The Importance of Fire Door Inspections and Common Issues Found

aldenfireuk
Oct 29
4 min read

Why Fire Door Inspections Are Critical

Fire doors are one of the most essential components of a building’s fire protection system. They are designed to hold back fire and smoke, slow down their spread, and give people valuable time to escape safely. When correctly installed and maintained, they can prevent a small fire from becoming a major disaster.

Despite their importance, fire doors are often neglected. Daily use, wear, and lack of maintenance can cause damage that goes unnoticed until it is too late. Even small gaps or broken seals can allow fire and smoke to spread quickly.

Regular and professional fire door inspections are the only way to ensure that every door continues to perform as designed.

Legal Duties and Fire Safety Compliance

Under the Fire Safety England Regulations 2022 and the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005, building owners, landlords, and responsible persons must ensure that all fire doors are in efficient working condition.

This applies to workplaces, communal areas in residential properties, public buildings, and any non-domestic premises. These laws exist to protect lives and make sure escape routes remain safe during a fire.

If inspections are not completed or maintenance is ignored, the responsible person could face enforcement action or prosecution. More importantly, lives may be placed at risk.

Working with a qualified fire safety consultant ensures that your building remains compliant with current regulations and that every part of your fire door system meets the correct standards.

What a Professional Fire Door Inspection Involves

A professional fire door survey is much more than a quick visual check. It is a detailed inspection carried out by a trained specialist who understands the construction and function of fire doors.

During an inspection, a consultant will assess:

The condition of the door leaf and frame
Certification labels and markings to verify authenticity
The size and uniformity of the gaps around the door, which should usually be between two and four millimetres
The integrity of smoke and intumescent seals
The function of hinges, locks, and door closers
The condition of vision panels and glazing
The presence and accuracy of fire door signage

Each door is checked individually, and the findings are recorded in a clear, structured report. The report highlights any non-compliant doors and provides specific recommendations for repair or replacement.

Common Defects Found During Inspections

Even in modern buildings, it is common to find doors that fail to meet the required standard. Many problems arise because doors have been altered, repaired with the wrong materials, or installed incorrectly in the first place.

Frequent issues include:

Damaged or missing intumescent seals
Gaps between the door and frame that are too wide
Incorrect hinges or hardware that are not fire rated
Faulty or disconnected door closers
Fire doors wedged open or obstructed
Non fire rated glass or panels
Lack of certification labels or incorrect installation

Any one of these defects can render a fire door ineffective in an emergency. Regular inspections ensure that these problems are discovered before they put people at risk.

How Often Should Fire Doors Be Checked

The frequency of inspection depends on how often the doors are used and the type of building. As a general rule:

Fire doors in high-traffic areas should be inspected every six months
In residential or care environments, doors should be checked quarterly
All fire doors should be included in annual fire risk assessments

Regular maintenance and record keeping are essential for long-term safety and compliance.

The Role of a Fire Safety Consultant

A professional fire safety consultant is trained to identify risks that others may overlook. They ensure every fire door meets current standards, and they provide clear advice on how to correct any problems.

Consultants can also support property managers by developing maintenance schedules, keeping inspection records, and training staff to recognise signs of wear or damage.

Their expertise ensures that all inspections are thorough, consistent, and backed by evidence that can be used during audits or insurance reviews.

The Value of Accurate Reporting

A detailed inspection report demonstrates that a building owner or manager is meeting their responsibilities. It shows that doors are being checked, issues are being managed, and safety is being taken seriously. This documentation is valuable in demonstrating full compliance with fire safety legislation.

The Benefits of Regular Fire Door Inspections

Carrying out regular fire door inspections provides clear benefits for both safety and business continuity:

Life safety is improved because escape routes remain protected
Property damage is reduced if fire and smoke are contained
Legal compliance is achieved and maintained
Costs are controlled by repairing issues early
There is clear evidence of proactive management and responsibility

A fire door inspection should never be seen as an optional extra. It is an essential part of an overall fire safety strategy and should be carried out by qualified professionals.

Final Thoughts

Fire doors are the first line of defence in the event of a fire. They save lives, protect property, and help ensure that evacuation routes remain safe. Without regular inspection and maintenance, even the best door can fail when it matters most.

Alden Fire Consultants provides professional fire door inspections and fire door surveys for commercial and residential clients across Essex, London, Kent, Suffolk, and Hertfordshire. Our consultants are experienced, qualified, and dedicated to keeping buildings safe and compliant.

Contact our team today to arrange an inspection and make sure your fire doors are ready to perform when they are needed most.