A fire door is not a single object. It is an assembly: a leaf, a frame, seals, hinges, a closer, glazing and ironmongery, all certified to work together. Change one part, damage another, or let a gap drift out of tolerance, and the whole assembly can fail to do its job. That job is to hold back fire and smoke long enough for people to get out and for the fire service to get in.
A good inspection works through the assembly methodically. Below is what gets checked, grouped the way an inspector would approach it, with the reason behind each item. The detailed standard inspectors work to is the code of practice BS 8214.
The leaf is examined for damage, warping, holes and any modifications. A leaf that has been cut down, drilled for new hardware or fitted with an aftermarket letter plate may no longer match its certification. Inspectors also look for the certification label, often on the top or hinge edge, which identifies the door and its fire rating.
Why it matters: a fire door is only certified as installed. Unauthorised changes void the test evidence that says it will resist fire for its rated period.
The frame must be secure, properly fixed to the surrounding wall, and free of damage. The fire stopping between the frame and the structural opening needs to be intact, because a gap there is a direct path for fire and smoke around the door.
Why it matters: the door can be perfect, but if the frame is loose or the perimeter is not sealed, the protection is lost at the edges.
The gap between the leaf and the frame should be consistent around the perimeter, typically around 3mm and within the door's stated tolerance. The threshold gap at the bottom is checked separately. Inspectors measure with a gap gauge rather than judging by eye.
Why it matters: gaps that are too wide let smoke and flame pass; gaps that are uneven suggest the door is dropping, the hinges are worn, or the frame has moved. Our separate guide explains the gap rules in detail.
Intumescent seals, usually fitted into the leaf or frame edge, are checked for presence, condition and continuity. Cold smoke seals, found on doors with an S rating, are checked too. Neither should be painted over, damaged or missing.
Why it matters: intumescent seals expand in heat to close the gap between leaf and frame. Smoke seals block cold smoke before the fire even reaches the door. Painted-over or missing seals cannot do either.
The closer is tested by opening the door fully and letting it close. It must close completely into the frame and engage the latch from any angle, not just from a few degrees open. Inspectors also check for wedges, hooks or unauthorised hold-open devices.
Why it matters: a fire door held open or one that does not fully close is, in a fire, just an open door. Our guide on self-closing devices covers when hold-opens are permitted.
Hinges are checked for the correct number (commonly three for a standard door), secure fixings with no missing or loose screws, and signs of corrosion or wear. They should be fire-rated and compatible with the door.
Why it matters: hinges carry the leaf and keep it aligned in the frame. Worn or under-specified hinges let the door drop, which opens gaps and stops it closing cleanly.
Where a door has a vision panel, the glazing must be fire-rated, the beads intact and properly fitted, and the glass free of cracks or damage.
Why it matters: ordinary glass fails quickly in a fire. Damaged beads or seals around fire glazing undermine the panel even if the glass itself is correct.
Locks, latches, handles and any letter plates are checked for correct operation and fire rating. Finally, the inspector confirms the right signage is present and legible, such as "Fire Door Keep Shut".
Why it matters: incompatible hardware can interfere with the door's performance, and signage tells occupants how the door should be kept.
An inspection that is not recorded is hard to rely on. Each item, its result, any measurements and supporting photographs build the history that demonstrates a door has been maintained, and feeds the golden thread for buildings that need it.
DoorTRACE ships with a structured inspection checklist aligned to BS 8214, with built-in guidance on every item so inspectors know what they are checking and why. Each result is captured on the engineer app, with photos against individual items, and any failures become tracked defects automatically. See the platform overview or book a demo.
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