Fire door checks cover the door, frame, glazing, hinges, ironmongery, seals, spacing and self-closing mechanism. Above 11m, communal doors need checks every three months, flat entrance doors annually.
Fire doors help contain fire and smoke, protecting escape routes during an emergency. They only provide that protection when they remain in good working order. This fire door maintenance checklist covers the visual checks to make, how often inspections are required, and when faults call for repair or replacement. It also explains who holds legal responsibility under the rules in England.
Key Takeaways
- Routine legal checks are simple and visual, so specialist tools are unnecessary.
- FDIS data found 72% of inspected doors failed in 2025, although 70% needed only minor remedial work.
- Faults should be repaired or replaced by a competent contractor as soon as reasonably practicable.
What a Fire Door Actually Does
A fire door helps slow the spread of fire and smoke through a building. It is designed to resist fire for a set period, giving people more time to reach a safe exit and helping keep escape routes usable.
For flat entrance and escape route doors, Building Regulations guidance generally expects at least 30 minutes of fire resistance. The House of Commons Library’s fire safety rules for blocks of flats also note that these doors should have smoke seals and self-closing devices.
These features work together to keep the door closed, limit smoke movement and maintain protection around the escape route while occupants leave the building.
How Common Are Fire Door Failures?
Fire door problems are fairly common, even in buildings where doors are already subject to regular checks. FDIS inspection data from 2025 found that 72% of fire doors inspected by approved inspectors failed to meet the required standard.
That figure sounds high, but a failed inspection does not automatically mean the door needs replacing. In fact, 70% of the non compliant doors needed only minor remedial work. The UK fire door inspection data identified excessive gaps, smoke sealing problems and poor care and maintenance among the common issues found.
This shows why routine checks matter. Small faults can often be dealt with through straightforward remedial work before they become a larger fire safety concern.
How Often Should Fire Doors Be Checked?
Fire door check frequency depends on the building height, door type and legal duties that apply. For blocks of flats in England, the requirements vary between communal doors, flat entrance doors and other fire doors.
The 11m threshold is important because it determines when the specific Regulation 10 checking regime applies. The fire door guidance under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 explains which doors fall within these duties and what the responsible person must record.
For buildings below that threshold, there is no equivalent fixed timetable under Regulation 10. Fire doors still need attention as part of the wider duty to keep fire safety measures in efficient working order and good repair.
The legal timetable should also be treated as a minimum. Doors in busy communal areas can face greater wear, so regular monitoring between formal checks can help spot damage, loose components or other faults early.
Our fire door inspections service can help when a more detailed inspection is needed.
What Should You Look for During a Fire Door Check (A Complete Checklist)
A fire door check should start with a visual inspection of the complete door assembly. The aim is to spot visible damage, missing components, poor repairs or changes that could affect how the door performs during a fire.
These checks are straightforward, but they need to cover the whole door rather than focusing on one obvious defect.
Door Type and Alterations
Confirm the door remains the correct fire resisting type for its location. Check for a fire door rating label or identification marking where provided. Ensure it has not been replaced with an ordinary internal door.
Check for new holes, cut outs, fittings or alterations that could affect fire performance.
Letterboxes
Where a fire door has a letterbox, check that the flap closes properly and is not stuck open. Look for loose fittings, excessive wear or damage around the opening. Any replacement letterbox should be suitable for a fire resisting door.
A standard domestic letterbox is not automatically suitable just because it fits.
Door, Frame and Surrounding Wall
Inspect the door leaf for cracks, splits, impact damage, distortion or removed material. Check the frame for damage, loose sections or movement.
Inspect the surrounding wall for cracks, damage or openings around the frame that could affect support or allow fire and smoke to pass around the door.
Glazing
Check any glazing for cracks, chips, damage or signs that the glass has become loose. Fire resisting glass should be used with the correct glazing system, so inspect the beads, seals and surrounding frame as well as the glass itself.
Check any glazed side panels or over panels at the same time. Damage to these areas can affect the fire resisting performance of the complete installation.
Hinges and Ironmongery
Check hinges for loose screws, damage, corrosion or movement. The door should hang correctly without dropping or rubbing against the frame. Excessive strain on hinges may indicate an underlying issue requiring attention.
Inspect handles, locks and latches for damage or looseness. Secure suitable ventilation grilles fitted to the fire door.
