Fire door inspection checklist for building managers

Fire doors only provide protection when they close properly, remain in good condition and are not obstructed. For building managers and facilities teams, a consistent inspection process helps identify defects early, reduce disruption and demonstrate that fire safety arrangements are being actively managed.

Set a clear inspection process

Start with an up-to-date fire door register showing each door’s location, identification number, rating where known and the areas it protects. Include communal doors, flat entrance doors, stairwell doors, service cupboards, plant rooms and other relevant fire-resisting doors.

Inspection frequency should be based on the building’s risk, occupancy, usage and history of defects. A busy school, care setting, HMO or retail back-of-house area may need more frequent checks than a low-traffic office. Follow your fire safety policy, manufacturer guidance and competent professional recommendations rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all timetable.

A basic visual inspection should look at the following points:

• Door leaf and frame: Check for splits, impact damage, warping, holes, damaged edges and loose or missing frame components.

• Gaps and seals: Look for excessive gaps around the door and frame, damaged intumescent strips or smoke seals, and seals that are missing, painted over or detached.

• Hinges and hardware: Check that hinges are secure, correctly fixed and free from missing screws, excessive wear or unsuitable repairs.

• Self-closer, latch and lock: Confirm that the door closes fully into the frame, the latch engages and the closer is not leaking, loose or unable to overcome resistance.

• Glazing, signs and access: Check fire-rated glazing for cracks or damage, ensure signage is present where required, and remove wedges or other obstructions.

What to examine during each check

Door leaf, frame and seals

Inspect the entire door leaf, including the top and bottom edges, for damage caused by trolleys, furniture, deliveries or repeated impact. The frame should be firmly attached, square and free from gaps or makeshift packing that could affect the door’s performance.

Gaps around a fire door should be consistent and not visibly excessive. Do not simply replace a seal or alter the frame without checking the door specification, as the correct seal type and installation method depend on the door assembly.

Closing, latching and hardware

Open the door and allow the self-closer to operate. It should close smoothly without slamming, stopping short or catching on the floor, frame or seals. Test the latch and lock carefully, but do not adjust or replace components unless they are suitable for that specific fire door set.

Check hinges for movement, missing screws and signs of corrosion. Look at panic or emergency exit hardware where fitted, making sure it operates correctly and has not been blocked, taped or altered by non-approved parts.

Glazing, signs and obstructions

Fire-rated glazing should be intact, securely held and free from cracks, clouding or signs of movement. Be cautious of ordinary glass being used as a replacement, as it may not provide the required performance.

Fire door signs should be clear, correctly positioned and still readable. Keep the door’s opening and closing path clear, particularly in corridors, stairwells, kitchens, stockrooms and care environments. A door held open for convenience may fail to protect escape routes or limit smoke spread.

Record defects and manage snagging

Every inspection should produce a clear record, even where no defects are found. Note the date, location, door reference, inspector, condition, photographs and any action required. Avoid vague descriptions such as “door faulty”; identify the specific issue, such as “closer does not shut door fully” or “smoke seal missing on hinge side”.

Prioritise defects according to risk. A fire door that will not close, has major damage, is wedged open or protects a critical escape route should be escalated promptly. Less urgent cosmetic issues can still be assigned an owner and target date so they do not disappear from the maintenance schedule.

• Give each defect a unique reference and risk rating.

• Assign responsibility to a named person or contractor.

• Set a target completion date and record any temporary control.

• Keep before-and-after photographs, invoices and completion notes.

• Reinspect the door and formally close the snag only after confirming the repair.

This evidence creates a reliable audit trail and helps demonstrate that identified issues have been followed through. Where a repair affects the fire door assembly, use a suitably competent contractor and retain details of the work and replacement components.

Common problems in busy buildings

Schools often experience damage from bags, furniture and frequent traffic, while HMOs can suffer from wedges, altered closers and poor reporting of faults. In care settings, doors may be held open to support observation or resident movement, and retail back-of-house areas commonly face impact from stock cages and deliveries.

Planned maintenance reduces repeat failures by combining regular inspections with closer adjustment, hinge checks, seal replacement, staff awareness and prompt repair of damaged frames. Reviewing recurring defects can also reveal practical changes, such as repositioning storage, protecting vulnerable frames or improving door-use procedures.

Arrange a professional fire door review

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Building managers should confirm the duties of the Responsible Person and the building’s inspection arrangements with a competent fire safety professional, taking account of the premises, occupants and current guidance.

For help reviewing your fire door condition and maintenance arrangements, contact FixBot on 01234815101. You can also explore our Fire service page and Planned Maintenance page to arrange a fire safety maintenance review and build a more dependable system for managing defects.