Fire doors are one of those things that are easy to forget about until you absolutely need them. And that's exactly why they're so important. You don't want to find out at the worst possible moment that your fire doors aren't up to scratch.
But do you know how often you should actually inspect and maintain them?
Why does it matter?
When it comes down to it, fire doors save lives. They slow down flames, smoke and heat, and give everyone vital extra minutes to escape safely.
What’s more, fire doors can’t just be any heavy door. A proper fire door is carefully designed, tested, and certified by experts for utmost safety. But they’re only good if they're maintained correctly.
How often should you inspect your fire doors?
In short, regularly, but let’s explore it further.
Monthly Checks
According to British Standards (BS 9999), it is recommended that you carry out quick visual inspections monthly, and this is something you can do in-house. Check over the hinges, seals, and gaps, and make sure nothing is obstructed or damaged.
Think about it like checking your car tyres before a long drive. It’s a simple check, takes minutes, but it could mean all the difference in the event of a fire.
More detailed inspections
A more detailed inspection should usually happen at least once every six months. That’s when you get the experts in, like the team at Intertech Contracts, to properly look over everything. They'll check things you probably never even noticed, like seals, door closers, glazing, gaps, and frames.
The regularity of inspections depends on how often the doors are used. For example, fire safety doors on stairs are used more frequently than on a boiler room, so they would need to be checked more often. Your installation company can give you advice on fire door maintenance.
During an annual inspection, the inspector ensures that every component is in good working order. They'll also test if the door closes securely and completely on its own, without sticking or dragging.
If they find any issues, they can resolve them on the spot or provide you with clear guidance on the next steps.
When to inspect more frequently
If your fire doors are used heavily, such as in schools, hospitals, and busy offices, you'll need more frequent checks. The more wear and tear, the more attention needed.
And don’t forget, after any building work or refurbishments, get another inspection sorted pronto. Dust, debris, or even minor adjustments can reduce the effectiveness of a fire door without you realising it.
Common fire door problems
You’d be surprised how often people prop open fire doors with chairs or wedges for convenience. Handy? Maybe. Safe? Definitely not.
Here’s a quick list of common issues we see regularly:
Doors not closing properly because they’re warped or swollen.
Damaged intumescent seals (the clever strips that expand when heated).
Missing or broken door closers.
Damage from everyday use (knocks, scrapes, or cracks).
Doors obstructed by furniture or storage boxes.
Spotting these early is essential because the cost of fixing them early on is small compared to the potential disaster of ignoring them.
Why professional fire door maintenance matters
You might be wondering, "Can’t our handyman fix that?" Sometimes, yes. But when it comes to fire doors, you really don’t want to leave anything to chance. It's like getting your friend to fix your boiler. They might be handy, but if they miss something critical, it could end badly.
Professional fire door installation and inspection from Intertech Contracts doesn’t just tick boxes. We ensure your doors genuinely perform under pressure. Intertech are fully certified by BM Trada, the industry-leading accreditation for fire door inspection and installation, meaning our inspections meet the highest safety and compliance standards.
Plus, documentation is crucial. Proper fire door maintenance records could be essential evidence if your fire safety doors ever get inspected officially, or worse, if there’s an incident.
Staying compliant and safe
There’s also a legal side to all this. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, building owners and managers must make sure fire doors are properly maintained. If you don’t, you’re risking fines, prosecution, and potentially even imprisonment if something goes wrong.
Regular checks aren't just good practice, they're mandatory.
Maintaining fire safety doors between inspections
Here’s some friendly advice to keep things in good shape:
Regularly remind staff about the importance of not propping doors open.
Give doors a quick visual glance every now and then, especially hinges and seals.
Keep fire door areas clear. Don’t pile boxes, desks, or chairs around them.
It’s easy to do, but it genuinely makes a huge difference.
Why Intertech Contracts?
At Intertech Contracts, fire door installation and inspection isn't just another service; it’s one of our specialities. The whole team genuinely cares about fire safety because we’ve seen firsthand how important it is. From schools and healthcare centres to large offices, we've inspected, repaired, and replaced countless fire doors across the UK.
Peace of mind is priceless. Knowing your fire doors are expertly maintained means you can focus on running your business without worry.
Get in touch with our friendly team today to learn how we can help your business stay safe and compliant.