Intumescent Strips and Smoke Seals
Inspect seals for breaks, missing sections, damage or deterioration. Intumescent strips should remain seated correctly and not be painted over, cut away or covered by later work.
Check smoke seals remain intact and contact correctly when the door closes. Do not ignore missing or damaged seals simply because the door closes normally.
Gaps Around the Door
Check the gap between the door leaf and frame along the sides and top. It should normally be no more than 4mm. Keep the bottom gap as small as reasonably practical.
Look for uneven gaps, as larger spaces on one side may indicate movement of the door, hinges or frame.
The Self Closing Device
A simple closing test can reveal problems with the self closing device. Open the door fully and release it. The door should close completely and allow the latch to engage correctly.
Repeat the check by opening the door to around 15 degrees before releasing it. The door should still close fully without stopping, catching on the frame or remaining partly open.
Magnetic Hold Open Devices
Where a magnetic hold open device is installed, use the designated test button to confirm it releases the door correctly. Do not pull the door from the magnet to test it. The test should confirm proper release operation without damaging the equipment or door.
Double Doors with a Door Selector
Double fire doors need to close in the correct sequence. Check that both leaves move freely and that the door selector allows the active and inactive leaves to close in the correct order.
The leaves should meet properly when the doors close. If one leaf closes too early or the other remains open, the selector may need attention.
Signage and General Condition
Check required Fire Door signage remains clear and readable. Inspect the door for obvious damage, poor repairs or signs it has been wedged, blocked or propped open.
Check the surrounding area for obstructions. Furniture, bins or other items should not prevent the door from closing properly.
Keeping Records
For flat entrance fire doors, keep a clear record of the checks carried out during each 12 month period. Records should also note refused access and any steps taken to arrange or revisit the inspection.
Our professional fire door inspection can provide a more detailed assessment when a routine visual check identifies a concern.
When Do Fire Doors Need Repair or Replacement?
A visible defect does not automatically mean the whole fire door needs replacing. Minor faults may be repairable when the door assembly remains suitable.
Replacement can be necessary when damage affects fire or smoke resistance, such as:
- Serious warping
- Major splits
- Damaged glazing
- Or a failed frame.
Missing or damaged seals, excessive space, defective closers and faulty hinges may be repairable when suitable components can restore performance.
Unauthorised alterations also need assessment. Repairs must use compatible parts and preserve the door’s tested fire performance.
Who Should Carry Out Repairs
Once a defect is identified, any repair or replacement should be carried out by a competent contractor as soon as reasonably practicable. The person carrying out the work should understand the specific fire door assembly and use suitable components to maintain its intended performance.
This is important because an unsuitable repair can affect other parts of the door assembly. Our fire door remedial works service covers seal, hinge, closer, lock, frame and door repairs. Routine checks should continue alongside periodic specialist assessments as part of the wider fire risk assessment.
Who Is Responsible for Fire Door Checks?
In a block of flats, the responsible person normally has legal responsibility for fire safety in the common parts. This is usually the building owner, landlord or managing agent, depending on how the property is managed.
This responsibility covers relevant flat entrance doors that open onto common parts, rather than the inside of individual flats. According to West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s guidance on the Fire Safety Act 2021 and Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, local fire and rescue authorities generally enforce these Regulations.
The responsible person must ensure fire safety measures are properly managed and maintained. As explained in BRE’s guide to fire door safety and regulations, properly maintained fire doors form an important part of a wider fire safety strategy.
FAQs
How often should fire doors be checked by law?
Communal doors above 11m need checks every three months. Flat entrance doors need annual checks on a best endeavours basis.
What is checked during a fire door inspection?
The door, frame, glazing, hinges, ironmongery, seals, spacing and closing mechanism are checked visually.
What gap is acceptable around a fire door?
Around 4mm is the usual maximum, except at the bottom where the space should be minimal.
Does a fire door need to close on its own?
Yes. It should close fully into its frame after release, including during the 15 degree test.
What happens if a fire door fails inspection?
The defect should be assessed, then repaired or replaced where necessary by a competent contractor.
Conclusion
Regular fire door checks are important for ongoing fire safety. Where legal checks apply, they must take place at required intervals. Defects should be addressed promptly, although a failed check does not mean replacement when competent repairs can restore performance.
Need a professional fire door inspection or remedial work carried out? Get a free quote covering Crawley and the surrounding West Sussex area.
