulations.
Why Fire Door Maintenance Is Important
Fire doors aren’t just any doors; they’re precision-engineered safety devices. Over time, wear and tear, improper use, or environmental factors can compromise their effectiveness. Without proper maintenance, issues like warped frames, damaged seals, or misaligned hinges can render a fire door useless in an emergency.
Neglecting fire door maintenance not only endangers lives but also puts building owners and managers at risk of non-compliance with fire safety regulations. In many cases, this could lead to hefty fines, legal consequences, or even closure of the premises.
The Legal Side of Fire Door Maintenance
In the UK, fire doors are governed by regulations such as the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Building owners, landlords, and property managers have a legal responsibility to ensure fire doors are fit for purpose and regularly maintained. Failure to do so could result in penalties, including fines or imprisonment in severe cases.
Employing qualified professionals to conduct thorough inspections and carry out necessary repairs is crucial for compliance. Fire door maintenance should always align with the manufacturer’s instructions and relevant fire safety standards.
Key Steps for Fire Door Maintenance
Maintaining fire doors involves more than a quick visual check. Qualified fire door inspectors and installers will take into consideration all of the below points when completing a fire door inspection or remedial works:
Regular Inspections
Conduct regular visual inspections—ideally every six months—to identify obvious damage or wear. High-traffic areas may require more frequent checks.
Keep a record of each inspection to track the condition of fire doors over time.
Check for Proper Functionality
Ensure the door closes fully and latches securely without sticking or needing assistance.
Test the self-closing mechanism to confirm it works correctly.
Inspect Intumescent Seals and Smoke Seals
Check the seals around the door edges for damage, wear, or missing sections. These seals expand in the event of a fire to block smoke and flames.
Replace damaged or missing seals immediately.
Assess the Door Frame and Gaps
Measure the gaps around your door—these should be consistent and no more than 4mm when the door is closed.
Look for any warping or damage to the door frame that could affect the door’s fit.
Examine Hinges and Hardware
Inspect hinges for rust, loose screws, or damage. Use fire-rated hinges as replacements if needed.
Check that door handles, locks, and other hardware are in good working condition and are compatible with fire doors.
Look for Certification Labels
Ensure the fire door’s certification label is intact and legible. This label confirms that the door meets fire safety standards.
Avoid Common Misuses
Never prop open a fire door with wedges or other objects. If a fire door needs to stay open, install an approved hold-open device that releases automatically during a fire.
We provide passive fire protection services across a range of industry sectors, from commercial to residential.
Contact Flux Fire Protection to enquire about our passive fire protection services and how we can help safeguard your property.
How Flux Fire Protection Can Help
At Flux Fire Protection, we specialise in ensuring your fire doors remain in top condition. Our expert team offers comprehensive fire door inspections, maintenance, and repair services to help you stay compliant and safe.
Whether you manage a commercial property, residential building, or industrial site, we provide tailored solutions to meet your needs. Don’t wait until it’s too late—contact us today to schedule a fire door inspection and ensure your building’s safety.
