Fire Door FAQs
Our comprehensive guide to Fire Door inspections, maintenance and installation
Fire Door Inspections
1. How often should fire doors be inspected in the UK?
Fire doors should be inspected at least every six months according to British Standards guidance, though the exact frequency depends on your building type and usage. For buildings over 11 metres high, the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 require quarterly checks of communal fire doors and annual checks of flat entrance doors. High-traffic areas may need more frequent inspections, whilst newly occupied buildings often require monthly checks in the first year. Shield Fire Doors recommends professional inspections every six months for most commercial properties, with more frequent checks for doors in heavy-use areas.
2. What does a fire door inspection include?
A comprehensive fire door inspection examines every component of the fire door assembly. This includes checking the door certification and fire rating, measuring gaps around the door (which should be 2-4mm), inspecting intumescent strips and smoke seals for damage, testing hinges and hardware operation, verifying self-closing mechanisms work properly, examining glazing and vision panels, and ensuring fire safety signage is clear and compliant. Our FireQual certified inspectors also assess the door frame condition, check for structural damage, and verify that all components are compatible and correctly installed.
3. Who can carry out fire door inspections?
Fire door inspections must be carried out by a "competent person" as defined by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This means someone with sufficient training, experience, and knowledge to assess fire door assemblies properly. Professional fire door inspectors should hold relevant certifications such as FireQual, FDIS (Fire Door Inspection Scheme), or equivalent qualifications. Basic visual checks can be performed by trained building staff, but comprehensive inspections and certification require specialist expertise. Shield Fire Doors' team holds FireQual certification, ensuring our inspections meet the highest professional standards.
4. What is the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 requirement for fire door checks?
The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, which came into force in January 2023, require responsible persons in multi-occupied residential buildings over 11 metres high to undertake quarterly checks of all communal fire doors (including self-closing devices) and annual "best endeavour" checks of flat entrance doors. These regulations also require providing residents with information about fire door importance. The checks should ensure doors are in efficient working order and good repair, focusing on maintaining existing door standards rather than detailed technical assessments.
5. Do I need a certified fire door inspector?
For professional inspections and compliance certification, yes, you need a certified fire door inspector. Whilst basic visual checks can be performed by trained staff, detailed inspections require specialist knowledge to assess compliance with British Standards and identify potential safety issues. Certified inspectors can provide the documentation needed for insurance, building control, and regulatory compliance. Shield Fire Doors' FireQual certified inspectors ensure your inspections meet all legal requirements and provide authoritative assessments you can rely on for peace of mind and compliance evidence.
6. What happens if my fire door fails an inspection?
If a fire door fails inspection, you'll receive a detailed report identifying the specific issues and recommended actions. Problems are typically categorised by priority - immediate safety concerns requiring urgent attention, medium-priority issues needing prompt resolution, and minor defects for future maintenance planning. You're legally required to address safety-critical failures promptly. Many issues can be resolved through repairs or adjustments rather than complete replacement. Shield Fire Doors provides clear guidance on required actions and can arrange necessary remedial work to restore compliance quickly and cost-effectively.
7. How much does a fire door inspection cost?
Fire door inspection costs vary depending on the number of doors, building location, and inspection complexity. Basic visual inspections typically cost £15-30 per door, whilst comprehensive professional inspections range from £25-50 per door. Multi-door inspections often benefit from volume discounts. Additional costs may apply for detailed reporting, certification, or follow-up work. Shield Fire Doors provides transparent, competitive pricing with no hidden costs. Contact us for a detailed quote based on your specific requirements - we often find our comprehensive service provides better value than cheaper alternatives that may require additional work later.
8. What are the legal requirements for fire door inspections?
Legal requirements for fire door inspections stem from the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which requires fire doors to be maintained in efficient working order and good repair. The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 add specific inspection frequencies for certain buildings. Building owners and responsible persons have a duty to ensure regular inspections are carried out by competent persons. Failure to comply can result in prosecution, unlimited fines, and even imprisonment. Insurance policies may also require evidence of regular inspections. Proper documentation and certification are essential for demonstrating compliance.
