Fire doors are one of the most important life-saving features in any building, but only if they’re properly installed, maintained and inspected. In the UK, fire door inspections are a legal requirement under fire safety regulations. These regulations help ensure that doors can hold back flames and smoke long enough for the safe evacuation of the property. However, many buildings still fail their inspections because of small but avoidable mistakes, from missing seals and gaps to uncertified products.
Every fire door is designed to protect lives by stopping the spread of fire and smoke through a building. When installed correctly, fire doors create a barrier that can withstand flames, typically FD30 (30-minute) or FD60 (60-minute) doors, depending on their fire rating.
In the UK, regular inspection of fire doors is required under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Building owners and responsible persons must ensure doors remain “fit for purpose” through regular checks and maintenance. Doors that fail these checks may not perform as required in the event of a fire, putting people and properties at serious risk.
Fire door inspections should be completed by someone with specialist knowledge of fire door components, installation methods and testing standards.
Depending on the building, inspections may be carried out:
Quarterly in high-traffic or high-risk areas (e.g., hospitals, schools and residential blocks).
Annually for lower-risk buildings or smaller properties.
Inspectors follow clear criteria to check that the door assembly still meets its tested fire rating. Their findings are usually recorded in a report, detailing any issues that must be corrected to maintain compliance.
To pass a fire door inspection, every part of the door assembly must meet the required standards. Below is a simple version of the checklist inspectors typically use based on government and industry guidance.
Check for a certification label or plug; this is usually on the top or side edge of the door.
The label confirms the door has been tested to BS 476 Part 22 or BS EN 1634-1 standards.
Missing or damaged labels can invalidate compliance.
The door must close firmly and smoothly without sticking or dragging.
The frame should be secure, correctly aligned and made of compatible material.
Gaps between the door and frame should be 3–4mm on the sides and top, and no more than 8mm at the bottom.
A gap even a little larger than these limits can allow smoke and fire to pass through, causing inspection failure.
Inspect seals for damage, paint coverage or missing sections.
Intumescent seals expand when heated, while cold smoke seals prevent smoke leakage.
Seals must be continuous around the entire door frame with no breaks or gaps.
All hinges should be tightly fitted with the correct number of screws (usually three).
Screws must be steel and at least 30mm long.
Check other components like closers, latches and vision panels for correct operation and fire-rated markings.
The gap between the frame and wall should be correctly sealed using tested materials such as fire-rated expanding foam or intumescent mastic.
Using general-purpose foams or fillers in these areas is one of the most common causes of failure, as they can collapse under high temperatures.
Blue60’s tested fire door foam ensures the integrity of the frame-to-wall junction remains intact during a fire.
The door closer should fully shut the door into the frame from any open position.
Adjust if the door slams or fails to latch fully.
Glazing must be fitted using fire-resistant glass and approved bead systems.
Any glass that has been replaced must meet the same fire rating as the door.
Fire doors must display the correct signage (e.g., “Fire Door Keep Shut”).
Signs should be clear, securely fixed and legible.
Here are a few practical steps to help you prepare for your next fire door inspection:
1. Keep all certification records for doors and components.
2. Inspect your doors regularly; minor damage can develop quickly.
3. Use only tested and approved products for installation and repair.
4. Train maintenance teams to recognise non-compliant features.
5. Fix issues promptly, don’t wait for the next formal inspection.
A well-installed, properly maintained fire door can save lives. Passing an inspection isn’t about luck; it’s about preparation, attention to detail and using tested materials that meet the highest standards. To request test evidence or find out more about our range of certified products, contact us today.
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