Fire Door Inspections vs. Fire Door Installations: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to fire safety, fire doors play a vital role in protecting lives and property. They slow the spread of flames and smoke, giving occupants more time to escape and helping emergency services do their job. But for many landlords, property managers, and business owners, there’s often confusion between fire door inspections and fire door installations. Both are important, but they serve very different purposes.
In this blog, we’ll break down what each involves, why inspections are just as critical as installations, and how Fire Stoppers can help keep your buildings safe and compliant.
Fire Door Installations: Starting with the Right Foundation
A fire door installation is the process of fitting a brand-new fire door into a property. These doors are specially manufactured to resist fire and smoke for a set amount of time, usually 30 or 60 minutes, depending on the rating.
Key points about fire door installation:
- New builds and renovations: Installations are common in new properties, refurbishments, or when existing doors are beyond repair.
- Specialist fitting required: Fire doors must be installed correctly to perform as intended. Even small gaps, poor hinges, or incorrect seals can cause failure in a fire.
- Not a one-time job: Installing a fire door is the first step, but it does not guarantee ongoing compliance.
At Fire Stoppers, our expertise lies in inspection and compliance, ensuring that once doors are in place, they are maintained and functioning properly.
Fire Door Inspections: Ensuring Ongoing Compliance
A fire door inspection is a detailed check to make sure that existing fire doors are in good working condition and meet legal requirements. Over time, even the best-installed fire doors can become damaged or fall below standard through daily wear and tear.
What inspections involve:
- Checking the door leaf, frame, hinges, seals, glazing, and hardware.
- Identifying gaps, cracks, or damage that could compromise performance.
- Making sure signage, closers, and intumescent seals are in place and working.
- Recording findings and providing clear recommendations for repair or replacement.
Fire door inspections are not optional. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, building owners and responsible persons must ensure fire doors are maintained properly. Regular inspections are the only way to guarantee this.
Why the Difference Matters
Understanding the difference between installations and inspections helps property managers and landlords stay compliant and safe.
- Installations give you the door itself, but without inspections, you cannot be certain it will still perform over time.
- Inspections ensure that doors remain fit for purpose, compliant with regulations, and ready to protect lives when needed.
Think of it like owning a car: the installation is buying the vehicle, but the inspection is your MOT. Without regular checks, safety is compromised, and legal responsibility falls back on the owner.
How Often Should Fire Doors Be Inspected?
The frequency depends on the type of building and its use. For example:
- High-traffic areas (student accommodation, HMOs, hospitals, office corridors) may require checks every 3–6 months.
- Lower-traffic areas might only need annual inspections.
A qualified inspector can advise on the right schedule for your premises.
Fire Stoppers: Your Partner in Compliance
At Fire Stoppers, we specialise in fire door inspections. Our qualified inspectors carry out thorough checks, identify potential risks, and provide clear, actionable reports. With our support, landlords, building managers, and estate agents can rest assured that their fire doors are fully compliant with British Standards and legal requirements.
Final Thoughts
Both fire door installations and fire door inspections are essential parts of fire safety, but they serve different roles. Installations give you the door, while inspections ensure it continues to protect people and property over time.
If you manage buildings in Nottingham or within a 30-mile radius, Fire Stoppers can provide reliable, accredited inspection services to keep your fire safety strategy watertight.
Contact us today to book a fire door inspection and make sure your property is safe, compliant, and ready when it matters most.
