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When to Call a Professional for Fire Door Repairs

Fire doors are vital safety components in any building, designed to contain fire and smoke, protect escape routes, and save lives. Maintaining these critical safety features is a responsibility that no building owner or manager should take lightly. While some fire door maintenance tasks might seem straightforward, there are situations where professional expertise is not only recommended but required.

This guide explores when to call a professional for fire door repairs, the importance of using certified technicians, and how to ensure compliance with UK fire safety regulations. It also highlights other essential services provided by Lyons Fire Safety, such as fire door surveys, inspections, and installations, to support your overall fire safety strategy.

Recognising Fire Door Issues Requiring Professional Repairs

While regular visual checks are important for maintaining fire doors, certain issues demand the attention of a certified fire door technician. Here are the most common scenarios:

Visible Damage – Cracks, warping, or holes in the door leaf or frame can compromise the fire door’s integrity. Professional assessment and repair are essential to restore its fire-resisting properties. Take a look at our blog page concerning common issues with fire doors – “Common Issues and Problems with Fire Doors: Identification, Prevention, and Solutions”

Faulty Self-Closing Mechanism – Fire doors must close fully and latch automatically to perform effectively. If the self-closing mechanism fails, it’s time to involve an expert.

Gaps Exceeding 4mm – The gap between the door and its frame should not exceed 4mm when closed. Larger gaps compromise the door’s ability to contain fire and smoke and require immediate adjustment by a professional.

Damaged or Missing Seals – Intumescent strips and smoke seals expand under heat, preventing the spread of fire and smoke. If these seals are missing or damaged, they must be replaced by a trained technician.

Issues with Glazing – Fire-resistant glass and glazing beads must remain intact to function properly. Any damage or improper installation requires professional evaluation and repair.

Hardware Problems – Malfunctioning or loose hinges, locks, or handles can prevent a fire door from working as designed. A certified technician can repair or replace these components to ensure compliance.

Post-Incident Inspection – After exposure to fire or smoke, fire doors require thorough inspection and potential replacement. Only certified professionals can confirm if the door is still fit for purpose.

Regulatory Inspections – For buildings with top storeys over 11 metres in height, the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 mandate frequent fire door inspections. Certified professionals are necessary to ensure compliance with these laws.

Related Service: Lyons Fire Safety also provides comprehensive fire door surveys to assess the condition of your fire doors and identify any necessary repairs. Learn more about our installation services, “Fire Door Installation Support and Compliance Assurance” which highlights how modern tools enhance fire safety management.

The Importance of Using Certified Technicians for Fire Door Maintenance

Entrusting fire door repairs to certified technicians ensures compliance, safety, and quality. Here’s why their expertise is indispensable:

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, fire doors must be adequately maintained. Certified technicians ensure your fire doors meet all regulatory standards.

Certified professionals undergo rigorous training, and are accredited by organisations like FIDIS (specifically for fire door inspections). They possess in-depth knowledge to address issues that untrained personnel might overlook.

Certification schemes for Fire Door Maintenance schemes guarantee work meets industry standards, providing peace of mind.

Professionals evaluate the entire fire door system, including its components and interaction with the surrounding structure, ensuring nothing is overlooked.

Certified technicians provide Certificates of Conformity and other essential documentation, demonstrating compliance for audits or insurance claims.

Professional repairs may seem costly upfront but can prevent more expensive replacements or legal consequences in the future.

The fire safety landscape evolves constantly. Certified technicians stay updated on the latest regulations, ensuring your fire doors are always compliant.

Knowing your fire doors are maintained by professionals provides reassurance that they will function as intended in an emergency.

Did You Know? Lyons Fire Safety also assists joinery and fit-out companies in ensuring fire doors are correctly installed and maintained. Contact us to learn more about our partnerships.

fire door inspection - carried out by LFS. Door Frame inspection.