9. What is the difference between quarterly checks and annual inspections?
Quarterly checks are basic visual inspections focusing on obvious damage, operation, and cleanliness, typically performed by trained building staff. These include checking doors close properly, seals aren't damaged, gaps aren't excessive, and no obvious defects are present. Annual inspections are comprehensive assessments by certified professionals, examining all components in detail, measuring gaps precisely, testing all hardware, and providing formal certification. Think of quarterly checks as routine maintenance monitoring, whilst annual inspections are thorough health checks ensuring continued compliance and safety performance.
10. Can I inspect my own fire doors or do I need a professional?
You can perform basic visual checks yourself if you're trained to recognise potential issues, but professional inspection by a certified expert is recommended for compliance and insurance purposes. Simple checks include ensuring doors close properly, seals appear intact, no obvious damage is visible, and gaps aren't excessive. However, detailed assessment of compliance, gap measurements, hardware testing, and formal certification require specialist knowledge and equipment. Shield Fire Doors can provide training for your staff to perform interim checks whilst ensuring professional inspections maintain formal compliance requirements.
11. What is BS 8214:2016 and why is it important?
BS 8214:2016 is the British Standard "Code of Practice for Timber-based Fire Door Assemblies." It provides detailed guidance on fire door specification, installation, and maintenance to ensure proper performance. This standard covers everything from component compatibility and installation procedures to inspection requirements and maintenance practices. Compliance with BS 8214:2016 is essential for maintaining fire door certification and ensuring doors perform as intended during emergencies. Professional installers and inspectors use this standard to guide their work, ensuring installations meet regulatory requirements and manufacturer specifications.
12. What is FIRAS certification for fire doors?
FIRAS (Fire Industry Risk Assessment Scheme) is a third-party certification scheme operated by Warrington Certification Ltd and accredited by UKAS. It provides independent verification that fire protection companies, including fire door installers and inspectors, meet specified standards for competence and quality assurance. FIRAS certification covers fire door installation, maintenance, and inspection services. Companies with FIRAS certification undergo regular assessments to maintain their status, providing confidence that their work consistently meets required standards. When choosing fire door services, FIRAS certification indicates a commitment to professional excellence and regulatory compliance.
13. How do you identify a fire door?
Fire doors are identified by certification labels or plugs, usually located on the top edge of the door or frame. These labels show the fire rating (such as FD30 for 30-minute resistance), manufacturer details, and certification body information. Fire doors typically have at least three hinges, intumescent strips around the edges, self-closing mechanisms, and may include smoke seals. The door frame often has deeper stops than standard doors, and you might notice slight gaps around the door edges when closed. If labels are missing or unclear, professional inspection can determine if a door provides fire resistance.
14. What is the maximum gap allowed around a fire door?
The maximum gap around a fire door is typically 3mm, though this can vary slightly depending on the specific door type and certification. Gaps between the door leaf and frame should generally be 2-4mm on all edges to ensure proper sealing whilst allowing smooth operation. Excessive gaps can allow smoke and fire to pass through, compromising the door's protective function. Gaps that are too small can prevent proper closing or cause binding. Professional installation and regular inspection ensure gaps remain within acceptable tolerances throughout the door's lifespan.
15. What are the penalties for non-compliant fire doors?
Penalties for non-compliant fire doors can be severe, reflecting the serious safety implications. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, responsible persons can face unlimited fines and up to two years imprisonment for serious breaches. Fire authorities can also issue enforcement notices requiring immediate remedial action, prohibition notices preventing building use until compliance is achieved, and prosecution for continued non-compliance. Insurance claims may be invalidated if fire doors aren't properly maintained. Beyond legal penalties, the human cost of fire door failure during an emergency makes compliance both a legal and moral imperative.
