Fire Door Inspection Checklist: What Should You Check?

A fire door inspection checklist provides a structured way to check the condition, operation and key components of a fire door. A thorough inspection should cover the door leaf, frame, gaps, hinges, intumescent and smoke seals, glazing, signage, self-closing device and any other hardware that forms part of the complete fire door assembly.

Regular inspections are an important part of fire safety. Damage, excessive gaps, missing seals or a self-closing device that no longer works correctly can affect a fire door’s ability to resist fire and restrict smoke spread.

For building owners, responsible persons, managing agents and facilities managers, using a consistent fire door checklist also makes it easier to record findings, identify deterioration and arrange remedial work where required.

This guide provides a practical fire door inspection checklist and explains what should be checked, how frequently inspections may be required and when a more detailed fire door survey by a competent inspector is appropriate.

Fire Door Inspection Checklist

A fire door inspection should consider the complete doorset rather than looking at the door leaf in isolation.

As a starting point, an inspection checklist should record and check:

This checklist can support routine checks, but it does not replace the need for competent fire door inspectors where a detailed assessment of compliance or fire performance is required.

Why Is a Fire Door Inspection Checklist Important?

A fire door is designed to form part of a building’s passive fire protection system. When closed, a correctly specified, installed and maintained fire door can help resist fire and limit the movement of smoke between different areas of a building.

This can help protect escape routes and support the wider building’s fire safety strategy.

However, fire doors are working components. They may be opened hundreds of times, struck by equipment, wedged open, altered, painted or damaged during everyday use.

A door that was correctly fitted when installed may therefore develop problems over time.

Checking fire doors regularly helps identify these problems before they significantly affect performance.

It is also important to distinguish routine checks from a professional inspection. Building staff may be able to identify obvious visible damage, but a formal inspection may require greater knowledge of fire resistance, certification, compatible components and the relevant fire safety requirements.

If concerns are identified during routine checks, Adaston’s professional fire door inspections and surveys provide a more detailed assessment of the complete doorset.

1. Record the Fire Door Location and Identification

Before inspecting the physical condition of the door, clearly identify which door is being assessed.

The inspection record should normally include information such as:

• Building or site
• Floor or level
• Room, corridor or flat number
• Door reference number
• Door type or intended fire rating where known
• Inspection date
• Inspector details

Recording the door location creates a clear audit trail and allows defects to be traced back to a specific fire door.

This becomes particularly important in high rise buildings, large commercial sites and multi occupied residential buildings where hundreds or even thousands of fire doors may need to be managed.

A good inspection system should allow the responsible person to identify each door, review previous findings and confirm whether required remedial works have been completed.

2. Check the Fire Door Certification

Where available, look for certification evidence showing that the door leaf or doorset has been tested or manufactured to an appropriate fire resistance specification.

Certification labels or plugs may be located on the top or edge of the door, although their appearance and position vary between manufacturers and certification schemes.

Fire doors are commonly described by their period of fire resistance, such as FD30 or FD60. An FD30 fire door is designed and tested to provide at least 30 minutes of fire resistance under the relevant test conditions, while an FD60 doorset provides a higher period of protection.

However, the door leaf is only one part of the system.

The performance of a certified fire door depends on compatible components, correct installation and ongoing maintenance. Changing glazing, hinges, locks, seals or other components without considering the original fire test evidence can affect the performance of the complete door assembly.

If certification evidence cannot be established, this should be recorded rather than assuming the door provides a particular fire rating.

3. Inspect the Door Leaf Condition

The door leaf should be examined carefully for visible damage and deterioration.

Look for:

• Cracks or splits
• Holes
• Warping
• Damaged edges
• Impact damage
• Delamination
• Unauthorised alterations
• Poorly completed repairs
• Damage around locks or other ironmongery

The door leaf condition matters because damage may affect its ability to resist fire for the intended period.

Particular attention should be given to alterations made after installation. New locks, access control systems, glazing or other hardware should not simply be cut into a fire door without considering the original doorset specification.

Any significant damage or questionable modification should be recorded and assessed by a competent person.

4. Check the Door Frame and Surrounding Wall

The frame is an integral part of the fire door assembly and should be inspected alongside the door leaf.

Check that the frame:

• Is securely fixed
• Shows no obvious movement
• Has not suffered significant impact damage
• Is not cracked or distorted
• Remains compatible with the door leaf
• Has no inappropriate alterations

The surrounding wall should also be visually examined.

