Fire Door Inspection
London

Full inspection of the door leaf, frame and surrounding components for visible damage, warping, splitting, burns, water damage or deterioration. Both faces of the door are examined along with the top edge for the certification label. Any previous unauthorised modifications, cut-outs, letterboxes, cat flaps, non-certified glazing, are identified and documented.

door leaf is structurally compromised, certification label is missing or illegible, or unauthorised modifications are present

Door-to-frame clearances measured at multiple points on all four edges using a calibrated gap gauge. Tolerances checked against FDIS standards: maximum 3 mm at head and both jambs, maximum 8 mm at threshold (or 3 mm where smoke seals are fitted). All measurements recorded with exact locations for the written report. Gaps outside tolerance are the single most common cause of fire door failure, found in 29% of doors we inspect.

any gap exceeds 3 mm (sides/head) or 8 mm (threshold), or gaps are inconsistent indicating frame distortion

Self-closing device tested through a minimum of 5 complete open-close cycles. Closing speed, latching force, backcheck and return to fully closed position assessed at each cycle. The closer must pull the door fully into the frame and engage the latch without manual assistance from any opening angle. Self-closer defects are the most common failure found in 41% of UK fire doors, a failed closer means the door cannot perform its intended function in a fire.

door does not close and latch fully from any angle, closer arm is loose, or oil leakage is visible

All intumescent fire seals examined around the full perimeter of the door. Seals checked for continuity, compression, delamination, paint contamination, splitting or physical damage. Seal type verified against the door’s tested specification, substituting incorrect seal profiles can void the fire rating entirely. Intumescent seal damage is the second most common defect, found in 38% of doors inspected.

seal is compressed beyond 2 mm, delaminated, painted over, missing on any edge, or does not match the certified door specification

All hinges inspected for corrosion, loose fixings, worn knuckles, misalignment and damage. Hinge count verified against requirements: minimum 3 hinges for FD30 doors, 4 for FD60. Screw fixings checked for full engagement, stripped or spinning screws indicate structural failure. CE/UKCA marking verified on each hinge. Hinge defects are found in 24% of inspected doors and are a leading cause of gap drift over time.

screws are stripped or spinning, hinge count is below minimum, hinges are non-CE-marked, or knuckles are visibly worn

Where vision panels are present, the glazing is inspected for fire rating, condition and certification. Glass type confirmed as fire-rated (minimum E30 integrity). Glazing beading checked for security and fire-rated compound condition. Intumescent glazing tape inspected for degradation. Panel size verified against the door manufacturer’s maximum permitted aperture, oversized or non-certified panels void the assembly’s fire rating.

glazing is cracked, non-fire-rated, exceeds maximum permitted aperture, or glazing compound has failed

Presence, legibility and compliance of ‘Fire Door Keep Shut’ or ‘Fire Door Keep Locked’ signage verified on both faces. Where electromagnetic hold-open devices are fitted, we confirm they are linked to the fire alarm panel and release correctly on alarm activation. Any wedges, hooks or unauthorised hold-open methods are recorded as immediate non-compliance, these are the most dangerous modification because they render the door useless in a fire.

signage is missing or illegible, hold-open device fails to release on alarm, or door is wedged or propped open

Door frame inspected for twisting, warping, splitting, loose fixings and damage. Frame-to-wall junction checked for gaps that could allow fire and smoke to bypass the door assembly entirely. Threshold condition assessed including drop seals where fitted. The frame is part of the tested assembly, a damaged or poorly fitted frame compromises the entire fire door’s performance regardless of the condition of the door leaf itself.

frame is twisted or warped beyond adjustment, fixings are inadequate, or frame-to-wall junction is unsealed

Fire rating confirmed from the certification label on the top edge of the door, cross-referenced against the building’s fire strategy and compartmentation requirements. FD30 (30-minute) and FD60 (60-minute) ratings verified as appropriate for the door’s location. Where the label is missing or illegible, the door’s provenance is investigated through building records, manufacturer databases or physical characteristics. An unverifiable fire rating is treated as non-compliant.

fire rating is unverifiable, does not match compartmentation requirements, or door has been modified beyond certified limits

All inspection findings compiled into a structured written report with timestamped photographic evidence for every defect identified. Each door receives a pass, advisory or fail classification with prioritised remediation recommendations and timescales. A formal FDIS-standard fire door inspection certificate is issued, suitable for councils, insurers, managing agents and lenders. The report is your legal compliance record under Article 17 of the Fire Safety Order.