Preparing for Your Fire Door Inspection
A fire door inspection doesn't need to be stressful. With proper preparation, property managers across South London and Surrey can ensure the process runs smoothly and avoid unnecessary delays. Here's our guide to getting inspection-ready.
Before the Inspection Day
#### 1. Notify Residents in Advance
For flat entrance door inspections, resident cooperation is essential. We recommend:
- Two weeks' notice via letter or email to all residents
- Clear explanation of why the inspection is required (Fire Safety Act compliance)
- Time window rather than exact appointment (e.g., "between 9am-12pm")
- Contact details for residents who need to reschedule
#### 2. Gather Existing Documentation
Having the following ready helps our inspectors:
- Previous fire risk assessments and door schedules
- Door installation certificates or specifications (if available)
- Records of previous repairs or replacements
- Building plans showing fire door locations
#### 3. Ensure Access to All Areas
Our inspectors need to access every fire door, including:
- Plant rooms and risers - ensure keys are available
- Bin stores and cycle stores
- Roof access doors
- Basement and car park doors
Common access issues we encounter in Croydon, Guildford, and across the region include lost keys to service risers and blocked access to plant rooms.
On Inspection Day
#### What Our Inspectors Need
- A site contact who knows the building and has all keys
- Access to communal areas without restriction
- Resident cooperation for flat entrance doors
- Good lighting in corridors and stairwells
#### What We'll Be Checking
Every fire door receives a comprehensive assessment:
| Check | What We're Looking For |
|---|---|
| Door leaf | Damage, holes, warping |
| Gaps | 2-4mm sides/top, max 8mm threshold |
| Intumescent strips | Present, undamaged, not painted |
| Smoke seals | Intact and functional |
| Hinges | Minimum 3, CE marked, secure |
| Self-closer | Closes and latches properly |
| Glazing | Fire rated, properly sealed |
| Signage | Present and legible |
Common Preparation Mistakes
Mistake 1: Not checking doors beforehand
Walk around your property before we arrive. Note any obvious damage - it helps us prioritise and shows due diligence.
Mistake 2: Forgetting about rarely-used doors
Fire doors to plant rooms, roof spaces, and storage areas are often overlooked but require inspection too.
Mistake 3: Last-minute painting
Fresh paint on intumescent strips or smoke seals can compromise their function. Avoid painting fire doors immediately before inspection.
Mistake 4: Propping doors open
We often arrive to find fire doors wedged open. This creates an immediate compliance issue.
After the Inspection
Within 48 hours, you'll receive:
- Comprehensive digital report via FireDNA
- Photographic evidence of all defects
- Priority ratings (Critical, High, Medium, Advisory)
- Remediation guidance for each issue
Coverage Across South London & Surrey
We prepare property managers across the region for successful inspections:
- South London: Croydon, Sutton, Lambeth, Wandsworth, Wallington, Purley
- Surrey: Guildford, Woking, Epsom, Reigate, Redhill, and surrounding areas
Ready to book your inspection? Contact us or call 020 3051 8482.