Fire Door Inspection FAQs
Here we answer some of the questions we are most often asked about fire door inspections and how they work in practice.
If you would like to see how our inspections are structured in practice, our services overview, residential blocks inspection and housing association guidance pages provide more detail, alongside the FAQs below.
What is a fire door inspection?
A fire door inspection is a detailed check of each fire door set included in the scope. The inspector reviews the door, frame, gaps, seals, glazing, signage and hardware, and records any issues that could affect performance in a fire.
How often should fire door inspections be carried out?
The appropriate frequency depends on the type of building, usage and risk profile. In higher-risk or higher-use buildings, more frequent inspections may be appropriate than in lower-risk settings. The key point is that inspections are carried out regularly enough to pick up damage, wear and changes in use.
What is included in a fire door inspection report?
A good report will provide a door-by-door schedule, with photographs and descriptions of any non-conformities. It should include recommendations that distinguish between adjustment, repair and full replacement, and ideally provide a way to prioritise works.
Do all doors in a building need to be inspected?
Not every door in a building is a fire door. An inspection will usually focus on doors that form part of escape routes, protect stairs and lobbies, separate high-risk areas or are designated as fire doors in the fire strategy or risk assessment. In some large or repetitive buildings a sampling approach may be agreed.
Will fire door inspections cause disruption?
Inspections do involve opening and closing doors and may require access to flats, bedrooms or secure areas. However, with good planning and communication, disruption can usually be kept to a minimum. We work with duty holders to agree sensible programmes and access arrangements.
Can a fire door be repaired, or does it have to be replaced?
It depends on the nature and extent of the defects. Some issues can be addressed through adjustment or component replacement, while others may require a new, appropriately certified door set. One of the aims of inspection and reporting is to help you make that distinction on a door-by-door basis.
Do you carry out remedial works?
Goldcrest Fire Doors focuses on inspection and reporting. We do not undertake remedial works, which helps us to remain independent when making recommendations. You are free to use your preferred contractors to implement the agreed actions.
Can you inspect multiple sites as part of one programme?
Yes. We regularly work with clients who manage multiple buildings across London and the South East, structuring inspection programmes and reporting so they can see the position at both building and portfolio level.