Fire Door Surveying
Comprehensive Inspections to Ensure Fire Door Compliance
Fire doors are a critical part of a building’s fire protection system, helping to contain fire and smoke, protect escape routes, and provide essential time for safe evacuation. However, to perform effectively, fire doors must be correctly installed, maintained, and regularly inspected. Without routine checks and maintenance, even the highest-rated fire doors can fail, putting lives at risk and leading to potential legal consequences.
The Importance of Fire Door Surveys
Fire doors are not like standard doors—they are carefully designed to resist the spread of fire and smoke for a specified period, usually 30 or 60 minutes. However, their effectiveness depends on correct installation, ongoing maintenance, and regular inspections.
Common issues with fire doors include:
- Damaged or missing intumescent seals – Preventing effective smoke and fire containment.
- Improperly fitted gaps around doors – Reducing fire resistance due to excessive clearance.
- Faulty self-closing mechanisms – Allowing doors to remain open, nullifying fire protection.
- Poorly maintained door frames – Compromising structural integrity.
- Incorrect signage or missing labels – Making compliance difficult to verify.
Regular inspections help to identify these issues before they compromise fire safety. Under Article 17 of the Fire Safety Order 2005, fire doors must be maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order, and in good repair.
Understanding Certified & Notional Fire Doors
- Manufactured & tested to meet strict fire resistance standards.
- Supplied with a certification label confirming performance rating (e.g., FD30, FD60).
- Must be installed with compatible ironmongery and frames to ensure full compliance.
- Often required in new-builds and properties with stringent fire safety requirements.
Certified fire doors must be installed and maintained according to the manufacturer’s specifications to remain compliant. Any modifications or damage could invalidate their certification, meaning they may no longer provide the required level of fire resistance.
- Older fire doors that were not originally tested under modern certification standards.
- Typically found in converted or historic buildings.
- Can still provide fire resistance if they meet certain construction criteria.
- May require upgrading to meet current fire safety expectations.
While notional fire doors do not have formal certification, they may still provide a level of fire protection. However, their suitability must be assessed by a competent fire safety professional, as not all older doors meet the necessary standards. If necessary, recommendations will be provided for upgrading or replacing doors to ensure compliance.
What’s Included in a Fire Door Survey?
Our fire door surveys involve a detailed inspection of each fire door set to evaluate its condition, compliance, and overall effectiveness.
We assess:
- Door Leaf & Frame Condition – Identifying wear, damage, or structural concerns.
- Intumescent & Smoke Seals – Checking for missing, damaged, or ineffective seals.
- Self-Closing Mechanisms – Ensuring doors close fully and latch correctly.
- Gaps & Alignment – Measuring critical gap tolerances to confirm fire resistance.
- Hinges, Locks & Ironmongery – Verifying that components are fire-rated and correctly fitted.
- Signage & Identification – Ensuring correct markings and labels for compliance.
- Previous Modifications or Damage – Checking for unapproved alterations that may affect performance.
Following our survey, you will receive a comprehensive digital report, including:
- Photographic evidence of each fire door’s condition.
- Clear identification of non-compliance issues.
- Prioritised action plan for remedial works.
Our reports support property managers, landlords, and responsible persons in demonstrating compliance with Article 17 of the Fire Safety Order 2005.
Who Needs a Fire Door Survey?
Fire door inspections are essential for any building where fire doors form part of the fire safety strategy. This includes:
- Commercial Properties – Offices, shops, warehouses, and industrial buildings.
- Residential Blocks – Landlords, managing agents, and housing providers.
- Hotels & Hospitality – Ensuring guest safety and regulatory compliance.
- Healthcare & Care Homes – Maintaining fire compartmentation to protect vulnerable occupants.
- Heritage & Converted Buildings – Assessing notional fire doors and recommending necessary upgrades.
Why Choose Fire Safety & Compliance Ltd?
We provide independent, professional fire door assessments to help businesses and property owners fulfil their legal responsibilities under Article 17 of the Fire Safety Order 2005.
- Experienced Fire Risk Assessors – Specialists in passive fire protection.
- Detailed, Actionable Reports – Clear findings with prioritised recommendations.
- Support & Guidance – Helping you implement necessary improvements.
- Flexible Inspections – Tailored to your specific property requirements.
Book Your Fire Door Survey Today
Ensuring your fire doors are fit for purpose is essential for life safety, legal compliance, and property protection. Whether you manage a commercial building, residential block, or public facility, regular fire door inspections help to prevent risk and ensure compliance.
Contact us today to schedule your fire door survey and ensure your building meets essential fire safety requirements.
Our Commitment
At Fire Safety & Compliance Ltd, our commitment is to support your business in achieving and maintaining the highest standards of fire safety. With our flexible, customisable partnership packages, you have access to a comprehensive suite of services designed to meet your unique needs while spreading the cost.
Whether through in-depth risk assessments, expert consultation, or specialised bolt-on services, we are dedicated to providing you with reliable, professional guidance every step of the way.
Together, we can create a safer environment for your business, staff, and customers. Partner with us to experience a proactive approach to fire safety that offers peace of mind and ensures regulatory compliance.