Fire Door Maintenance
16. What maintenance do fire doors require?
Fire doors require regular maintenance to ensure continued performance and compliance. This includes checking and adjusting door closers to ensure proper closing force and speed, inspecting and replacing damaged intumescent strips and smoke seals, tightening loose hinges and hardware, adjusting door alignment to maintain proper gaps, testing and maintaining locks and panic hardware, cleaning and lubricating moving parts, repairing minor damage to door surfaces and frames, and ensuring self-closing mechanisms operate correctly. Shield Fire Doors provides comprehensive maintenance programmes tailored to your building's needs, helping extend door lifespan whilst maintaining compliance.
17. How long do fire doors last before needing replacement?
With proper maintenance, fire doors typically last 10-15 years, though this varies significantly based on usage, environment, and care. High-traffic doors may need replacement sooner, whilst doors in low-use areas can last longer. Key factors affecting lifespan include frequency of use, environmental conditions, quality of original installation, and regularity of maintenance. Rather than automatic replacement based on age, professional assessment can determine if doors remain fit for purpose. Many issues can be resolved through repair or component replacement, often extending usable life significantly and providing better value than premature replacement.
18. What are the most common fire door problems?
The most common fire door problems include excessive gaps around the door edges (often due to building settlement or wear), damaged or missing intumescent strips and smoke seals, malfunctioning door closers causing poor closing performance, loose or damaged hinges affecting door alignment, painted-over seals rendering them ineffective, obstructions preventing full closure, missing or illegible certification labels, damaged glazing in vision panels, and warped door leaves or frames. Many of these issues develop gradually and can be prevented through regular maintenance. Shield Fire Doors' maintenance programmes identify problems early, often preventing costly replacements.
19. Can you repair a damaged fire door or does it need replacing?
Many fire door problems can be repaired rather than requiring complete replacement, often saving significant costs. Repairable issues include replacing damaged seals and strips, adjusting door closers and hinges, repairing minor frame damage, replacing glazing panels, upgrading hardware to current standards, and addressing surface damage. However, doors with structural damage, excessive warping, or fire damage typically need replacement. The key is professional assessment to determine if repairs can restore proper function and compliance. Shield Fire Doors prioritises cost-effective repairs where possible, only recommending replacement when necessary for safety or compliance.
20. What is Article 17 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005?
Article 17 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places a legal duty on responsible persons to ensure fire doors are "subject to a suitable system of maintenance and are maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair." This means you must have proper maintenance procedures in place and ensure fire doors continue to function as intended throughout their lifespan. This article is the foundation of UK fire door maintenance law, requiring ongoing care rather than just initial installation. Compliance involves regular inspections, prompt repairs, and documented maintenance records.
21. How do you maintain fire door seals and strips?
Fire door seals and strips require careful maintenance to remain effective. Keep them clean and free from paint, debris, or damage that could prevent proper expansion during fire conditions. Inspect seals regularly for gaps, tears, or compression damage, replacing damaged sections promptly with compatible products from the same manufacturer. Never paint over intumescent strips as this prevents proper function. During maintenance, check that seals are properly seated in their grooves and haven't become loose. If seals have been painted over or damaged, professional replacement ensures compatibility with the door's fire rating and certification.
22. When should fire door closers be replaced?
Fire door closers should be replaced when they fail to close the door properly from any angle, make excessive noise during operation, leak hydraulic fluid, have damaged or missing covers, cannot be adjusted to achieve proper closing force, or show visible damage or corrosion. A properly functioning closer should close the door smoothly and completely from the fully open position without slamming. If adjustment cannot restore proper operation, replacement is necessary. Shield Fire Doors can assess closer performance and recommend repair or replacement to ensure reliable operation whilst maintaining compliance with accessibility requirements.
23. What happens if I don't maintain my fire doors properly?
Failure to maintain fire doors properly can have serious legal, financial, and safety consequences. Legally, you may face prosecution under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, with potential unlimited fines and imprisonment. Insurance claims may be invalidated if fire doors haven't been properly maintained. Most importantly, poorly maintained fire doors may fail during emergencies, potentially leading to injury or loss of life. Regular maintenance is not just a legal requirement but a moral obligation to protect building occupants. Professional maintenance programmes provide peace of mind and ensure compliance whilst often proving more cost-effective than emergency repairs.
