Everything You Need to Know About Fire Door Maintenance

Fire door maintenance is essential for ensuring the safety and functionality of your fire protection systems. Regular checks and timely repairs help in maintaining the effectiveness of fire doors, ensure compliance with safety regulations and keep your occupants and property safe.

This article will cover:

1. What Is Involved in Fire Door Maintenance?
2. What Are the Signs a Fire Door Needs Maintenance or Repair?
3. What Components of a Fire Door Typically Require More Maintenance and Repairs?
4. What Are the Consequences of Neglecting Fire Door Maintenance?
5. What Are the Benefits of Regular Fire Door Maintenance?
6. Is Fire Door Maintenance a Legal Requirement?
7. Who Is Responsible for Fire Door Maintenance?
8. How Long Does a Fire Door Last?
9. How Often Should Fire Doors Be Checked?

What Is Involved in Fire Door Maintenance?

We encourage you to take part in fire door maintenance checks alongside regular inspections. Performing basic checks on a monthly basis is extremely beneficial—even a simple visual inspection!

Clearance Check and Fixing Securement

Measure the gap between the door and frame with a gap gauge, ensuring it’s between 2mm and 4mm. Tighten all screws and fixings to secure the door and prevent misalignment.

Documentation and Markings

Complete documentation for regulatory compliance, recording all inspections and repairs. Check for certification labels and markings to confirm the door’s fire rating.

Functional Testing and Hardware Check

Ensure the door closes fully, automatically and latches securely. Examine hinges, locks, handles and closers for security and functionality. Lubricate or replace any worn or corroded parts as needed.

Latch, Levers and Seal Inspection

Test that latches and levers return to the horizontal position after use. Clean metal dust from the latch bolt and strike plate. Inspect intumescent seals for damage or deterioration, and replace as needed.

Visual Inspection

Look for damage, missing parts or signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, warping or dents in the door or frame.

What Are the Signs a Fire Door Needs Maintenance or Repair?

There are many common, but also hidden, signs of fire doors requiring maintenance or a repair. For example:

• Cracks, warping, rust or general physical damage on the door and frame.
• Damage, deterioration or missing parts, particularly hinges, handles, door closers and seals.
• Gaps around the door and frame that may allow fire and smoke to spread.
• The door doesn’t click shut, fails to close completely or requires force to close.
• The door is made from low-quality materials, has been involved in multiple fires or is older than 20 years.

What Components of a Fire Door Typically Require More Maintenance and Repairs?

The following fire door components typically require more frequent maintenance and repairs due to their usage. While all components should be checked regularly, prioritising these areas is recommended.

Door Closers:

CE-certified door closers ensure the door shuts properly. They need attention if they become damaged, start leaking or take more than 25 seconds to close. In such cases, they should be replaced.

Frame and Gaps:

The door frame should be square with no gaps around the edges. Any misalignment could affect the door’s ability to contain fire and smoke. The gap between the door and the frame must remain between 2mm and 4mm. If the gap exceeds this, adjustments or repairs are required to restore proper fit.

Glass Vision Panels:

Cracked or broken glass panels compromise the door’s fire resistance. If the glass is damaged it needs to be replaced immediately.

Hardware:

Hinges, locks, handles and latch bolts should be regularly checked for functionality. Damaged or worn hardware must be replaced with like-for-like parts to ensure performance.

Hinges:

Since fire doors are heavier than standard doors, they rely on fire-rated hinges to handle the weight and frequent use. Over time, hinges may become damaged, start leaking or lack intumescent pads, which require immediate replacement.

Intumescent Seals:

These are critical for preventing smoke and fire from passing through gaps in the door. Damaged or deteriorating seals should be replaced to maintain the door’s effectiveness.

Latch Bolt:

The latch bolt should fit smoothly into the strike plate. If it sticks or doesn’t fully engage, it requires adjustment or repair.

Signage:

Fire doors must have visible “Fire Door Keep Shut” signs. Missing or damaged signage should be replaced promptly.

What Are the Consequences of Neglecting Fire Door Maintenance?

Neglecting fire door maintenance, whether or not you’re aware of existing damage, can have serious consequences. Not only do you risk the safety of your occupants, but you also increase the potential for fire and smoke to spread, endangering your property.

Additionally, if negligence is suspected after a fire, you may face legal implications. This includes fines or prosecution, regardless of whether you are the designated “responsible” party or simply a bystander who failed to report known issues.

Ignoring maintenance can also lead to costly repairs or replacements that could have been avoided. Insurance claims may be denied if foul play is involved, leading to operational delay if you cannot afford remediation. This could put your employees out of work, inconvenience customers and cause significant damage to your reputation.

What Are the Benefits of Regular Fire Door Maintenance?

The main advantage of regular fire door maintenance is the assurance that your occupants and property are protected. Well-maintained fire doors reduce the risk of fire and smoke spreading, minimising both injury and damage.

Routine maintenance also identifies and addresses issues early, meaning you can reduce costly repairs and extend the lifespan of your fire doors.

In the event of a fire, proper upkeep ensures fire and smoke are contained. As such, any damages are more likely to be covered by insurance due to legal compliance.

Is Fire Door Maintenance a Legal Requirement?

Yes, UK law mandates both fire door checks and maintenance as legal requirements. These regulations include:

• Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
• Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
• British Standards 8214:2016
• British Standard 9999:2017

Who Is Responsible for Fire Door Maintenance?

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, a “Responsible Person” must arrange and oversee fire door maintenance. This is usually the individual managing the property on a daily basis, such as a manager, business owner or landlord.

These responsibilities include:

• Adhering to established fire door safety procedures within the company
• Arranging fire door inspections, maintenance and repairs
• Collaborating with other responsible parties, such as colleagues or residents
• Minimising the risk of fire spreading within the building
• Regularly inspecting and maintaining fire doors personally
• Staying compliant with fire door regulations

How Long Does a Fire Door Last?

Well-maintained fire doors typically last between 10 and 15 years. We recommend replacing fire doors that are older than 20 years.

FD30, FD60, FD90 and FD120-rated fire doors, newer models, and doors made from high-quality materials and used in low-traffic areas can last even longer.

In contrast, low-quality fire doors, high-traffic doors or those that have undergone frequent repairs and maintenance will have a shorter lifespan.

How Often Should Fire Doors Be Checked?

In the UK, fire door checks have different legal requirements and timelines. For example,

• Buildings with a top storey above 11 metres require communal fire doors to be checked every three months, while flat entrance fire doors should be inspected annually.
• High-occupancy properties with potential evacuation challenges, such as hotels, high-rises, hospitals and theatres, need checking every six months.
• High-traffic areas, such as shopping centres, train stations, universities and airports, should be inspected monthly, with weekly checks recommended.
• Any fire door damage should prompt an immediate inspection, even if it was recently inspected.

Expert Fire Door Services with Adaston

Regular maintenance and inspections of your fire doors are crucial for ensuring safety and compliance. As stated above, neglecting problems can have a detrimental effect on your business and everyone involved.

If you need assistance with fire door inspections or repairs, Adaston is here to help. Our experts offer fire door surveys, installation and maintenance. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or to learn more about our services.