How to Maintain and Inspect Fire Doors

Practical Guide #10

For: Caretakers, building managers, maintenance teams, H&S officers, and fire door inspectors.

Why Fire Doors Need Regular Inspection

Fire doors aren’t “fit and forget” products. They’re dynamic life-saving components that take a beating from daily use — especially in high-traffic buildings like flats, schools, hospitals, and offices.

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, responsible persons must maintain fire doors in working condition and, in some buildings, inspect them every quarter.

This guide outlines what to inspect, how often, and how to carry out basic maintenance to keep fire doors compliant.

1. Fire Door Inspection Frequency

Building Type	Fire Door Location	Inspection Frequency
Multi-occupancy residential (11m+ height)	Flat entrance doors	Every 12 months
Multi-occupancy residential (11m+ height)	Communal fire doors	Every 3 months
Commercial / Public Buildings	All fire doors	Based on risk assessment (quarterly is best practice)

Inspections can be visual, but must be documented.

2. What to Check (Inspection Points)

Use a consistent checklist — here's a breakdown of essential items:

🔹 Door Leaf

• No signs of warping, cracking, bowing, or swelling

• No over-trimming (check leaf size matches records)

• Door closes fully and smoothly on its own

• No excessive wear at edges or around ironmongery

  
  

🔹 Hinges

• 3 hinges minimum, securely fixed with all screws present

• CE/UKCA marked

• No oil leakage, sagging, or grinding

• No visible rust or distortion

🔹 Door Closer

• Present and functioning

• Door self-closes from any open angle

• No oil leaks or mechanical damage

• Closer arm securely fixed

🔹 Locks and Latches

• Latch engages properly when door closes

• Lock cases not loose or over-cut

• No visible damage to faceplates or handles

• Thumbturns (if present) work freely

🔹 Seals

• Intumescent and smoke seals present and continuous

• Not painted over, damaged, or loose

• Fully engaged with frame when door is shut

• Smoke seal fins/brushes not compressed or missing

🔹 Vision Panel (if present)

• Fire-rated glass marked correctly

• Glazing beads secure and undamaged

• No cracks or gaps in mastic/sealant

🔹 Gaps and Alignment

• 2–4mm gap between leaf and frame (use gap gauge)

• ≤8mm under-door gap (≤3mm for FD30S)

• Door sits evenly in frame — not dragging or misaligned

🔹 Signage

• “Fire Door Keep Shut” or “Fire Door Keep Locked” signs visible and secure

• Not missing, faded, or illegible

3. Maintenance Tasks You Can Carry Out

The following actions are typically allowed under basic maintenance:

• Tighten screws on hinges, closers, and latches

• Replace damaged or missing signage

• Clean seals and inspect for integrity

• Apply suitable lubricant (sparingly) on hinge pins or latch bolts

• Replace loose or damaged seals like-for-like

• Re-seat or replace a failing closer of the same model and rating

Always refer to the original certification and manufacturer guidance before replacing any hardware or seals.

4. When to Flag or Fail a Door

A door should be flagged for repair or replacement if:

• It fails to close fully

• Any seal is missing or damaged

• Closer or latch is inoperative

• The leaf is clearly warped or cut down

• Hinges are missing, loose, or visibly deformed

• The gap around the leaf is non-compliant

• Glass is cracked or glazing system is damaged

• Certification label is missing, and the door’s origin is unknown

5. Record and Report Everything

Keep a log of:

• Inspection date

• Inspector’s name

• Location of the door

• Observations / defects found

• Actions taken (or needed)

• Photos (especially of failures or gaps)

Use a digital app like FireCheck360 or a printable inspection sheet to stay consistent.

Final Note

Inspecting fire doors isn't just a tick-box exercise. Done right, it catches failures before they become dangerous — and proves that you're meeting your legal duties under fire safety law.