Fire Door Maintenance Guide

Fire doors save lives—but only when properly maintained. This comprehensive guide explains everything Norfolk property owners, landlords, and businesses need to know about keeping fire doors compliant and effective.

Fire Door Components to Check

1. The Door Leaf

Check for:

• Damage: Cracks, holes, or delamination compromise fire resistance. Even small damage can allow fire or smoke through.
• Certification Label: Fire doors should display a certification label (usually on the top edge). Missing labels make compliance verification difficult.
• Warping: Warped doors won't close properly, leaving gaps that allow smoke passage.
• Paint Build-Up: Excessive paint layers can prevent proper closure and seal operation.

2. Intumescent Seals

These strips expand when heated, sealing gaps against fire and smoke. Check they're intact, not painted over, and not damaged or missing. Intumescent seals are fitted into grooves in the door or frame—they should be visible as narrow strips around the door edges. Missing or damaged seals mean the door won't contain fire effectively.

3. Door Closers

Self-closing mechanisms are critical—a fire door left open provides no protection. Test the closer by opening the door to various angles and releasing it. The door should close smoothly and fully latch without slamming or stopping short. Closers need periodic adjustment and eventual replacement as they wear. Stiff or failing closers often get wedged open, negating the door's purpose entirely.

4. Hinges

Fire doors require minimum three hinges (often more on heavy doors). Hinges must be steel or stainless steel—ordinary brass hinges fail in fire. Check all screws are present and tight. Loose hinges cause the door to sag, preventing proper closure and creating dangerous gaps.

5. Latches and Locks

The latch must engage fully when the door closes. Fire doors on escape routes need panic hardware allowing easy exit. Ordinary locks and latches may not provide adequate fire resistance—only use certified fire-rated hardware. Check latches haven't been disabled or taped back to hold doors open.

6. Gaps Around the Door

Measure gaps between door and frame. Maximum permitted gaps: 3mm on the hinged edge, 3mm on top, 8mm on the closing edge, 10mm on the bottom. Excessive gaps allow smoke and fire through, rendering the door ineffective. Gap issues usually indicate sagging hinges, warped doors, or incorrect installation.

Maintenance Schedule

Common Problems and Solutions

Doors Held Open

Problem: Wedges, hooks, or furniture holding fire doors open—extremely common but extremely dangerous.
Solution: Install hold-open devices that release automatically when the fire alarm activates. Never prop fire doors open with makeshift solutions.

Door Won't Close Properly

Problem: Door swings closed but doesn't latch, or stops before fully closing.
Solution: Adjust or replace door closer. If adjustment doesn't work, the closer needs replacing (they have limited lifespan). Check hinges aren't loose causing door to sag.

Damaged Seals

Problem: Intumescent or smoke seals missing, damaged, or painted over.
Solution: Replace seals professionally. This requires routing grooves to correct depth and fitting appropriate certified seals. DIY seal replacement risks incorrect installation compromising fire performance.

Excessive Gaps

Problem: Visible gaps around closed door exceeding permitted limits.
Solution: Tighten hinges if loose. If door has sagged significantly, may need hinge repositioning or door replacement. Excessive gaps usually indicate the door is no longer fit for purpose.

What NOT to Do

• Don't remove self-closers because they're "inconvenient"—they're legally required
• Don't drill holes through fire doors for letter boxes, cat flaps, or cables without professional assessment—you'll compromise fire resistance
• Don't paint over intumescent seals—paint prevents them expanding properly in fire
• Don't replace locks or handles with uncertified hardware—ordinary fittings may fail in fire
• Don't cut fire doors down to fit smaller openings—this destroys their fire resistance

When to Call Professionals

While basic checks can be done in-house, professional inspection is essential:

• Annually for all fire doors (mandatory for HMO licensing)
• After any fire door repairs or alterations
• If you're unsure about door compliance or condition
• For certification required by insurance, licensing authorities, or building control
• When buying or selling properties to verify fire safety compliance

Young's Fire Door Solutions provides professional inspection throughout Norfolk, delivering comprehensive reports identifying issues and remedial requirements. Our FIRAS certification ensures inspections meet industry standards and satisfy regulatory requirements.