Fire doors are a critical component of any building’s passive fire protection system. Unlike standard doors, they are engineered to save lives and protect property by compartmentalizing fire and smoke.
However, a fire door is only effective if it is correctly installed and regularly maintained. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about fire door inspections in 2024.
How Often Should Fire Doors Be Inspected?
Under the Fire Safety Act 2021 and subsequent regulations, building owners and responsible persons face stricter guidelines regarding fire door safety.
- Every 6 Months: The general recommendation for most commercial buildings is a professional inspection every six months.
- High-Traffic Areas: Doors in busy corridors, hospitals, or schools may require more frequent checks (every 3 months or even monthly).
- Residential Buildings over 11m: For multi-occupancy residential buildings, responsible persons must undertake quarterly checks of all fire doors in common parts, and annual checks on flat entrance doors.
The 5-Point Fire Door Check
When our experts at VYR Doors conduct a compliance inspection, we look at dozens of specific components. However, you can perform a basic visual check using the 5-step method:
1. Certification
Is there a label or plug on top (or side) of the door to show it is a certified fire door? Without this, you cannot be certain of its fire rating.
2. Gaps
The gaps around the top and sides of the door should be consistently less than 4mm when closed. The gap under the door can be slightly larger (typically up to 8mm or 10mm depending on the door specification), but it shouldn’t let excessive light or smoke through.
3. Seals
Intumescent seals expand when exposed to heat, sealing the gaps between the door and the frame. Ensure these seals are intact, with no missing pieces or damage.
4. Hinges
The door should be firmly fixed with three or more hinges. Ensure all screws are fitted and the hinges are free of metal dust, which indicates wear.
5. Proper Closing
Open the door halfway, let it go, and allow it to close by itself. Does it close firmly onto the latch without sticking? A fire door that doesn’t close properly cannot protect your building.
Why Use a Specialist?
It’s a common misconception that any carpenter can fit or inspect a fire door. Fire doors require specialized knowledge of intumescent materials, approved hardware combinations, and precise tolerances.
At VYR Doors, we provide fully documented digital inspections with photographic evidence for your compliance audit trail. We leave nothing to chance.
Contact us today to book a comprehensive fire door survey for your premises in South Wales.