How to Choose the Right Professional

Choosing the right professional for fire door repairs can make all the difference in ensuring safety, compliance, and the longevity of your fire doors. Here’s a detailed guide to help you select the best technician or company for the job:

  • Certification and Accreditation: Always ensure the professional is certified by recognised bodies such as FDIS (Fire Door Inspection Scheme), and Fire Aware. Lyons Fire Safety is proud to be associated with these accreditations, demonstrating our commitment to upholding the highest standards. Additionally, check for qualifications like “UK Fire Door Training – Approved Installer,” which ensure the technician is well-versed in installation and repair techniques.
  • Experience: Choose a professional who has proven expertise with your specific building type, whether it’s residential, commercial, educational, or healthcare. Lyons Fire Safety technicians have extensive experience across a wide range of environments, ensuring tailored solutions for every scenario.
  • References and Case Studies: Ask for references or case studies of similar projects completed by the technician or company. Lyons Fire Safety has a portfolio of successful projects, highlighting our ability to address diverse fire door challenges.
  • Comprehensive Documentation: Ensure the technician provides thorough documentation for every job. This should include Certificates of Conformity, detailed inspection reports, and photographic evidence of repairs. Our team at Lyons Fire Safety takes pride in maintaining meticulous records to support your compliance needs.
  • Reputation and Reviews: Look for reviews or recommendations from trusted sources. A strong reputation in the industry speaks volumes about the quality and reliability of a service provider. Lyons Fire Safety has built a solid reputation for excellence and customer satisfaction.

Golden Thread in Action: At Lyons Fire Safety, we integrate the “Golden Thread” theory into all our fire door services. This means we maintain precise, digital records throughout the lifecycle of your fire doors, ensuring compliance and enabling efficient management.

Maintaining Accurate Fire Door Records

Correct record-keeping is a cornerstone of effective fire door management. Ensure your documentation includes:

  • Inspection Reports: Record dates, technician details, and findings from each inspection.
  • Maintenance Logs: Include details of repairs, replacements, and adjustments.
  • Photographic Evidence: Take before-and-after photos to document the door’s condition.
  • Certificates: Keep copies of Certificates of Conformity and other compliance documents.
  • Secure Storage: Store records digitally for easy access and retrieval during audits or emergencies.

Get in Touch for Expert Fire Safety Services

Take the first step in protecting your property and ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations. Lyons Fire Safety offers expert fire door repair, maintenance, and inspection services tailored to your building’s needs. We also provide fire door installations and partner with joinery and fit-out companies to ensure seamless compliance.

Ready to Learn More? Explore our blog post, “Digital Logging for Fire Door Data,” to see how modern technology enhances fire safety management.

Contact us today to book a fire door survey or discuss your requirements:

Phone: 0121 517 0562
Email: david@lyonsfiresafety.co.uk

Lyons Fire Safety is here to help you maintain compliance and protect what matters most. Don’t wait until it’s too late—schedule your fire door inspection now

FAQs - When to Call a Professional for Fire Door Repairs

Look for visible damage, faulty hardware, gaps exceeding 4mm, or issues with self-closing mechanisms. If you’re unsure, consult a certified technician for a professional assessment.

DIY maintenance is not recommended for critical components like seals, hardware, or glazing. Always call a certified technician for repairs to ensure compliance and safety.

Technicians should hold certifications from recognised bodies such as FIRAS or BM TRADA. These ensure they are trained and qualified to perform repairs to regulatory standards.

Flat entrance fire doors must be inspected annually, while communal fire doors in buildings over 11 metres high should be inspected every three months.

Certified technicians should provide a detailed report of the work completed, including a Certificate of Conformity and photographic evidence of repairs.

Accurate records demonstrate compliance with fire safety regulations, support insurance claims, and help track the door’s lifecycle for timely maintenance and replacement.

Immediately call a certified professional to address the issues identified. Prompt repairs ensure compliance and maintain the door’s protective capabilities.

Costs vary depending on the issue, but professional repairs are an investment in safety, potentially preventing costly replacements and legal penalties. Don’t hesitate to get in touch for a consultation and a quote based on your needs.