JELD-WEN is calling for regular inspection and maintenance of fire doors as part of Fire Door Safety Week, which takes place from 21 to 25 September.
The door manufacturer is highlighting common faults that can affect fire door performance and the importance of ensuring doors remain capable of limiting the spread of fire and smoke.
Fire doors form part of a building’s compartmentation strategy and require appropriate inspection and maintenance throughout their operational life.
Research identifies fire door faults
Research conducted by JELD-WEN in 2023 found that nine in 10 respondents had their fire doors inspected during the previous two years.
However, 50% reported that a fault had been identified during an inspection.
Potential problems can include missing, damaged or defective components affecting the door leaf, frame or wider doorset.
Lisa Ward, Product and Marketing Director at JELD-WEN UK, said: “Facilities managers and other duty holders need to ensure they have a schedule in place to carry out regular maintenance on fire doors to fully comply with the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.
“Common faults like missing, faulty, or broken parts of a door system, including the door leaf or frame, can drastically inhibit a doorset’s performance in a fire, potentially leading to the faster spread of fire and smoke.
“Failure to meet regulatory requirements can result in legal and financial penalties, in addition to the risk this poses to occupants.
“Products carrying third-party accreditation, such as CERTIFIRE, identify the fire rating of doors and ensure traceability back to the manufacturer after installation.
“Responsible parties should avoid modifying fire doorsets themselves, at risk of compromising performance and invalidating certifications.
“Instead, it’s recommended that any changes should only be made by professionals in line with manufacturer guidelines.”
Maintaining accurate records
JELD-WEN is also highlighting the importance of maintaining records of fire door inspections and maintenance.
The Hackitt Review highlighted the need for a golden thread of accurate building safety information throughout the lifecycle of a building.
Maintaining inspection records can help responsible parties demonstrate that fire doors are being checked and that identified defects are being addressed.
Modifications can affect performance
The manufacturer is also advising responsible parties against making unauthorised modifications to fire doorsets.
Products with third party certification, including CERTIFIRE, can provide information about a fire door’s rating and support traceability following installation.
Changes to doorsets can potentially affect their tested performance and certification. JELD-WEN recommends that alterations are undertaken by appropriate professionals and in accordance with manufacturer guidance.
Fire Door Safety Week returns
Fire Door Safety Week was launched by the British Woodworking Federation in 2013 to improve awareness of the role fire doors play in protecting buildings and occupants.
The 2026 campaign will provide another opportunity for building owners, facilities managers and other responsible parties to review inspection and maintenance arrangements and identify defects requiring remedial action.
