Fire doors

What to check on a fire door

A quick visual check cannot replace a competent fire-door inspection, but it can help building teams identify damage and escalate problems before the door is relied upon in an emergency.

Start with the complete doorset

A fire door is an assembly: leaf, frame, seals, glazing, ironmongery, fixings and surrounding construction must work together.

Look for certification labels or plugs without removing them
Check that the frame is secure and not visibly distorted
Confirm glazing and beads are undamaged
Do not assume a heavy-looking door is a certified fire door

Watch the gaps and seals

Excessive, uneven or obstructed gaps can undermine performance. Required dimensions depend on the tested doorset and threshold detail.

Look for consistent gaps at the head and jambs
Check intumescent and smoke seals are present, continuous and secure
Report damaged, painted-over or missing seals
Do not trim or pack the door without evidence for the repair

Test closing and latching

Where a self-closer is required, the door should close from different opening angles and engage the latch without assistance.

Remove wedges and report repeated wedging
Check the closer is secure and does not slam
Make sure nothing fouls the leaf
Report loose hinges, handles or latches

General guidance

This article is general information, not legal, fire-engineering or product-design advice. Follow the building fire strategy, current official guidance, tested system evidence and competent professional advice.

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