A Guide to Professional Fire Door Inspections & Maintenance

Fire doors are an essential part of a building's passive fire protection system, helping to slow the spread of fire and smoke and protect important escape routes.

However, simply having fire doors installed isn't enough. Over time, regular use, accidental damage, alterations and general wear can affect how effectively a fire door performs.

Regular fire door inspections can help identify defects and maintenance requirements before they become more significant

At MBP Fire Protection Ltd, we provide professional fire door inspections in Exeter and throughout Devon, helping businesses, landlords, property managers and organisations understand the condition of their existing fire doors and identify where remedial work may be required.

Why Are Regular Fire Door Inspections Important?

Fire doors are designed to perform an important role in the event of a fire.

Unlike many other components within a building, however, fire doors can be opened and closed numerous times every day.

This repeated use can result in wear to components such as hinges, closers, seals and ironmongery. Doors can also become damaged or altered over time.

Professional inspection helps identify issues that could potentially affect the performance of the complete fire door assembly.

How Often Should Fire Doors Be Inspected?

There isn't one inspection frequency that applies identically to every building.

The appropriate frequency can depend on factors including the type of premises, occupancy, use of the building, frequency of use and applicable fire safety requirements.

Some residential buildings are subject to specific fire-door checking requirements. For other premises, inspection and maintenance arrangements should form part of the building's overall fire-safety management.

Doors located in particularly busy areas may also require more frequent attention because they're exposed to greater levels of everyday use.

If you're responsible for premises in Exeter and are unsure whether your fire doors require inspection, obtaining professional advice can help establish their current condition and any work that may be necessary.

What Is Checked During a Fire Door Inspection?

A professional fire door inspection considers several important elements of the door and its surrounding components.

Depending on the door set, this can include:

• Condition of the door leaf
• Door frame
• Hinges and fixings
• Intumescent and smoke seals
• Door closers
• Gaps around the door
• Glazing where applicable
• Handles and other ironmongery
• Signage
• Visible damage or alterations
• General operation of the door

Small defects shouldn't automatically be dismissed simply because the door still opens and closes.

A fire door functions as a complete assembly, meaning its individual components need to be appropriately maintained.

What Happens if a Fire Door Fails an Inspection?

Finding a defect doesn't necessarily mean that every fire door needs to be completely replaced.

Depending on the door, its condition and the nature of the defect, fire door remedial work may sometimes be appropriate.

Other doors may require more extensive work or replacement.

A professional inspection can identify the issues present and help determine what action should be considered.

At MBP Fire Protection, we can provide advice following an inspection and discuss appropriate solutions based on the individual property and fire doors involved.

Fire Door Inspections for Exeter Businesses

Exeter contains a wide variety of commercial, residential and public buildings, all with different fire-safety requirements.

MBP Fire Protection works with businesses, landlords, property managers, contractors and organisations in Exeter, providing professional fire door and passive fire protection services.

Our services can support properties including:

• Offices
• Apartment buildings
• Residential developments
• Schools and educational premises
• Healthcare environments
• Hotels and hospitality premises
• Retail properties
• Warehouses and commercial premises

Whether you're responsible for a single property or multiple buildings, maintaining appropriate fire-safety measures is an important part of property management.

Fire Door Installation & Replacement in Exeter

Where existing fire doors are unsuitable or replacement is required, MBP Fire Protection also provides professional fire door installation in Exeter and across Devon.

Our team can provide fire door solutions tailored to the requirements of the individual property, alongside inspections, remedial work and wider passive fire protection services.

We also provide

Composite flat entrance fire doors

PAS24 certified FD30s fire door sets

Fire door upgrades

Fire stopping

Fire signage

NAPFIS accredited installations

Being a NAPFIS Certified Installer gives you peace of mind that the installation has been Passive Fire Control Certified and meets fire safety standards.