Fire doors are one of the most important components of passive fire protection within a building. Designed to slow the spread of fire and smoke, they help protect escape routes and give occupants vital time to evacuate safely.
However, fire doors only work as intended if they are correctly installed, maintained and inspected. In many buildings, routine inspections reveal faults that can significantly reduce the effectiveness of the door during a fire.
At Ember Fire Consultants, our team regularly carries out fire door inspections and remedial works for clients across Nottingham, Derby, Sheffield, Harrogate, Leeds and Doncaster. During surveys we often encounter a number of common issues that can compromise fire safety.
One of the most frequent faults found during inspections is a door that does not fully close.
Fire doors are designed to remain closed in order to prevent the spread of fire and smoke between compartments. If a door sticks, catches on flooring, or has a faulty self-closing device, it may remain partially open.
Fire doors that do not close properly
Even a small gap can allow smoke and flames to spread rapidly through a building.
Self-closing devices should therefore always be functioning correctly and adjusted so the door closes firmly into the frame.
Damaged or missing intumescent seals
Intumescent strips are typically fitted into the edge of a fire door or frame. When exposed to heat, these seals expand to close the gap between the door and the frame.
If these seals are missing, damaged or painted over, they may not perform correctly in a fire.
During inspections, it is not uncommon to find seals that have been removed during decorating works or replaced incorrectly.
Ensuring these seals are present and in good condition is essential for fire door performance.
Excessive gaps around the door
Fire doors must be installed with specific clearances around the frame to ensure they function properly.
If the gaps around the door are too large, smoke and fire can pass through quickly. On the other hand, if the gaps are too tight, the door may not close properly.
Incorrect gaps are often caused by poor installation, building movement or changes to flooring levels over time.
Regular inspection can identify these issues before they become a safety risk.
Incorrect or non-compliant hardware
Another common problem is the use of incorrect hinges, locks or handles that have not been tested as part of a fire door assembly.
Fire doors require fire-rated ironmongery, including hinges that can withstand high temperatures and self-closing devices that ensure the door shuts automatically.
If standard hardware is used instead of fire-rated components, the door may fail prematurely during a fire.
Damage to the door leaf
Physical damage to the door itself can also compromise fire resistance.
Examples include:
• Holes drilled through the door for cables
• Large cracks or impact damage
• Alterations for letterboxes or glazing
• Warping or delamination of door surfaces
Any structural changes to the door leaf can affect its ability to resist fire.
The importance of professional inspection
Fire doors are often used many times a day in busy buildings, which means wear and damage can occur gradually over time.
Routine inspections help ensure faults are identified and corrected before they create a serious risk.
At Ember Fire Consultants, we support building owners, managing agents and contractors with fire door inspections, installations, repairs and compliance support.
Our team works with clients across Nottingham, Derby, Sheffield, Harrogate, Leeds and Doncaster, helping ensure that fire doors are installed correctly and maintained to the required standards.
If you are responsible for a residential or commercial building and require support with fire door inspections, installations or remedial works, our team would be happy to assist.
