A fire door only works if it closes fully and its seals and fittings are intact. After years of inspecting flat entrance and communal doors, we find the same handful of faults on almost every job. The good news is that most are inexpensive to put right if you catch them early.
1. Self-closers that do not close the door
The single most common fault. Closers get disconnected, adjusted too weak, or simply wear out, and the door stops short of the latch. A door that does not close is not holding back smoke. Test from fully open and from a small angle: it should close and latch both times.
2. Gaps that are too big, or uneven
Over time doors drop on their hinges and frames move. Large or uneven gaps let smoke and heat through long before the door itself fails. Gaps are usually around 3 mm at the head and sides. If you can see daylight or slide a pound coin through easily, get it checked.
3. Missing or painted-over seals
Intumescent strips and smoke seals are often damaged during decorating, painted over, or pulled out because the door “sticks”. Painted brush seals stop working as smoke seals.
4. Unapproved alterations
Spy holes, letter plates, cat flaps, extra locks and new ironmongery are fitted with the best intentions. If they are not fire-rated and installed to the door manufacturer’s instructions, they create a weak point. Flat entrance doors are particularly prone to this because residents change them without asking.
5. Doors wedged open
Usually because the door is heavy, or because it blocks a busy route. Rather than removing the wedge and moving on, ask why it is there. A hold-open device linked to the fire alarm can fix the problem properly.
Keeping on top of it
In residential buildings over 11 metres, the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 require quarterly checks of communal fire doors and best-endeavours annual checks of flat entrance doors. Our routine inspection service provides a recorded, photographed check by an FDIS Diploma-qualified inspector, with a clear list of what needs doing.