How to Spot and Prevent Common Fire Door Issues

Date Posted: 17th October 2025

Fire doors save lives. They slow the spread of smoke and flames, giving people more time to escape and protecting property. Yet, many fire doors across the UK fail to perform as they should. At Pendle Doors, we help our clients prevent fire door issues through quality manufacturing, expert advice, and regular maintenance.

Understanding what to look for can make all the difference. Below, we explain how to spot and prevent common fire door issues to keep your building both safe and compliant.

Check Door Closers

A working door closer is vital. It ensures the fire door shuts fully every time it is opened. If a door does not close properly or bangs loudly, the closer might be incorrectly fitted or worn out.

To prevent fire door issues like this, test your closers regularly. The door should close smoothly without slamming. Always replace faulty closers with certified components. Only trained professionals should carry out this work to maintain certification.

Inspect for Damage

Any visible damage to the door leaf, frame, or ironmongery can reduce the performance of a fire doorset. Cracks, splits, or swollen areas on the door leaf mean it may not seal properly in a fire. Damaged hinges, locks, or handles can also affect safety.

Check every doorset often, especially in high-traffic areas. Replace any damaged parts with certified alternatives. Using uncertified components can compromise the fire rating of the door.

Look at Intumescent and Smoke Seals

Intumescent seals expand in heat, sealing gaps between the door and frame. Smoke seals block the spread of smoke, which is often more dangerous than flames. Missing or broken seals stop the doorset from performing as designed.

During inspections, ensure all seals are in place and undamaged. Replace any that are loose, cracked, or painted over. Using approved replacements is key to keeping the certification valid.

Check Signage and Labels

Every certified fire door should have clear signage and a traceability label. These labels confirm the door’s fire rating and its manufacturer. Missing labels are a red flag, as without them, you cannot be sure the door is certified.

Fire door signage is also important. It helps people recognise which doors must stay closed and which provide escape routes. Replacing missing or unclear signs helps maintain compliance and awareness.

Keep Records and Schedule Inspections

The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 require regular checks for all fire doors in multi-occupied buildings. Flat entrance doors must be checked yearly, and communal doors every three months.

Keep a log of all inspections and maintenance. This record proves compliance and helps identify recurring issues early. Partnering with experienced fire door companies like us at Pendle Doors ensures your doorsets are installed, checked, and maintained correctly.

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Work with a Trusted UK Supplier of Fire Doors

Choosing a reliable, bespoke fire door supplier is the best way to prevent fire door issues before they start. At Pendle Doors, our certified doorsets are manufactured under strict quality control and tested to meet British safety standards.

Every doorset we produce is designed for both safety and durability, combining robust timber cores with quality ironmongery and precision fittings. If you need standard or bespoke fire doors, we deliver products that perform when it matters most.

How We Can Help

Fire doors are life-saving barriers. By checking closers, seals, and labels, and by scheduling routine inspections, building owners can help prevent fire door issues before they become serious risks.

As a bespoke fire door supplier, we at Pendle Doors are committed to keeping people and properties safe across the UK. For expert advice, certified doorsets, and ongoing support, contact our team today.

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