Fire Door Defects That Automatically Require Remedial Works

Not every fire door issue can be monitored, noted, or deferred. Some defects immediately compromise performance and automatically trigger fire door remedial works.

For facilities managers and responsible persons, understanding which defects fall into this category is critical. It removes uncertainty, prevents unsafe delays, and helps prioritise action after inspections or audits.

This article explains the fire door defects that cannot be ignored, why they demand remedial works, and how they should be addressed to restore compliance.

Why Some Fire Door Defects Demand Immediate Action

Fire doors are not assessed on appearance. They are assessed on performance.

If a defect affects:

• Fire resistance

• Smoke control

• Self-closing action

• Structural integrity

• Certification validity

Then the door can no longer be relied upon in a fire. At that point, remedial works are not discretionary. They are required.

Excessive Gaps Around the Door Leaf

Incorrect gaps are one of the most common and most serious fire door defects.

Why this defect is critical

Fire doors are tested as complete door sets. Excessive gaps allow:

• Smoke to pass through early

• Heat to bypass intumescent seals

• Fire resistance time to be reduced

Even small deviations can invalidate performance.

Why remedial works are required

Gap correction affects the door set itself. This goes beyond adjustment and becomes remedial work to restore compliance.

Missing, Damaged, or Incorrect Seals

Intumescent and smoke seals are essential to fire door performance.

Common seal-related defects

• Missing seals

• Painted-over seals

• Incorrect size or type

• Seals fitted to the wrong location

Why this triggers remedial works

Seals are a tested component of the door set. If they are compromised, the door cannot perform as designed.

Replacing or reinstating seals is a core element of fire door remedial works.

Fire Doors That Do Not Self-Close Properly

A fire door that does not close fully is not a fire door in practice.

Typical issues

• Faulty or missing closers

• Incorrect closer strength

• Obstructions preventing closure

• Poor alignment

Why this cannot be deferred

A door left open during a fire provides no protection. This defect directly compromises compartmentation and escape routes.

Remedial works are required to restore reliable self-closing action.

Damaged Door Leaves or Frames

Impact damage is common in busy buildings.

Examples that require remedial works

• Cracked or split door leaves

• Warped frames

• Fire-resisting cores exposed

• Historic “repairs” that alter construction

Why repair alone is not enough

Structural damage affects fire resistance. If the door leaf or frame integrity is compromised, remedial intervention or replacement is required.

Non-Compliant or Incorrect Ironmongery

Ironmongery is not interchangeable.

Common defects

• Incorrect hinges

• Non-fire-rated locks or latches

• Excessive hardware not included in certification

• Incompatible retrofitted components

Why this triggers remedial works

Fire doors are certified as complete assemblies. Incorrect ironmongery invalidates that certification and demands corrective action.

Doors That Cannot Be Verified or Traced

Certification and traceability matter.

Common issues

• Missing labels or plugs

• No installation records

• Unknown door specification

Why this leads to remedial action

If performance cannot be verified, compliance cannot be demonstrated. In many cases, remedial works or replacement are required to restore certainty.

This often links to fire door installation where remediation is not viable.

Fire Doors Compromised by Building Works

Minor works frequently cause major fire door defects.

Typical scenarios

• Vision panels added without certification

• Door furniture changed during refurbishments

• Frames altered to suit finishes

These changes often invalidate the original fire test evidence.

Remedial works are required to reinstate compliant performance.

Why These Defects Cannot Be Managed as “Monitor and Review”

Facilities teams are sometimes advised to monitor defects.

This is only appropriate when performance is not compromised.

The defects outlined in this article:

• Directly affect fire performance

• Cannot be risk-managed safely

• Increase liability if ignored

They must be addressed.

The Link Between Inspections and Remedial Works

These defects are typically identified during fire door inspections as part of a wider passive fire protection strategy.

Inspection identifies the issue. Remedial works resolve it.

Treating inspection findings as advisory rather than actionable is a common compliance failure.

How to Prioritise Fire Door Remedial Works

Protest ES Ltd delivers fire door remedial works that are directly linked to inspection findings and fire performance requirements.

Our approach includes:

• Defect-led remedial scopes

• Risk-based prioritisation

• Competent, certified workmanship

• Clear documentation and evidence

• Integration with wider fire safety services

This ensures compliance is restored, not just appearance.

Key Takeaways for Facilities Managers

• Some fire door defects automatically require remedial works

• Gaps, seals, closers, and structural damage are critical issues

• Certification and traceability matter

• Monitoring is not appropriate where performance is compromised

• Remedial works must restore tested performance

• Evidence protects duty holders

Fire door remedial works are about restoring trust in a life safety system, not fixing surface issues.