Fire Door Surveys

Fire Doors and Why They Matter

Fire doors are one of the most important parts of a building’s fire safety. When they are installed and maintained properly, they help slow the spread of fire and smoke, protecting escape routes and giving people valuable time to get out safely.

Because of this, it is important that fire doors are regularly checked and maintained.

A fire door survey involves inspecting each fire door within the building to make sure it is in suitable condition and able to perform as intended. During the inspection we look at things such as the condition of the door, hinges, seals, self closing devices and the gaps around the frame. If anything requires attention, we provide clear and practical advice on what needs to be addressed.

The survey also helps give an overall picture of how well the fire doors across the building are performing and whether there are any common issues that should be addressed as part of ongoing maintenance.

A man with a tablet in his left hand is completing a fire door survey.
A man completing a fire door survey.

Legal Requirements for Residential Buildings

The Fire Safety England Regulations 2022, which came into force in 2023, introduced specific requirements for fire door inspections in residential buildings.

For residential buildings over 11 metres in height, responsible persons must ensure that:

  • Fire doors within the common parts, including cupboard doors, riser doors, stairwell doors and cross corridor doors, are inspected at least every three months.

  • Flat entrance doors are checked annually, including the door closer and the overall condition of the door.

These checks help ensure that fire doors continue to perform properly and that any issues are identified early.

How SLB Compliance Can Help

At SLB Compliance, our approach is straightforward and practical. Fire door inspections are carried out carefully and the findings are explained clearly, so you understand what condition the doors are in and whether any action may be needed.

Our aim is to help you maintain safe buildings, comply with the law, and have confidence that your fire doors are doing the job they are meant to do.

A man standing indoors near a door, holding a tablet, assessing a fire door.
A row of multi-story brick residential buildings on a wet, overcast day, with trash bins on the sidewalk and a street lamp nearby.

Why Fire Doors Matter

Fire doors play a vital role in protecting both people and buildings during a fire. When they are correctly installed and maintained, they help slow the spread of fire and smoke, protecting escape routes and giving occupants valuable time to evacuate safely.

You will typically find fire doors protecting stairwells, corridors, service risers, cupboards, and flat entrances in residential buildings. If these doors are damaged, poorly maintained, or incorrectly installed, they may not perform as intended when a fire occurs.

Fire door surveys help identify issues such as damaged doors, missing seals, faulty self closing devices, incorrect hinges, or excessive gaps around the frame. Identifying these problems early allows them to be addressed through routine maintenance rather than becoming a serious fire safety risk.

Regular inspections are therefore an important part of maintaining safe buildings and managing fire safety properly.

At SLB Compliance, fire door surveys are carried out with a practical approach. The aim is to provide clear findings and straightforward advice, helping you understand the condition of the doors and what action, if any, may be required.

Keeping Fire Safety Straightforward with SLB Compliance

Fire safety does not need to be complicated. Our approach is simple and practical, helping you understand the risks within your building and what steps may be needed to manage them.

When we carry out a fire risk assessment, we will:

  • Carry out a thorough inspection of the building, looking at how the premises are laid out and used.

  • Identify potential fire hazards and conditions that could contribute to a fire starting or spreading.

  • Consider how a fire could affect the building and the people inside, including evacuation and escape routes.

  • Review how fire safety is currently being managed, including maintenance, procedures, and general housekeeping.

  • Provide clear and practical guidance on any improvements that may be required.

Importantly, the report is not the end of the process. SLB Compliance provides ongoing assistance after the assessment, helping you understand the findings, discuss recommendations, and prioritise actions where needed. If you have questions after receiving the report, we are always available to help.