Fire Door Services & Maintenance

Door Leaf and frame

Is the door and frame fitted securely, square and level?
There is no distortion between the stiles, top and frame. The gaps between door and leaf must not be greater than those specified in the manufacturer’s installation instructions or Fire Certificate data sheet
Damage to door leaf or frame

Intumescent fire and smoke seals

• Good condition
• Full length and secure in groove
• If seals are badly fitted, damaged, (or in the case of smoke seals) painted, they must be replaced with exactly the same size and intumescent material that was originally specified. (Some standard intumescent seals can perform once painted, but it is not best practice) and you should always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions and installation guide.

If the smoke seals have to be replaced, then they should be fitted in one continuous length if possible

Locks and lever handles

• Lock levers fully return to the horizontal after use
• Latch-bolt is engaging smoothly and completely into the keep
• Wipe any metal dust deposits off the latch-bolt and keep
• Adjust, lubricate or replace as per manufacturers recommendation

Hinges

• No visible wear, dark marks or stains around the hinge knuckle could indicate wear and impending failure

Closing and opening devices

• Open the door fully and check it closes without binding on the floor.
• Open the door to approximately 5 degrees and again check that it closes fully, engaging any latch or seal.
• Check door closing speed to be approximately 10 seconds from 90 degrees and ensure that the door does not slam.
• Ensure that doors are not being wedged open
• Make sure that door hold-open devices are not straining the doors against their self- closing devices
• Ensure that doors on hold-open devices fully close when released – this should be checked daily
• Check that mechanical hold-open devices have not been fitted
• Hold-open devices on fire doors should be electro-magnetic and connected directly to the fire detection and alarm system and/or power failure so that they can be released automatically if there is a fire or power failure. This should be checked weekly

Mandatory safety signs

• Signs have not been damaged or removed

All ironmongery

• All fixings are secure and in good condition.
• Some hinges, closer arms and locks might require lubrication and/or adjustment – refer to manufacturer recommendations.

Apertures in the door leaf (glazed, air transfer grille, other ironmongery such as letter plates)

• Glass is not cracked or broken
• Glazing beads securely in place and undamaged
• Air transfer grille or other ironmongery fitted in apertures in the door -leaf is secure, fire rated and in good condition

Cleaning

Cleaning of Fire doors should be as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Check the label and check the gap between the door-leaf and the frame and the threshold gap

• Always check for the label
• Find it on top of the door, or just below the bottom hinge on a door-set.
• Never tamper with the label.
• Never paint over the label.
• A damaged or non-existent label invalidates certification.
• If the label is damaged contact the manufacturer directly and inform them so they can act accordingly.

Please get in touch if you have any questions or to book an audit of your fire doors. We are ready to help and resolve any issues you have with your fire doors. Call the experts, we have over 20 years in the business and can advise on all matter appertaining to your fire door provision.