The Importance of Fire Door Maintenance in Commercial Buildings
Fire doors are a critical component of any building’s fire safety strategy, yet they are often overlooked in regular maintenance schedules. As fire safety professionals, we understand that properly maintained fire doors can be the difference between life and death in an emergency situation.
What Makes a Fire Door Different?
Unlike standard doors, fire doors are specifically engineered to resist fire and smoke for a designated period, typically ranging from 30 minutes to 4 hours. This valuable time allows building occupants to evacuate safely and provides firefighters with access to control the spread of fire.
A fire door consists of several essential components:
- Fire-resistant door leaf
- Intumescent seals that expand when heated
- Self-closing mechanism
- Fire-rated glass (if applicable)
- Appropriate signage
- Certified hardware suitable for use on fire doors
Common Maintenance Issues
During our Surveys and Inspections, we frequently encounter these common problems with fire doors:
Damaged Seals
Intumescent seals around the door frame are crucial for preventing smoke and flames from passing through. When damaged or painted over, these seals cannot perform their vital function.
Improper Closing Mechanisms
Fire doors must close fully when released from any position. Doors that fail to latch properly or close completely represent a serious breach in compartmentation, a concept at the heart of Existing Building Fire Safety.
Unauthorised Modifications
We often find fire doors that have been modified by drilling additional holes, adding unauthorised hardware, or even cutting sections to fit carpets. Any modification that hasn’t been approved can compromise the door’s integrity.
Being Wedged Open
Perhaps the most common issue we encounter is fire doors being wedged or propped open. This completely defeats their purpose and is illegal under fire safety regulations.
Legal Requirements
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the newer Fire Safety Act 2021, building owners and responsible persons have a legal duty to ensure fire safety measures, including fire doors are properly maintained.
As specialists in Bespoke Fire Safety Services, we recommend quarterly inspections of fire doors in high-traffic areas and biannual inspections in less frequented locations. These inspections should be conducted by competent individuals and thoroughly documented.
The Bigger Picture
Fire door maintenance is just one aspect of a comprehensive fire safety strategy. For new constructions, we provide detailed guidance on New Building Fire Safety that incorporates the latest regulations and best practices from design through to implementation.
In the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, External Wall Safety has become a particular focus. The combination of proper internal fire stopping measures, such as maintained fire doors, alongside appropriate external wall construction creates a robust defence against fire spread.
Taking Action
Regular maintenance checks of fire doors should include:
- Ensuring the door closes properly from any position
- Checking all seals are intact and functional
- Verifying that hinges are secure and free from metal fatigue
- Confirming that fire door signage is present and visible
- Testing that any glazing is intact and fire-rated
Final Say
Fire doors save lives, but only when they’re properly maintained. By implementing a regular inspection regime and addressing issues promptly, building owners can ensure these critical safety features function as intended in an emergency.
If you’re uncertain about the condition of the fire doors in your building or need professional assessment, we’re here to help ensure your fire safety measures meet both legal requirements and best practice standards.
Remember, when it comes to fire safety, prevention and preparation are always better than dealing with the aftermath of a preventable tragedy.