Fire safety in any building is not just a regulatory requirement—it’s a life-saving necessity. Among the many elements that contribute to the overall fire protection strategy, fire doors stand out as one of the most important. These specially designed doors play a vital role in slowing the spread of fire and smoke, protecting escape routes, and giving occupants precious time to evacuate safely.
However, even the best fire door can fail if it’s not maintained correctly. Regular fire door inspections are key to ensuring they perform when it matters most.
What Are Fire Doors Designed to Do?
Fire doors are a passive fire protection feature, meaning they work in the background to contain fires rather than actively extinguishing them. They:
But like any feature in a busy building, doors experience wear and tear. Hinges loosen, seals perish, door closers weaken—and all of this can render a fire door ineffective unless identified and corrected.
What’s Involved in a Fire Door Inspection?
A fire door inspection is a comprehensive process carried out by trained professionals. During an inspection, our qualified team at Fire Doors Rite Ltd carefully assesses:
The Door Leaf
The main part of the door is checked for cracks, warping, damage, or any alterations that may affect its integrity.
Seals
Intumescent and smoke seals are examined for damage or missing sections. These seals are designed to expand when exposed to heat, blocking smoke and flames.
Gaps and Clearances
A correctly fitted fire door should have specific gap tolerances between the leaf and the frame, usually around 2-4mm. Larger gaps can let smoke and flames pass through.
Hinges, Latches & Hardware
All hardware should be secure, undamaged, and compliant with fire door regulations. Missing screws or faulty latches can compromise the door’s performance.
Glazed Panels
Where a fire door has glass, it must be fire-rated glass installed with the correct seals and be free of cracks or damage.
Door Closers
One of the most common failures in fire door systems is poorly adjusted or damaged door closers. The door should close firmly against the latch without sticking.
Signage
Fire doors must display appropriate signage such as “Fire Door Keep Shut” or “Fire Door Keep Locked” depending on their function.
Who Needs Fire Door Inspections?
Fire door inspections are mandatory for most non-domestic buildings in the UK. This includes:
Building owners, facilities managers, and responsible persons under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 must ensure that fire doors are maintained and inspected regularly.
How Often Should Fire Doors Be Inspected?
Why Choose Fire Doors Rite Ltd?
At Fire Doors Rite Ltd, we understand that protecting lives and property is your top priority. Our team of fully qualified fire door inspectors brings years of industry expertise, detailed knowledge of current legislation, and a commitment to high standards of service.
When you choose us, you benefit from:
We don’t just inspect—we partner with you to keep your building safe, compliant, and protected.
Book Your Fire Door Inspection Today
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Ensure your fire doors are fit for purpose and legally compliant. Contact Fire Doors Rite Ltd today to arrange your professional fire door inspection.
Email: info@firedoorsrite.co.uk
Call: 0203 6333 568
Fire Doors Save Lives—Make Sure Yours Are Ready.
Trusted fire door installation, maintenance and service for Commercial, Industrial, The Government & The MOD.
