Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a fire door and how is it different from a regular door?
A fire door is a fire-resisting door set designed to help resist the spread of fire and, where relevant, smoke for a tested period. Unlike a regular door, it depends on the door leaf, frame, seals and suitable hardware working together as a complete system.
2. How do I know if my fire doors are compliant?
Fire door compliance depends on the condition of the door set, how it has been installed, and whether key components such as gaps, seals, hinges, glazing and self-closing devices remain suitable and in good working order. A professional inspection checks these items, reviews any available labels or markings, and identifies defects or issues that may require remedial work.
3. How often should fire doors be inspected?
Inspection frequency depends on the type of building, how the doors are used, and the applicable fire safety duties. In many settings, fire doors should be checked at suitable intervals, with more frequent checks in high-use areas. In some residential buildings in England, specific legal inspection requirements also apply, including quarterly communal door checks and best-endeavour annual checks of flat entrance doors.
4. Who is responsible for fire door compliance in a building?
In most buildings, responsibility sits with the Responsible Person, usually the owner, landlord, employer or managing agent with control over the premises. In some cases there may be more than one Responsible Person, and those duties include assessing fire risk and maintaining appropriate fire safety measures.
5. Can any carpenter carry out fire door work?
Not always. Fire door work should be carried out by a competent person with the right fire door knowledge, training and experience. General carpentry experience on its own may not be enough, as fire doors depend on correct installation, suitable components, and appropriate remedial work to perform as intended. Competent fire door work often begins with checking the relevant instructions and supporting information before any work is carried out.
6. What happens if my property doesn’t meet fire door requirements?
Non-compliance can create serious safety risks and may lead to advice, notices, enforcement action, prosecution or other legal consequences, depending on the circumstances and level of risk. A professional inspection can identify defects, highlight any remedial work needed, and help the Responsible Person manage fire safety duties more effectively.
7. What happens during a fire door inspection?
A fire door inspection involves checking the visible condition and operation of the door set. This can include the door leaf, frame, gaps, seals, hinges, glazing where relevant, the self-closing device, latch action, and any available signage, labels or markings, with findings recorded and any issues identified for follow-up.
8. How will I receive my inspection report?
You will receive a digital report by email. It can be reviewed electronically and printed if required.
9. What happens after the inspection?
Your report will set out the findings, identify any defects or non-conformities noted at the time of inspection, and list recommended remedial actions where needed. Depending on the findings, this may include adjustments, replacement of worn or unsuitable hardware, gap corrections, seal work, minor repairs, or further investigation where supporting evidence is not available.
10. How do you stop fire doors slamming shut?
A slamming fire door can often be improved by checking the self-closing device, door alignment, latch action and the suitability of the hardware, then making the correct adjustment or replacement where appropriate. Any change should still leave the door closing fully and working as intended.