From Inspection to Report: What Happens During a Professional Fire Door Survey

Fire doors are a vital part of every building’s fire protection strategy. They provide a crucial barrier that helps to contain flames and smoke, giving occupants valuable time to escape and emergency services the opportunity to respond effectively. However, fire doors can only perform this role if they are correctly installed, regularly maintained, and inspected by qualified professionals.

A professional fire door survey ensures that every door within a premises is fully compliant with UK fire safety regulations and fit for purpose. But what exactly happens during this process? In this article, we’ll walk you through each stage — from the initial inspection right through to the delivery of your detailed compliance report.

Why Fire Door Surveys Are So Important

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the “responsible person” for a building (such as the landlord, employer, or facilities manager) has a legal duty to ensure all fire doors are in proper working condition. Regular surveys help to:

  • Identify potential faults before they become major hazards

  • Ensure compliance with BS 8214:2016 and BS 9999 standards

  • Maintain the building’s fire compartmentation integrity

  • Provide documented evidence of compliance in the event of an audit or fire inspection

Without professional surveys, even small issues such as worn seals or loose hinges can go unnoticed — reducing the door’s ability to contain a fire.

Step 1: Initial Assessment and Planning

The process begins with an initial consultation. At Fireline UK, our BRE-trained inspectors first review the number and types of fire doors within the property, identifying their locations, usage, and fire rating.

This information helps determine the scope of the survey, the estimated timescale, and whether any special considerations are needed — for example, in hospitals, care homes, or listed buildings where access or historical features must be handled carefully.

Planning ahead ensures the inspection is thorough, efficient, and minimally disruptive to day-to-day operations.

Step 2: Detailed Visual Inspection

During the on-site survey, the inspector examines each fire door and its components in detail. Using the Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS) checklist and BRE standards, they look for visible signs of damage, wear, or non-compliance.

The inspection includes:

  • Door Leaf: Checking for cracks, warping, delamination, or holes that could reduce integrity.

  • Door Frame: Ensuring it is properly fitted, compatible with the door, and free from damage.

  • Gaps and Clearances: Measuring the space around the edges — gaps should not exceed 3mm between the door and frame.

  • Intumescent and Smoke Seals: Confirming that seals are continuous, undamaged, and not painted over.

  • Hinges and Hardware: Verifying that all hinges are CE-marked, securely fitted with the correct screws, and free of corrosion.

  • Door Closers: Testing whether the door self-closes properly from any open position without sticking or slamming.

  • Glazing and Vision Panels: Checking that any glazing is fire-rated and securely fitted with appropriate beading and seals.

  • Signage: Confirming that every fire door displays the correct mandatory “Fire Door Keep Shut” or “Keep Locked” sign.

This process is meticulous, as even a single missing component could cause the door to fail during a fire.

Step 3: Functional Testing

A professional inspection isn’t limited to visual checks. The inspector will also test how the door performs in practice. This includes:

  • Opening and closing the door several times to assess movement and alignment

  • Ensuring the latch engages fully and securely

  • Testing the self-closing mechanism for speed and resistance

  • Checking for obstructions that may prevent the door from closing properly

This functional testing helps confirm whether the door would actually perform as intended in the event of a fire.

Step 4: Recording and Evidence Gathering

Throughout the inspection, the inspector takes detailed notes and photographs of every door. This ensures that all findings are backed by clear, visual evidence.

Each fire door is assigned a unique reference number for traceability, making it easy to monitor and maintain over time. The inspector also records any instances of non-compliance, categorising them by level of risk — from minor wear and tear to serious failures requiring immediate repair or replacement.

This evidence forms the basis of the official inspection report.

Step 5: The Fire Door Inspection Report

After completing the on-site work, the inspector compiles a comprehensive fire door inspection report. This document outlines:

  • The number and location of doors inspected

  • A summary of findings for each door

  • Photographic evidence of any faults or damage

  • A clear compliance rating

  • Recommended remedial actions and priorities

  • Guidance on next inspection intervals

This report serves as an essential compliance record for your business. It demonstrates that you’ve taken the necessary steps to assess and maintain fire safety systems, which can be invaluable during audits or legal investigations.

At Fireline UK, all reports are designed to be clear, practical, and easy to understand. They highlight exactly what needs attention and what actions are required to achieve full compliance.

Step 6: Remedial Work and Follow-Up

Once the report has been reviewed, the next step is to address any issues identified during the survey. Depending on the severity, this may involve simple adjustments, replacement of seals or hinges, or the installation of new compliant fire doors.

Fireline UK can provide expert advice and coordinate with trusted partners to carry out all necessary remedial work. Once completed, a follow-up inspection can be arranged to confirm that all fire doors now meet legal and safety standards.

Why Choose Fireline UK for Fire Door Surveys?

At Fireline UK, we take pride in providing a professional, reliable, and fully accredited service. Our BRE-certified inspectors are trained to the highest standards, ensuring every inspection is both comprehensive and compliant.

We work across Dorset, Somerset, Hampshire, and Wiltshire, delivering services that include:

  • Full fire door inspections and reports

  • Fire door maintenance and repair advice

  • Fire extinguisher servicing and fire alarm maintenance

  • Compliance checks for commercial and residential properties

With over 25 years of fire safety experience, Fireline UK helps clients stay safe, compliant, and confident in the integrity of their fire protection systems.

Book Your Fire Door Survey Today

If it’s been more than a year since your last inspection — or if you’ve never had one — now is the time to act. Regular, professional fire door surveys not only meet your legal obligations but also protect the lives of everyone who uses your building.

0800 096 6761 today or visit fire-extinguisher-maintenance.co.uk to arrange your fire door inspection and report with the trusted experts at Fireline UK.