"The Top 5 Mistakes People Make with Fire Doors – And How to Avoid Them"

Fire doors are a critical part of any building’s fire protection strategy — yet they're often overlooked, misused, or poorly installed. Whether you're a landlord, property manager, or business owner, understanding how to properly install and maintain fire doors is key to staying compliant and protecting lives.

Here are the top 5 fire door mistakes we see far too often — and how you can avoid them.

1. Installing Non-Certified Fire Doors

Not all doors labelled “fire doors” are actually compliant. A proper fire door must be certified to meet British Standards (like BS 476 or BS EN 1634), and that includes both the door leaf and the components (frames, hinges, closers, etc.).

The risk: Uncertified doors may fail in a fire, giving a false sense of security and potentially endangering lives.

Avoid it by: Always using third-party certified fire doors and working with a qualified installer who understands current fire safety regulations.

2. Using the Wrong Hardware

Even if the door itself is compliant, using non-fire-rated hardware — such as handles, hinges, closers, or seals — can completely undermine the door's performance.

The risk: Poor-quality or non-compliant components can cause doors to warp, fail to close properly, or allow smoke to pass through.

Avoid it by: Ensuring all door components are fire-rated and part of a tested and certified fire door set.

3. Propping Fire Doors Open

It might be tempting to wedge a fire door open for convenience, but doing so can be extremely dangerous — and illegal in most settings.

The risk: A fire door left open won’t contain fire or smoke, allowing it to spread rapidly through a building.

Avoid it by: Educating building occupants on the importance of keeping fire doors closed, and installing approved hold-open devices that automatically release during a fire alarm.

4. Skipping Routine Inspections and Maintenance

Fire doors require regular inspection to remain compliant and functional. Even small issues like worn seals, misaligned hinges, or sticking latches can cause a door to fail in an emergency.

The risk: Damaged or faulty fire doors may not provide the required fire resistance, putting people and property at risk.

Avoid it by: Scheduling routine inspections — ideally every 6 months (or more frequently in high-traffic areas) — and fixing issues promptly.

5. Poor or Incomplete Installation

A fire door is only as good as its installation. Even a certified door can be compromised if it's fitted incorrectly — gaps too wide, seals not flush, or frames not properly secured.

The risk: A poorly installed door may not close properly or maintain the fire rating it's certified for.

Avoid it by: Always using trained, experienced fire door installers who follow manufacturer instructions and certified installation practices.

✅ How We Can Help

At Prestige, we specialise in the supply, installation, Inspection , maintenance of certified fire doors across nationwide

. We work with property managers, landlords, commercial clients, and contractors to deliver fire safety solutions that are compliant, high-quality, and built to last.

Whether you need a new fire door installed or your current doors inspected, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

📞 Call us today or 📩 Request a free consultation via our contact form.