Fire door safety: Help saves lives and protect properties

While fire doors aren’t something most of us tend to think about, they actually play an extremely important role in keeping everybody safe. 

Fire doors help prevent fires from spreading. And if they’ve been fitted correctly and properly maintained, they can help slow down the spread of smoke and fire by at least 30 minutes. 

All fire doors, i.e. your front door and communal doors, are fitted with self-closing devices. But if the door is faulty, it may not fully close and act as that all-important fire barrier. 

How to spot a faulty fire door: 4 key faults to watch out for  

Fault 1: A large gap around the door  

The gap between the fire door and frame should be no thicker than the width of a £1 coin. You shouldn’t be able to see any daylight shining through underneath the door either. 

Fault 2: Broken or cracked seals 

Over time, door seals can become worn, which may lead to cracks developing. They can also become loose and may even start peeling off. 

Fault 3: Loose hinges   

Loose hinges, which can be caused by missing screws or the wrong type or size of hinge being fitted, can make fire doors feel heavier and more difficult to open and close. 

Fault 4: Opening and closing issues  

When you shut a fire door behind you, you should hear it click into place. However, if it’s dragging along the floor or isn’t fully opening or closing, it cannot do its job properly. 

For more on what to check and why, read this handy advice from the British Woodworking Federation.  

What should you do if you spot a faulty fire door? 

If you’re not responsible for repairs to your home: 

Please report it to us as soon as possible by filling out this form or giving us a call on 0345 60 20 540.  

If you’re a leaseholder: 

Generally, if your front door opens on to a communal corridor (such as a flat in a block) then the repair would be our responsibility and you can report it as above.  

If your front door opens to the outside (i.e. you live in a house) then it’s your responsibility to arrange for your fire door (front door) to be repaired by a suitable contractor (i.e. BMTrada or Firas third party-accredited). 

The Fire Safety Act says that residents living in individual properties within multi-occupied buildings, are legally responsible for: 

• Keeping fire doors closed 

• Making sure self-closing devices and fire doors are not tampered with 

• Reporting any faults or door damage immediately  

Letting us know about any fire door faults could potentially save lives and protect properties.