24. Can you paint fire doors?
Yes, you can paint fire doors, but with important restrictions. Never paint over intumescent strips, smoke seals, hinges, or certification labels, as this can prevent proper function or obscure important information. Use appropriate fire-resistant paint compatible with the door material, and avoid thick coats that might affect door operation or gap tolerances. Some manufacturers specify approved paint types in their installation instructions. If certification labels become obscured, they must be replaced or the information re-applied clearly. When in doubt, consult the door manufacturer's guidance or seek professional advice to ensure painting doesn't compromise fire performance.
25. What are the signs that a fire door needs repair?
Key signs that a fire door needs repair include visible gaps larger than 4mm around the door edges, damaged or missing intumescent strips or smoke seals, doors that don't close fully or latch properly, excessive noise during opening or closing, visible damage to the door surface or frame, loose or damaged hinges, malfunctioning door closers, cracked or damaged glazing, missing or illegible certification labels, and doors that stick or bind during operation. If you notice any of these issues, arrange professional assessment promptly. Early intervention often prevents minor problems becoming major safety issues requiring expensive replacement.
26. What are intumescent seals and why are they important?
Intumescent seals are special strips that expand when exposed to heat, sealing gaps around fire doors to prevent fire and smoke spread. Made from materials that swell dramatically at specific temperatures (typically around 200°C), they create an effective barrier even if the door warps slightly during fire conditions. These seals are crucial for maintaining the door's fire resistance rating and are often combined with cold smoke seals for enhanced protection. Proper installation and maintenance of intumescent seals is essential - damaged, missing, or painted-over seals can significantly compromise fire door performance and invalidate certification.
27. Do fire doors need to be self-closing?
Yes, most fire doors must be self-closing to function properly during emergencies. Self-closing mechanisms ensure doors return to the closed position after being opened, maintaining fire compartmentation even if occupants forget to close them manually. The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 specifically require checks of self-closing devices. However, some fire doors in certain situations may not require self-closing mechanisms - this depends on the specific fire risk assessment and building usage. Professional assessment can determine requirements for your specific situation. Any self-closing mechanism must be properly maintained to ensure reliable operation throughout the door's lifespan.
28. Can fire doors be left open?
Fire doors should not normally be left open as this defeats their purpose of preventing fire and smoke spread. However, some fire doors can be held open legally using automatic release mechanisms connected to the fire alarm system, which close the doors automatically when the alarm activates. These systems must be properly designed, installed, and maintained. Propping doors open with wedges or other methods is generally prohibited and can result in prosecution. If doors are regularly propped open due to operational needs, consider installing approved hold-open devices rather than compromising fire safety.
29. What is the responsible person's duty for fire doors?
The responsible person (typically the building owner, employer, or managing agent) has extensive duties regarding fire doors under UK fire safety law. These include ensuring fire doors are properly installed and maintained, arranging regular inspections by competent persons, keeping maintenance records and certificates, providing information to residents or occupants about fire door importance, ensuring prompt repair of defects, restricting modifications to fire doors, and demonstrating ongoing compliance with regulations. The responsible person can face serious penalties for failing to meet these duties, making proper fire door management a critical legal and safety responsibility.
30. Can landlords be prosecuted for faulty fire doors?
Yes, landlords can definitely be prosecuted for faulty fire doors. As responsible persons under fire safety legislation, landlords have legal duties to ensure fire doors are properly maintained and compliant. Prosecution can result in unlimited fines and up to two years imprisonment for serious breaches. Recent high-profile cases have seen significant penalties imposed on landlords who failed to maintain proper fire safety standards. Beyond legal consequences, landlords may face civil liability if faulty fire doors contribute to injuries or property damage. Professional maintenance and regular inspections provide essential protection against both legal prosecution and civil claims.
