Excessive gaps
Margins around the door leaf, threshold gaps and inconsistent frame gaps can affect smoke and fire performance.
Inspection insight
Common fire door defects found in surveys
Fire door failures are often practical, visible issues: gaps, seals, closers, hinges, glazing, signage and damage.
Get my survey quoteMissing or damaged seals
Intumescent strips and smoke seals can be painted over, damaged, missing or poorly fitted.
Closer issues
Doors may fail to close fully, latch properly or overcome air pressure and floor coverings.
Hinge and ironmongery defects
Loose hinges, unsuitable screws, damaged latches, incorrect locks and non-fire-rated hardware may need attention.
Glazing and apertures
Vision panels, letter plates, viewers and grilles need suitable fire-rated components and visible condition checks.
Signage and damage
Missing signage, unauthorised alterations, impact damage, warping and poorly fitting frames are common report items.
Why practical repair advice matters
Some defects can be suitable for remedial works; others may require more detailed investigation or replacement. FDS is not just a survey-only provider. The Stratton & Hesler connection gives FDS practical understanding of doors, frames, fixings, margins and site access.