Fire Door Inspections Explained: What Is Checked and Why It Matters

Fire door inspections are a critical part of maintaining building safety and ensuring compliance with UK fire safety legislation. Despite this, many responsible persons and duty holders remain unclear about what a fire door inspection actually involves and why it is so important.

During a professional fire door inspection, every component of the door set is assessed to confirm it will perform correctly in the event of a fire. This includes checking the door leaf, frame, hinges, seals, glazing, ironmongery, signage, and gaps. Even small defects, such as excessive gaps or damaged seals, can significantly reduce a fire door’s ability to contain smoke and fire.

Regular inspections also help identify poor installation, unauthorised alterations, and wear and tear that naturally develops over time. In occupied buildings such as housing blocks, care homes, and commercial premises, these issues are common and often go unnoticed without specialist inspection.

Beyond safety, inspections provide documented evidence that reasonable steps have been taken to comply with fire safety law. Clear inspection reports support maintenance planning, reduce legal risk, and demonstrate a proactive approach to life safety.