What to Do if Your Fire Door Fails an Inspection

Fire doors are crucial safety features in any building, designed to slow the spread of fire and smoke, protect lives, and safeguard property. But what happens when your fire door fails an inspection? While it might seem like a scary situation, addressing the issues promptly can ensure compliance and safety.

Understanding Why Fire Doors Fail Inspections

Before exploring the solutions, it’s important to understand why fire doors fail inspections. 

Common reasons include:

• Misalignment: Doors that don’t close properly or don’t fit snugly within the frame.

• Damaged Seals: Intumescent strips or smoke seals that are missing, worn, or improperly installed.

• Faulty Hardware: Malfunctioning hinges, locks, or self-closing devices.

• Non-Compliance: Doors that fail to meet BS 9999 or other relevant fire safety regulations.

• Visible Damage: Cracks, warping, or other physical damage to the door or frame.

When fire doors fail inspections, it’s often due to wear and tear, improper maintenance, or subpar installation. Regardless of the cause, the issues must be addressed to maintain safety and compliance.

Step 1: Review the Inspection Report

The first step is to thoroughly review the inspection report provided by your certified fire door inspector. At Prestige Building and Fire, we provide detailed reports outlining the specific reasons for failure, complete with actionable recommendations. Key elements of the report include:

• Identified defects or areas of non-compliance.

• A summary of the potential safety risks associated with the issues.

• Recommended solutions to bring the fire door back to compliance.

By understanding the report, you’ll have a clear roadmap to follow.

Step 2: Engage a Certified Fire Door Specialist

It’s crucial to work with a certified and experienced team to address the issues. As a UK Fire Door Training-Approved Inspector and Safe Contractor-Certified provider, we have the expertise needed to handle all aspects of fire door maintenance, repairs, and replacements.

Our team specialises in:

• Door Alignment Adjustments: Ensuring doors close securely and provide a proper seal.

• Seal and Intumescent Strip Replacements: Repairing or replacing seals to restore fire-resistant integrity.

• Hardware Repairs and Upgrades: Fixing hinges, locks, and self-closing mechanisms.

• Compliance Upgrades: Bringing your fire doors up to the latest safety standards.

Step 3: Prioritise Immediate Safety Concerns

If your inspection reveals critical issues that compromise immediate safety, take swift action to avoid risks. For example, block off affected areas, post warning signs, and notify building occupants as needed.

Step 4: Schedule Repairs or Replacements

Based on the inspection findings, schedule necessary repairs or replacements promptly. Prestige Building and Fire provides comprehensive fire door remedials, ensuring that your doors are restored to full functionality and compliance.

Common remedial services include:

• Replacing damaged door components.

• Ensuring proper fitting and alignment.

• Upgrading to fire doors compliant with FD30/FD60 standards.

Step 5: Document the Process

Maintain detailed records of all inspections, repairs, and replacements. Documentation ensures regulatory compliance but also demonstrates due diligence in prioritising fire safety. We provide clear and actionable reports, which you can use for audits or future reference.

Step 6: Establish a Maintenance Plan

To prevent future inspection failures, adopt a proactive maintenance plan. Regular fire door maintenance helps identify and address potential issues before they escalate.

Why Choose Prestige Building and Fire?

With extensive expertise in fire door compliance and a proven track record, Prestige Building and Fire is your trusted partner in ensuring fire safety. Our certifications as a UK Fire Door Training-Approved Inspector and Safe Contractor-Certified provider reflect our commitment to excellence and adherence to industry standards.

We handle every aspect of fire door maintenance, from inspections to repairs, giving you peace of mind that your building is protected.

Final Thoughts

A failed fire door inspection doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By addressing the issues with the help of certified professionals, you can restore compliance, safeguard your property, and protect lives.

If your fire doors have failed an inspection, contact Prestige Building and Fire today. Our expert team is here to help with reliable solutions tailored to your needs.

Request your quote and ensure your fire doors meet the highest safety standards.