Fire doors are used every day, so wear, damage and unauthorised alterations are common. Even a good-quality doorset can become less effective if defects are allowed to develop.
1. Self-closer fails to shut the door
A self-closing fire door should close fully into its frame from an open position. Weak, disconnected, poorly adjusted or damaged closers are a frequent defect.
2. Door is wedged open
A fire door cannot restrict fire and smoke if it has been deliberately wedged open. Where a door needs to be held open for operational reasons, the solution should be appropriate to the building’s fire strategy.
3. Excessive gaps
Large or inconsistent gaps between the door and frame can compromise performance. Gaps can develop through wear, movement, poor installation or unsuitable repairs.
4. Damaged or missing seals
Where intumescent strips or smoke seals form part of the doorset, missing, damaged or badly painted seals need attention.
5. Loose or damaged hinges
Loose screws, worn hinges and unsuitable replacements can prevent the door from hanging and closing correctly.
6. Damage to the door leaf or frame
Splits, holes, impact damage, warping or damage around the frame can affect the fire-resisting function of the doorset.
7. Incorrect alterations
Additional locks, access-control equipment, letterplates, viewers or other hardware should not be fitted without considering how the alteration affects the fire door.
8. Glazing defects
Cracked glass, damaged glazing beads or inappropriate replacement glazing can undermine a fire-resisting door.
9. Door does not latch or sit correctly
Where a latch is part of the doorset, it needs to engage correctly. Binding, misalignment or damaged hardware can stop the door from reaching its fully closed position.
10. Poor maintenance records
Physical condition matters, but so does management. If defects are repeatedly recorded without repair, or nobody can demonstrate when doors were last checked, the Responsible Person may struggle to show that fire precautions are being effectively maintained.
What should happen after defects are found?
Defects should be assessed and prioritised according to risk. Some issues can be straightforward to repair; others may require specialist work or replacement. In blocks of flats, government guidance makes clear that repair or replacement work identified through fire-door checks should be undertaken by a competent contractor as soon as reasonably practicable.
See the official Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 fire door guidance for routine-check information.
Further reading: For a full overview of inspection scope, routine checks, common defects, reporting and current residential requirements, see our Complete UK Fire Door Inspection Guide.
Need professional support?
SJ Fire Safety Consultants provides independent fire door inspection service with clear, practical reporting and nationwide support. Learn more about our Fire Door Inspection service or contact us to arrange an inspection.
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