Top 5 Signs Your Fire Door Needs Immediate Repair — and What to Do Next

Fire doors are one of the most important yet often overlooked safety features in any building. Whether you manage a business premises, school, hospital, or apartment block, fire doors play a crucial role in slowing the spread of flames and smoke, protecting escape routes, and giving people precious extra time to evacuate safely.

However, like any part of a building, fire doors can suffer from wear and tear over time. Even minor damage or misalignment can drastically reduce their effectiveness. That’s why it’s essential to spot early warning signs that your fire door may need professional attention.

In this article, we’ll explore the top five signs your fire door needs immediate repair — and explain exactly what to do next to stay compliant and safe.

1. The Door Doesn’t Close Properly

A fire door must be self-closing to work effectively. If it doesn’t close fully or latches only when forced, it’s a clear indication that something is wrong.

Common causes include:

  • Worn or damaged door closers

  • Misaligned hinges

  • Obstructions at the threshold

  • Swelling or warping of the door leaf

When a fire breaks out, a door that fails to close properly can’t contain smoke or flames — defeating its purpose entirely. This is one of the most critical issues inspectors find during routine checks.

What to do next:
Contact a qualified fire door inspector to assess the problem. They can identify whether the issue is due to incorrect installation, damaged components, or general wear. In many cases, a simple adjustment or replacement of the closer will restore compliance.

2. Gaps or Damage Around the Edges

Fire doors must fit tightly within their frames to prevent smoke and heat from passing through. If you can see visible gaps — particularly those wider than 3mm — the door may not offer sufficient protection.

Damage to the frame, hinges, or leaf can also compromise performance. Even small cracks, splinters, or worn edges could mean the door fails prematurely in a fire.

What to do next:
A BRE-certified inspector can accurately measure clearances and advise whether the door still meets BS 8214:2016 standards. If not, they’ll recommend appropriate repairs or replacement to restore full fire resistance.

3. Missing or Damaged Intumescent and Smoke Seals

Fire and smoke seals are among the most critical components of a fire door. Intumescent seals expand when exposed to heat, closing any small gaps between the door and frame. Smoke seals, often made of brush or rubber, prevent toxic gases from escaping into escape routes.

If these seals are missing, loose, cracked, or painted over, your door will not perform as designed.

What to do next:
Inspect seals visually — they should run continuously around the edge of the door or frame without breaks. If you spot damage, don’t try to repair them yourself. Instead, arrange for replacement by a professional in line with the door manufacturer’s specifications.

At Fireline UK, all inspections include detailed checks of seals and hinges to ensure compliance.

4. Damaged Hinges or Hardware

Hinges and door hardware may seem minor, but they are fundamental to a fire door’s operation. Hinges must be CE-marked, securely fixed with the correct number of screws, and free from rust, damage, or missing parts.

If the hinges are loose, missing screws, or have been replaced with non-compliant fittings, the door could fail under fire conditions.

What to do next:
Only use components that have been tested as part of a complete fire door set. Never replace hinges, handles, or closers with general hardware from a DIY store. Instead, ask a certified fire door technician to install approved components that meet current safety standards.

5. Incorrect or Missing Fire Door Signage

Every fire door should display the correct mandatory signage — typically a blue “Fire Door Keep Shut” or “Fire Door Keep Locked” label. These signs are not just for guidance; they’re part of fire safety compliance and ensure that staff and visitors know the door’s purpose.

If signs are missing, faded, or incorrectly positioned, this could cause confusion in an emergency and may lead to compliance issues during inspections.

What to do next:
Replace damaged or missing signs with approved versions that meet the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996. Professional inspectors can confirm correct placement and ensure your building’s signage meets legal requirements.

Why Prompt Repairs Matter

Ignoring even minor defects can have serious consequences. A door that fails to close properly or lacks seals may allow fire and smoke to spread within minutes — drastically increasing the risk of injury or death.

From a legal standpoint, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires all fire safety equipment, including fire doors, to be maintained in working order. Failing to act promptly could result in prosecution, fines, or invalidated insurance policies.

Regular inspections and repairs not only protect lives but also provide essential documentation to prove your business is meeting its legal obligations.

How Fireline UK Can Help

At Fireline UK, our BRE-trained fire door inspectors specialise in identifying faults before they become serious problems. Operating across Dorset, Somerset, Hampshire, and Wiltshire, we help commercial and residential clients maintain full fire safety compliance.

Our services include:

  • Comprehensive fire door inspections

  • Photographic compliance reports

  • Identification of urgent repairs

  • Advice on replacements and upgrades

  • Follow-up inspections after remedial work

We understand that every building is different, which is why we tailor our approach to your specific layout, occupancy, and risk level.

Schedule a Fire Door Inspection Today

If you’ve noticed any of the signs above — or if your last inspection was more than a year ago — now is the time to act.

Contact Fireline UK to book a professional fire door inspection or to arrange urgent repairs. Our qualified team ensures your doors meet the latest safety regulations and perform as intended when you need them most.

0800 096 6761 or visit fire-extinguisher-maintenance.co.uk to learn more about our full range of fire protection and maintenance services.