A correctly specified fire door cannot provide its intended performance if the surrounding construction has been damaged or if gaps around the frame compromise the fire-resisting construction.

Where defects extend beyond the doorset itself, further investigation of the surrounding passive fire protection may be required.

5. Measure the Gaps Around the Fire Door

Visible gaps are one of the most common issues identified when checking fire doors.

The gap between the door leaf and frame must allow the door to operate freely while remaining within the tolerances required by the tested doorset.

For many timber fire doors, a gap of approximately 3 mm is commonly specified at the sides and top, with a typical tolerance of around 2–4 mm. However, the correct measurement should always be confirmed against the manufacturer’s instructions, certification and applicable test evidence.

Threshold requirements can vary according to the door configuration, smoke-control requirements and certification.

This means an arbitrary maximum threshold gap should not be applied to every fire door.

Excessive gaps can allow fire and smoke to pass through more readily and may prevent intumescent and smoke seals from operating as intended.

Our complete guide to fire door gap regulations explains how gaps are assessed and why the correct tolerances matter.

6. Inspect Fire Door Hinges

Fire door hinges carry considerable weight and play an important role in keeping the door correctly positioned within its frame.

A fire door will commonly have at least three hinges, although the exact specification must follow the tested door assembly and manufacturer’s requirements.

During a door inspection, check that hinges:

• Are appropriate for use on the fire door
• Are securely fixed
• Have all required screws present
• Show no excessive wear
• Are not loose
• Are free from significant damage
• Hold the door leaf correctly within the frame

Loose or damaged hinges can cause the door to drop, which may alter the gaps around the leaf and prevent it from closing correctly.

Any missing screws or movement should therefore be investigated rather than treated as a cosmetic issue.

7. Check Intumescent and Smoke Seals

Intumescent and smoke seals perform different but complementary roles.

Intumescent strips are designed to expand when exposed to heat, helping seal gaps around the door during a fire.

Smoke seals help restrict the passage of smoke around the door leaf where they are required as part of the doorset specification.

During an inspection, check that intumescent and smoke seals:

• Are present where required
• Run continuously around the required edges
• Are securely fitted
• Have not been removed
• Are not torn or significantly damaged
• Have not been excessively painted over
• Match the expected specification where this can be established

Damaged or missing seals should be recorded.

Simply fitting replacement seals without checking compatibility is not always appropriate. Components should correspond with the tested or certified fire door assembly.

8. Inspect Fire-Rated Glazing

Some fire doors contain vision panels or other forms of fire rated glass.

Fire rated glazing must form part of the tested fire door construction and should be installed using compatible glazing systems, beads, seals and fixings.

Check for:

• Cracked or broken glass
• Loose glazing
• Damaged beads
• Missing seals
• Unauthorised replacement glass
• Movement within the glazing aperture

Ordinary glass should never be used as a substitute where fire rated glazing is required.

If there is uncertainty about whether the existing glass forms part of a compliant door assembly, certification evidence or specialist assessment may be necessary.

9. Test the Self-Closing Device

A self closing device is critical on many fire doors because the door needs to return to its closed position without relying on someone remembering to shut it.

Open the door and allow the self-closing mechanism to operate without manual assistance.

The door should close fully into the frame and engage with the latch where the doorset requires one.

It is useful to test the door from different open positions rather than only opening it fully. A closer may appear to work from 90 degrees but fail to close the door from a smaller angle.

Check whether:

• The closer is securely fixed
• The door closes from the open position
• The door closes fully
• The door does not stick against the floor or frame
• The latch engages where applicable
• The door does not require someone to push it shut

A fire door that remains partially open cannot provide the protection expected from a closed fire-resisting doorset.

10. Check Hold-Open Devices

Fire doors should not be wedged open.

Where there is an operational need for a fire door to remain in the open position, an appropriate hold-open device may be installed as part of the building’s fire safety measures.

Approved devices should release when required, allowing the self closing device to shut the door fully.

The inspection should check that the hold-open system operates correctly and has not been bypassed.

The operation of these systems may also need to be considered alongside the building’s fire alarm system and wider fire safety strategy.

11. Check Fire Door Signage

Appropriate fire door signs should be clearly visible where required.

