Fire Door Inspections – How often do they need to inspected?

Fire doors need to be inspected at least once a year. This ensures that the doors are still performing up to code and can be effectively prevent the travel of smoke and flames during a fire. This inspection will verify that the door and its parts are all in working order.

Checking For Damage

The inspection will check for any obvious signs of damage or incorrect installation. The hinges, bearings and frame will be carefully check to make sure they are free of damage and aligned correctly. If you have a door that closes automatically during a fire, it will be checked to make sure it will close as designed.

Clearance Levels Are Important

A fire door that is too high off the ground will not do much to stop smoke or fire from passing underneath it. Doors should be no more than three quarters of an inch off the ground. The top and edges of the door should be no more than one eighth of an inch from the wall. Clearance levels need to be adjusted if they don’t meet these minimum requirements.

No Modifications Are Allowed

All doors must be constructed as designed. If they are modified, they may not pass inspection. Seals, gaskets and other objects that block the door from preventing the spread of a fire are prohibited. Fire doors that do not pass inspection could cause a building to be out of compliance with building codes.

An annual inspection for fire doors is mandated under code NFPA 80 5.2.4. All doors in the United States must have this inspection done without exception. It will ensure that everyone has a chance to escape if there is a fire in an occupied building.