RiskFire Insider Volume 2

Fire doors are subject to consistent use, and the level of wear they experience often depends on the property type. High-traffic environments such as apartment blocks, hospitals, schools, and commercial buildings place significantly greater demands on door sets than low-use areas.

Over time, even a fully compliant fire door can become non-compliant. Regular use, combined with natural building movement and environmental changes, can cause the door set to settle within its frame. This often leads to excessive gaps developing between the door leaf and the frame. Fire door tolerances are typically between 2–4mm; once gaps exceed this range, the smoke and fire seals may no longer engage correctly.

When seals fail to activate as designed, the door’s ability to prevent fire and smoke transfer is compromised, creating a serious safety hazard.

To keep gaps within acceptable tolerances, routine maintenance is vital. This is usually achieved through easing and adjustment of the door and frame, allowing the door to sit correctly and restore compliance. Without this intervention, gaps can continue to worsen over time, particularly in buildings with structural movement.

Fire door closers are another key component that requires consistent attention. With repeated use, closers can weaken or slow, resulting in doors that no longer fully close or latch. A fire door that does not fully engage is ineffective during a fire, allowing smoke and flames to spread unchecked.

As with many critical fire safety measures, fire doors are not a one-stop solution. Ongoing inspection and maintenance on a robust schedule are essential to ensure continued compliance with current regulations and standards.

This is typically achieved through quarterly or six-monthly fire door inspections. These inspections provide a thorough assessment of:

Door gaps and tolerances
Condition of the door leaf and frame
Operation of fire door closers
Condition and performance of seals
Integrity and lifespan of ironmongery

Following the inspection, a subsequent visit is arranged to rectify any defects identified, ensuring the fire doors remain fully compliant and functional.

All fire door components have a finite lifespan. Ironmongery such as hinges, handles, and latches will eventually wear out and may require replacement to maintain performance and compliance. Similarly, fire and smoke seals can become perishable over time, especially in doors that experience frequent opening and closing.

If these elements are not regularly inspected and replaced when necessary, the door’s fire resistance can be significantly reduced, even if the door leaf itself remains in good condition.