Common examples include:

• Fire Door Keep Shut
• Fire Door Keep Locked
• Automatic Fire Door Keep Clear

The correct fire door signage depends on the location and function of the door.

During an inspection, check that signs are:

• Present where required
• Clearly visible
• Legible
• Securely fixed
• Appropriate for the door’s purpose

For doors that require “Fire Door Keep Shut” signage, the sign should be positioned so users can clearly understand that the door must remain closed when not in use.

Missing fire door signs should be recorded as part of the inspection findings.

12. Check the Complete Door Assembly

One of the biggest mistakes when using a door inspection checklist is assessing each component independently without considering how the complete system operates.

The door leaf, frame, hinges, seals, glazing, closer and ironmongery work together as a fire door assembly.

A certified fire door leaf does not automatically mean the complete installation is compliant.

For example, a door could have a suitable leaf but still have:

• Excessive gaps
• Incorrect hinges
• Missing smoke seals
• Damaged fire rated glass
• An incompatible frame
• A defective closer
• Unapproved alterations

The final operational check should therefore consider whether the complete door assembly remains in good repair and capable of performing as intended.

Where significant defects are found, professional fire door maintenance can address appropriate remedial works and help restore the doorset to the required condition.

Who Is Responsible for Checking Fire Doors?

Responsibility depends on the premises and applicable fire safety law.

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person has duties relating to fire precautions and the maintenance of relevant fire safety measures in premises to which the legislation applies.

Depending on the building, the responsible person could include:

• An employer
• Building owner
• Landlord
• Managing agent
• Facilities manager
• Another person with control of the premises

Fire doors should also be considered within the wider fire risk assessment.

If fire risk assessment findings identify concerns with doors, compartmentation or other passive fire protection measures, a detailed specialist survey may be required to establish the condition and necessary remedial action.

Who Can Carry Out a Fire Door Inspection?

Routine visual checks can be undertaken by appropriately instructed people who understand what they are looking for.

However, a detailed fire door inspection requires greater competence.

Competence generally means having the necessary skills, knowledge, training and experience to complete the task correctly.

Competent fire door inspectors should understand areas including:

• Fire door construction
• Fire resistance
• Certification
• Relevant standards
• Door hardware
• Gap tolerances
• Intumescent protection
• Smoke control
• Fire-rated glazing
• Applicable fire safety requirements

There is not one single mandatory qualification that every person checking every fire door must hold.

However, recognised training, qualifications and third-party certification can provide evidence of an inspector’s competence.

The complexity of the building and inspection should also influence who is appointed. A simple frequent check for visible damage is different from a detailed inspection intended to establish whether a doorset complies with its certification and fire test evidence.

How Often Should Fire Doors Be Inspected?

Fire doors should be inspected regularly, but the appropriate inspection frequency can vary depending on the building and circumstances. Factors such as occupancy, door location, level of use, previous inspection findings, the fire risk assessment and applicable legislation should all be considered when determining how often checks are carried out.

Regular inspections may need to become more frequent where doors experience heavy use or repeated damage.

There are also specific legal requirements for certain residential buildings in England.

There are specific fire door inspection requirements for certain residential buildings in England. Under Regulation 10 of the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, responsible persons for buildings with two or more sets of domestic premises and a top storey more than 11 metres above ground level must use best endeavours to check:

• Flat entrance fire doors: at least every 12 months.
• Fire doors in communal areas: at least every three months.

These requirements apply specifically to qualifying residential buildings in England. The three-month inspection frequency is not a universal requirement for every fire door.

For a more detailed explanation of inspection intervals across different premises, read our guide to how often fire doors should be inspected.

Fire Door Checks in Flats and Residential Buildings

Flat entrance doors have a particularly important function because they help separate individual dwellings from communal escape routes.

A flat entrance fire door may help contain a fire within the dwelling while protecting the corridor or stairway used by other residents.

When checking flat entrance doors, particular attention should be given to:

• Self-closing devices
• Door leaf condition
• Frame condition
• Intumescent and smoke seals
• Glazing
• Gaps
• Hinges
• Unauthorised alterations

Communal fire doors should similarly be checked for damage and correct operation.

Buildings above 11 metres in England are subject to the specific checking frequencies outlined under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.

Our guide to fire door regulations for flats covers these responsibilities in greater detail.

