A fire door that fails inspection does not always need replacing. Most defects – worn seals, a faulty closer, loose hinges, missing signage – can be repaired and re-certified without removing the door. The defects that can’t be repaired are usually structural: a warped leaf, an unauthorised modification, or a rated leaf in a non-rated frame.
Surrey Fire & Safety carries out fire door maintenance and repairs for commercial, residential, and industrial buildings across Surrey, London, and the South East, working from inspection findings to address defects efficiently and document every remediation.
Contact UsCan a Fire Door Be Repaired?
The table below sets out how we approach the most common defects found during fire door inspections:
| Defect | Repair or replace? | Notes |
| Worn or damaged seals | Repair | Must match original assembly specification |
| Faulty self-closer | Repair | Adjustment or replacement — compatible closer required |
| Loose or incorrect hinges | Repair | Replace with fire-rated steel hinges, minimum three |
| Excessive gaps / misalignment | Repair | Rehinging or frame adjustment in most cases |
| Missing or incorrect signage | Repair | Quick fix — must be correct type on both faces |
| Warped door leaf | Usually replacement | Affects gaps and closer performance — structural issue |
| Structurally damaged or modified leaf | Replacement | Unauthorised modifications invalidate certification |
| Non-rated frame | Replace assembly | Rated leaf in non-rated frame is non-compliant |
| Wrong FD rating for location | Replacement | No remediation option — replacement required |
| Non-rated glazing | Replace glazing | Fire-rated glass and beading required throughout |
A door with multiple remediable defects may still be more cost-effective to replace in full, particularly if it is old or heavily used.
Our team guarantees an honest assessment either way, with clear reasoning.
What Our Fire Door Maintenance Service Covers
- Intumescent and smoke seal replacement — seals must match the original assembly specification. Generic substitutes are not compliant.
- Self-closer adjustment and replacement — closer must pull the door fully closed and latched on every use. Compatible replacement required where the closer has failed.
- Hinge replacement — minimum three fire-rated steel hinges to the correct specification for the door weight and size.
- Rehinging and realignment — gap tolerances checked after every rehinging job: maximum 3mm around the edges, 8–10mm at the base.
- Glazing replacement — fire-rated glass and correct beading throughout. Standard glass is not acceptable regardless of door rating.
- Signage replacement — correct type on both faces: ‘Fire Door Keep Shut’ or ‘Fire Door Keep Locked’ as appropriate.
Every repair is documented on completion with photographic evidence confirming the defect has been addressed, and the door is back in compliant condition.
Arrange a CallbackFire Door Maintenance & Repairs with Surrey Fire & Safety
- Honest repair vs replace guidance — clear reasoning, no unnecessary replacements.
- Qualified fire door specialists — not general maintenance contractors.
- BAFE accredited and FIA affiliated — independently verified to recognised standards.
- Completion records for every job — photographic evidence confirming compliance restored.
- Works from any inspection report — ours or a third party’s.
- Serving Surrey, London, and the South East for 25+ years.
Fire Door Repairs & Maintenance – Frequently Asked Questions
Can a fire door be repaired?
Yes. Many defects can be remedied without full replacement — such as worn seals, faulty closers, incorrect hinges, or misaligned doors. Doors with structural damage, unauthorised modifications, non-rated frames, or the wrong FD rating for the location require replacement. Each door is assessed individually, and we provide a clear recommendation with reasoning.
Do repaired fire doors need re-certifying?
Routine maintenance using like-for-like components — seals, closers, hinges — does not invalidate certification, as long as replacements match the tested assembly specification. Structural changes or non-compliant substitutions can invalidate certification. All work follows manufacturer documentation to preserve compliance.
How often should fire doors be maintained?
Maintenance should follow your building’s inspection programme:
- Multi-occupied residential (common areas, >11 m) — quarterly.
- Commercial premises — six-monthly inspections, with maintenance scheduled from findings.
- High-risk buildings (care homes, hotels) — more frequent inspections and checks.
What is fire door maintenance?
Fire door maintenance includes inspection-led repairs or adjustments to ensure doors function correctly and remain compliant. This covers seals, hinges, closers, signage, and overall operation, preventing gradual deterioration from compromising fire safety.
How often do fire doors need to be serviced?
Servicing aligns with inspection frequency, legal requirements, and the building’s fire risk assessment. Following the correct schedule ensures doors perform to their rated period and the passive fire protection system remains effective.