The five-step fire door check

1. Look for certification

Check the top edge or hinge edge of the door for a label or plug showing it’s a certified fire door. No label doesn’t always mean it isn’t one, but it does mean it needs checking.

2. Check the gaps

With the door closed, the gaps around the top and sides should be about 2–4mm. A £1 coin is about 3mm thick. The gap at the bottom depends on the door’s certification and whether it needs to stop smoke.

For the Halspan doors we make, the certified gap under the door for fire performance is up to 10mm at FD30, 8mm at FD60 and 5mm at FD90 and FD120. Where smoke control matters at the threshold it needs to be much tighter, or have a drop seal.

3. Check the seals

Look for intumescent strips, and smoke brushes or fins if fitted, around the door or frame. They should be intact, not painted over and not missing in places.

4. Check the hinges

There should be at least three hinges, all firmly fixed with no missing or loose screws.

5. Check it closes

Open the door fully and let go. A self-closing door should close fully onto the latch on its own, without sticking on the floor or frame.