Fire Door Inspections in Non-Domestic Premises

Offices, schools, healthcare environments, hotels, warehouses and other non domestic premises can have very different risk profiles.

The appropriate inspection programme should therefore reflect the premises.

A door in a busy hospital corridor, for example, may experience substantially more wear than a door in a low-traffic office area.

Factors that may justify more frequent inspections include:

• High levels of daily use
• Previous damage
• Vulnerable occupants
• Higher risk premises
• Frequent movement of equipment
• Doors protecting important escape routes
• Previous inspection failures
• Fire risk assessment findings

Regular inspections should form part of a wider system for managing fire safety rather than being treated as an isolated annual exercise.

What Should Be Recorded During a Fire Door Inspection?

Recording findings is an important part of a structured inspection process.

A fire door inspection record should provide enough information for another person to understand what was inspected, what was found and what action is required.

Useful information includes:

• Door location and unique reference
• Date of inspection
• Inspector details
• Door leaf condition
• Frame condition
• Gap measurements
• Condition of hinges
• Condition of intumescent and smoke seals
• Self-closing device operation
• Fire door signage
• Glazing condition
• Certification evidence
• Photographs of defects
• Required remedial action
• Priority or risk level
• Date repairs were completed
• Sign off where appropriate

Detailed inspections should create a clear record rather than relying on an informal pass or fail.

Good records also allow building owners and responsible persons to identify recurring problems and demonstrate that findings are being acted upon.

What Happens If a Fire Door Fails an Inspection?

A failed fire door inspection requires action, but it does not always mean replacing the entire doorset. The next step is determined by the type and severity of the defect.

Minor issues, such as an incorrectly adjusted self-closing device or a damaged compatible component, can often be resolved through competent remedial work. More serious defects affecting the door’s construction, condition or fire resistance require specialist assessment and, where necessary, replacement.

Any defects identified during an inspection need to be recorded, prioritised and addressed within an appropriate timeframe. The responsible person must assess the severity of the defect, the risk it creates and the action required to restore the door to a compliant condition.

If there is uncertainty around the construction or fire resistance of the doorset, further investigation is required before repair or replacement work is carried out.

Fire Door Inspection Checklist FAQs

What should be included in a fire door inspection checklist?

A fire door inspection checklist should cover the door location, certification, door leaf, frame, gaps, hinges, intumescent and smoke seals, glazing, self-closing device, signage, hardware and overall operation. Findings and inspector details should also be recorded.

What gaps are acceptable around a fire door?

Many timber fire doors are designed with gaps of approximately 3 mm at the sides and top, often within a 2–4 mm tolerance. However, the correct gap depends on the tested doorset, certification and manufacturer’s instructions. Threshold requirements can also differ.

How often should communal fire doors be checked?

In qualifying multi occupied residential buildings in England with a top storey more than 11 metres above ground level, communal fire doors must be checked at least every three months under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022. Other premises may require a different inspection frequency.

How often should flat entrance fire doors be checked?

For the same qualifying residential buildings in England, responsible persons must use best endeavours to undertake checks of flat entrance fire doors at least every 12 months.

Can I inspect a fire door myself?

Basic visual checks can be carried out by someone who has been appropriately instructed and understands what to look for. Detailed inspections should be undertaken by a competent person with sufficient knowledge, skills and experience to assess the doorset correctly.

Do fire doors need three hinges?

Fire doors commonly use a minimum of three fire-rated hinges, but the correct number and specification should always follow the tested door assembly, certification and manufacturer’s requirements.

Does a fire door need a self-closing device?

Many fire doors, including flat entrance doors and doors protecting communal escape routes, require an effective self-closing device. Requirements depend on the door’s location, purpose and applicable fire safety provisions.

Arrange a Professional Fire Door Inspection

A fire door inspection checklist is useful for identifying visible defects and creating a consistent system for frequent checks. However, fire door compliance involves more than confirming that a door looks undamaged.

Certification, installation, gaps, compatible components and the operation of the complete doorset can all affect whether a fire door provides the required fire resistance.

Adaston provides professional fire door surveys and inspections for residential buildings, commercial premises and organisations across the UK. Our inspectors assess complete doorsets, document findings and identify remedial actions where required.

Arrange a professional fire door survey with Adaston to establish the condition of your fire doors and identify the steps required to maintain effective passive fire protection.