Fire Door Installations
31. Who can install fire doors legally in the UK?
Whilst there's no formal licensing requirement for fire door installation, installers must be "competent persons" with sufficient training, experience, and knowledge. Professional installers should hold relevant certifications such as FireQual, BM TRADA, or FIRAS accreditation, demonstrating proven competency. Installation must comply with British Standard BS 8214:2016 and manufacturer specifications. DIY installation is theoretically possible but not recommended due to the complexity and safety implications. Shield Fire Doors' team holds FireQual certification and has over 20 years of experience, ensuring installations meet all regulatory requirements and maintain manufacturer warranties.
32. Do fire door installers need to be certified?
Whilst not legally mandated, certification is highly recommended and increasingly required by clients and insurers. Certified installers demonstrate proven competency through recognised schemes like FireQual, BM TRADA Q-Mark, or FIRAS. These certifications provide confidence that installations will meet British Standards, maintain manufacturer warranties, and comply with regulations. Many contracts now specify certified installers, and insurance policies may require proof of competent installation. Shield Fire Doors maintains FireQual certification because it demonstrates our commitment to professional standards and provides our clients with confidence in our expertise and reliability.
33. What is FireQual certification?
FireQual is a nationally recognised qualification system for fire safety professionals, including fire door installers, inspectors, and maintenance technicians. Administered by BAFE (British Approvals for Fire Equipment), FireQual certification demonstrates proven competency through assessment and ongoing professional development. For fire doors, FireQual covers installation, inspection, and maintenance competencies. Certificates are valid for three years and require ongoing CPD (Continuing Professional Development) to maintain. Shield Fire Doors' team holds current FireQual certification, ensuring our services meet the highest professional standards and current best practices in fire door safety.
34. What's the difference between FD30, FD60, and FD120 fire doors?
These numbers indicate the fire resistance duration in minutes - FD30 doors resist fire for 30 minutes, FD60 for 60 minutes, and FD120 for 120 minutes. FD30 doors are most common in domestic and low-rise commercial applications, providing sufficient time for evacuation. FD60 doors are typically used in higher-risk commercial buildings or where longer protection is needed. FD120 doors are used in specialist applications like high-rise buildings or industrial facilities. The required rating depends on your building's fire risk assessment and regulatory requirements. Shield Fire Doors can advise on appropriate ratings for your specific application.
35. Can you install a fire door yourself?
Whilst not explicitly prohibited, DIY fire door installation is strongly discouraged due to the complexity and safety implications. Fire door installation requires detailed knowledge of British Standards, manufacturer specifications, and building regulations. Incorrect installation can invalidate certification, compromise safety, and potentially result in prosecution if someone is injured. Professional installation ensures compliance, maintains warranties, and provides certification required for insurance and regulatory purposes. The small cost saving of DIY installation isn't worth the significant risks. Shield Fire Doors provides professional installation with full certification and ongoing support.
36. What certification do I need for fire door installation?
For professional fire door installation, relevant certifications include FireQual Installation certification, BM TRADA Q-Mark scheme accreditation, FIRAS certification for fire protection installation, or equivalent recognised qualifications. These demonstrate competency in fire door installation according to British Standards. Additionally, health and safety qualifications (SMSTS, IOSH, or NEBOSH) are often required. For building contractors, CSCS cards and relevant NVQ qualifications may be needed. Shield Fire Doors maintains all relevant certifications and accreditations, ensuring our installations meet the highest professional standards and regulatory requirements.
37. How much does fire door installation cost?
Fire door installation costs vary significantly based on door type, size, complexity, and location. Basic FD30 domestic installations typically cost £300-600 per door including supply and fitting. Commercial installations range from £400-1000+ depending on specifications and access requirements. Costs include the door set, hardware, installation labour, and certification. Additional costs may apply for structural modifications, multiple doors, or complex access requirements. Shield Fire Doors provides transparent pricing with detailed quotes covering all aspects of installation. We often find our comprehensive service provides better value than cheaper alternatives that may require additional work later.
