What Does a Fire Door Inspection Include?

A fire door inspection is intended to identify defects or changes that could prevent a fire door from performing as intended. The exact scope depends on the building, the type of door, the agreed inspection level and the applicable fire-safety arrangements.

1. Door leaf and frame

The door leaf and frame are checked for obvious damage, distortion, holes, splits, impact damage, unauthorised alterations or other issues that could affect performance. The surrounding wall and the way the frame is secured may also be considered where visible and within scope.

2. Gaps around the door

Gaps between the door leaf and frame are important because excessive gaps can allow fire or smoke to pass through more readily. Current government fire-door guidance for relevant residential buildings refers to an industry-standard maximum of 4 mm around the sides and top, while the gap at the bottom should be as small as practicable without causing the door to snag. The correct assessment still depends on the particular doorset and applicable evidence.

3. Hinges and ironmongery

Hinges, locks, latches, handles and other ironmongery should be secure, suitable and free from obvious damage. Missing or loose screws, damaged hinges or altered hardware can affect how the door closes and performs.

4. Intumescent strips and smoke seals

Where strips and seals are fitted, they are checked for damage, missing sections, poor contact or inappropriate painting over. Not every older fire door will necessarily have the same seal arrangement, so the absence of a component should not automatically be treated as a defect without considering the original door design, available evidence and fire risk assessment.

5. Self-closing action

Where a self-closing device is required, the door should close fully into the frame without being obstructed by the floor, latch, seals or other fittings. The closer, hold-open device or sequencing arrangement should be checked in a way appropriate to the door type.

6. Glazing and apertures

Any fire-resisting glazing, vision panels, letterboxes, air-transfer grilles or other openings should be checked for visible damage or alterations. Changes to apertures can affect the fire-resisting performance of the doorset.

7. Signage and use

Fire door signage may be checked where relevant, along with evidence that a door is being wedged open or otherwise prevented from operating as intended. The appropriate signage depends on the door's location and function.

8. Identification and records

A useful inspection record should make it clear which door was inspected and what was found. Depending on the agreed scope, records can include:

• Unique door or asset reference
• Exact location
• Date of inspection
• Door type or rating where known and evidenced
• Condition of leaf, frame and hardware
• Gap observations or measurements where included
• Self-closing performance
• Seal and glazing condition
• Photographs
• Defects and recommended follow-up
• Access or inspection limitations

What if a defect is found?

The defect, concern or inspection limitation should be clearly recorded so the Responsible Person can decide on suitable remedial or follow-up action. A useful inspection record explains what was observed, the significance of the finding where this can be determined within the agreed scope, and what may need attention next.

Fire door inspections in South Yorkshire

HPM Compliance provides fire door inspections for existing fire doors across Rotherham, Sheffield, Doncaster, Barnsley, Mexborough and surrounding areas, with structured records, supporting photographs and clear defect reporting.

See our Fire Door Inspections service page for the service scope, or read how often fire doors should be inspected.

This guide provides general information only. It does not replace a fire risk assessment, fire strategy, applicable legislation, relevant standards, manufacturer information or advice from a competent fire-safety professional.