The Complete Fire Door Maintenance Guide: What to Inspect and When

Fire doors are one of the most important safety features in any building. They’re specially designed to hold back flames and smoke, buying valuable time for people to escape in the event of a fire. But a fire door can only do its job if it’s properly installed and regularly maintained.

With Fire Door Safety Week taking place this September, there’s no better time to review how to look after your fire doors. In this guide, we’ll cover what to check, how often to inspect, and why it’s so important for both safety and compliance.

Why Fire Door Maintenance Matters

A well-maintained fire door could mean the difference between life and death. If it fails to close, has damaged seals, or hasn’t been fitted correctly, it won’t perform in a fire.

• Faster spread of fire and smoke
• Reduced evacuation time
• Breaches in legal compliance for landlords and building managers

Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, facilities manager, or responsible person under fire safety regulations, maintaining your fire doors is a duty you cannot ignore.

How Often Should You Check Fire Doors?

• Quick visual checks → At least once a month
• Detailed inspections → Every 6 months by a trained professional
• High-traffic buildings → Schools, hospitals, student accommodation, and flats should be checked more often

Think of fire door checks as part of your routine building safety schedule — like smoke alarm testing or emergency lighting checks.

What to Inspect in a Fire Door (Checklist)

1. Certification Labels & Markings

Look for a certification label or plug, usually found on the top or side of the door. If it’s missing or painted over, you can’t be sure the door is fire-rated.

2. Gaps Around the Door

Check the gaps between the door and the frame. They should be consistent and no wider than 3–4mm (about the thickness of a £1 coin).

3. Intumescent & Smoke Seals

Seals expand under heat to block smoke and flames. Inspect them for cracks, gaps, or damage. If they’re missing or painted over, they must be replaced.

4. Hinges & Hardware

Each fire door should have at least three hinges. Make sure they are firmly fixed, undamaged, and free from loose screws or rust.

5. Door Closers

A fire door must close fully and securely from any open position. Test it: open the door halfway and let it go. It should close on its own.

6. Glass Panels (if fitted)

Fire-resistant glazing should be intact, without cracks or missing beading.

7. Overall Condition

Look for holes, warping, dents, or alterations to the door leaf. Even small changes can affect performance.

Common Fire Door Failures to Avoid

• Propping doors open with wedges
• Removing or tampering with door closers
• Adding uncertified hardware (cat flaps, locks, letterboxes)
• Painting over seals
• Failing to replace damaged parts promptly

General Fire Door Solutions

If an inspection highlights serious damage or non-compliance, replacement is often the safest option. At DirectDoors, we stock a wide range of certified fire-rated doors suitable for homes, apartments, and commercial settings.

• Traditional and modern designs
• Glazed fire doors for light and visibility
• Internal and external fire-rated options
• Standard FD30 and FD60 fire protection

Friendly Value Fire Doors — Safe, Stylish, Affordable

Looking for fire doors that meet both safety standards and budget requirements? Our Friendly Value Fire Door Range offers an ideal balance of affordability, quality, and modern design — perfect for landlords, homeowners, or developers working on multiple properties.

✔ Certified fire-rated doors without the high-end price tag
✔ Great for large-scale projects or budget-conscious renovations
✔ Stylish finishes that don’t compromise on safety

Whether you’re upgrading one door or outfitting an entire property, the Friendly Value range ensures fire safety is accessible to everyone.

Spotlight: V-Line® Flush Fire Rated Doors

For projects where both safety and design excellence are essential, our V-Line® Flush Fire Rated Doors are the standout choice.

• ✔ Fire Tested & Certified
• ✔ FD30 Ratings available
• ✔ Sleek flush design for a contemporary finish
• ✔ Suitable for both residential and commercial applications
• ✔ Built to last, ensuring long-term safety compliance

Conclusion

A fire door isn’t just another door — it’s a life-saving device. Regular maintenance and inspection ensure it works when it matters most.

This Fire Door Safety Week, take time to check the doors in your home, office, or property. A few minutes of inspection could save lives.

👉 Explore our full fire-rated door collection or upgrade to our V-Line® Flush Fire Rated Doors for premium modern protection.

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