38. What buildings require fire doors?
Fire doors are required in most non-domestic buildings and many residential situations. Commercial, industrial, and public buildings typically need fire doors in escape routes, between different occupancy areas, protecting high-risk rooms (plant rooms, stores), and in multi-storey buildings. Residential requirements include flats opening onto communal areas, houses with three or more floors (doors leading from stairwells), doors between houses and integral garages, and conversions creating additional floors. Requirements depend on building use, size, layout, and fire risk assessment findings. Shield Fire Doors can assess your specific requirements and recommend appropriate solutions.
39. Do you need Building Regulations approval for fire door installation?
For new buildings, extensions, or material changes of use, fire door installation typically requires Building Regulations approval as part of the overall application. For replacement fire doors in existing buildings, approval isn't usually required if you're replacing like-for-like, but you must ensure the new door meets or exceeds the original specification. Significant changes or upgrades may require approval. Building Control officers may request evidence of compliance through certification and testing documentation. Shield Fire Doors can advise on Building Regulations requirements and provide necessary documentation to support your application or demonstrate compliance.
40. What's the difference between fire door sets and fire door leaves?
A fire door leaf is just the door itself - the timber, steel, or composite panel that swings open and closed. A fire door set (or doorset) is the complete assembly including the door leaf, frame, hinges, seals, closer, handles, locks, and any glazing - everything needed for a complete installation. Fire door sets are tested and certified as complete assemblies, ensuring all components are compatible and will perform together as intended. Installing individual components separately requires careful verification of compatibility. Shield Fire Doors typically recommends complete door sets for new installations to ensure optimal performance and compliance.
41. What is BM TRADA certification?
BM TRADA is a leading UK certification body providing testing and certification services for fire doors and other building products. Their Q-Mark scheme certifies both fire door manufacturers and installers, ensuring products and installation services meet British Standards and regulatory requirements. BM TRADA certification involves rigorous testing, regular audits, and ongoing compliance monitoring. For installers, BM TRADA Q-Mark certification demonstrates competency in fire door installation and maintenance. This certification provides confidence that work will be performed to the highest standards and maintain product warranties and compliance requirements.
42. Can you fit glazing in fire doors?
Yes, fire doors can include glazing, but it must be fire-rated glass tested as part of the complete door assembly. Vision panels allow observation through fire doors whilst maintaining fire resistance. The glazing must be specified by the door manufacturer and installed according to their instructions to maintain certification. You cannot retrofit glazing by cutting holes in existing fire doors unless done by specialists following approved procedures. The size and position of glazing is limited by testing and certification requirements. Shield Fire Doors can advise on glazing options and ensure any installation maintains fire performance and compliance.
43. What is a fire door assembly vs a fire door set?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but technically a fire door assembly refers to all components that make up the complete fire-resistant barrier - door leaf, frame, ironmongery, seals, and glazing. A fire door set typically refers to a pre-assembled package where all components are matched and supplied together by one manufacturer. Fire door assemblies can be built from compatible components from different manufacturers, though this requires careful verification of compatibility and performance. Fire door sets simplify specification and ensure compatibility, whilst assemblies offer more flexibility but require greater expertise to specify correctly.
44. Do domestic properties need fire doors?
Many domestic properties do require fire doors, particularly new builds or conversions with three or more floors must have fire doors to all habitable rooms leading from stairwells, doors between integral garages and houses must be fire doors, and loft conversions often trigger fire door requirements. In blocks of flats, entrance doors to individual flats typically must be fire doors. Requirements depend on building height, layout, escape routes, and local Building Regulations. Even where not legally required, fire doors can provide valuable protection for families. Shield Fire Doors can assess your property and advise on requirements and recommendations for enhanced safety.
45. What is cascading certification for fire doors?
Cascading certification allows fire door manufacturers to use test evidence from individual components to certify complete door assemblies without testing every possible combination. For example, if a door leaf, frame, and hardware items are individually certified to compatible standards, the manufacturer can "cascade" this evidence to certify the complete assembly. This system requires strict compatibility rules and technical assessment to ensure performance isn't compromised. Cascading reduces testing costs whilst maintaining safety standards, but requires expert knowledge to apply correctly. Professional installers understand cascading principles and ensure only compatible certified components are used together.
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