Fire doors are among the most important features that ensure safety in a building. Whether it’s a school, office, hospital, or commercial premises, these doors are designed to slow the spread of fire and smoke. These doors are open, neglected, damaged or sometimes poorly maintained. Due to a lack of maintenance, they fail exactly when they are needed the most.
Regular inspections and maintenance ensure that the fire doors continue to perform effectively even during emergencies. For professional fire inspections in Cornwall, contact the specialists.
Critical Role of The Fire Door
Fire doors are engineered to withstand fire for a specified period. They can withstand fire for 30 to 60 minutes. The primary purpose of these doors is to restrict the spread of fire and smoke within a specific area of the building. This gives the occupants a chance to escape through the emergency routes. A fire door is a complete safety system which is made up of several components, including:
- Fire-resistant door leaves
- Self-closing mechanism
- Fire-rated frames and glazing
- Hinges and ironmongery
- Smoke seals
- Intumescent seals
Why Does a Fire Door Fail?
Damaged or a missing seal
Intumescent and smoke seals play an important role in preventing the spread of smoke and flame when a fire breaks out. If the seals are damaged, the smoke will travel rapidly through the building putting everyone at risk.
Faulty self-closing device
The fire door should close and open automatically. If the self-closing mechanism is not working or has been damaged, the door may remain open even during a fire. This will allow the flame to spread freely, putting everyone at risk.
Improper alterations
Many fire doors fail because they have been improperly modified. If you drill holes in the door for cable installation, install non-compliant locks, excessively trim the door, or replace components with uncertified alternatives, then you’re hampering the durability of the fire doors. These small alterations can affect the door’s fire-resistance capability.
What are The Risks Involved During an Emergency?
When a fire breaks out, the condition of the premises deteriorates instantly. Smoke inside the property can cause high fatalities even before the flames engulf the property.
Compromised escape route
Neglected fire doors often fail to stop the spread of smoke, making corridors and stairways unsafe during evacuation. This creates a state of panic and confusion and reduces the visibility of people trying to escape the property.
Increased property damage
If the doors are not functioning properly, their ability to limit the spread of fire to other areas of the building will be diminished. A faulty fire door will encourage the flames to spread more rapidly, leading to structural and financial damage to the property.
Why is fire door inspection important?
Regular inspections help identify damage to fire doors that can compromise the safety of the property. Professional inspection usually improves checking:
- Door alignment and door gaps
- Condition of the seals and hinges on the door
- Checking the certification levels of the components
- Looking for signs of damage or unauthorised modification
- Checking for the self-closing operation of the door
Are you looking for professionals to schedule professional fire inspections? Get in touch with Cornwall Firedoors. We specialise in carpentry and joinery while also offering expert fire door services, including inspections, maintenance, surveys, and installations. With more than 25 years of experience, we ensure your fire doors meet the safety standards. Our skilled team works diligently to provide reliable solutions tailored to your needs, giving you peace of mind about your property’s safety.