10 Signs Your Fire Door Isn’t Compliant
Fire doors might not be the most exciting part of a building, but they play a huge role in keeping people safe if a fire breaks out. Whether you're in charge of an office, a school, or even your own home, it's important to know what to look out for. A fire door that doesn’t follow safety rules can put lives at risk. Here are 10 signs your fire door might not be up to standard.1. No Fire Door Label
Every fire door should have a label (usually on the top edge or side) showing it’s a certified fire door. If it doesn’t have one, you can’t be sure it’s made for fire safety.
2. Large Gaps Around the Edges
There should only be small gaps (about the width of a £1 coin) between the door and its frame. Bigger gaps let smoke and flames through.
3. Missing or Damaged Fire and Smoke Seals
These seals, usually made of a rubbery material, swell up in heat to block fire and smoke. If they’re broken or missing, the door won’t do its job.
4. The Door Doesn’t Close Properly
A fire door should close by itself without help. If you need to push or pull it shut, the door closer might be broken.
5. Broken Door Closer
Check the mechanism that pulls the door shut. If it's loose or doesn’t work smoothly, it needs fixing.
6. Holes or Damage in the Door
Any cracks, holes or damage in the door weaken it. Fire can get through much faster this way.
7. Worn or Loose Hinges
Fire doors must be securely attached. Loose, squeaky, or rusty hinges are a bad sign.
8. Wrong Type of Glass
If the fire door has a glass panel, it needs to be special fire-resistant glass. Normal glass isn’t strong enough.
9. Blocked or Wedged Open
Fire doors should never be held open unless there's a special automatic system in place. A wedge or bin holding the door open makes it useless in a fire.
10. Not Matching Its Purpose
Some doors might look like fire doors but aren’t actually certified. Always check labels and records to be sure.
For more help spotting any of these issues or getting your fire doors checked, you can visit fireresist.co.uk. It's better to spot small issues now than face big problems later. Safety doesn’t have to be scary—just a few simple checks can make a big difference.