What steps should be taken if a fire door is found to be non-compliant

Fire doors are essential safety components in any commercial or industrial facility. As an expert commercial and industrial door company, Door and Dock Solutions in Texas specializes in a variety of fire doors, ensuring that businesses remain compliant with fire codes, and most importantly that employees, customers, and assets are kept safe.

What Are Fire Doors?

Fire doors are specially designed doors that prevent the spread of fire and smoke within a building. They are a key part of any building's fire safety strategy, helping to compartmentalize fire zones and protect escape routes. Fire doors come in various forms and offer different levels of fire resistance, typically measured in minutes, such as 30-, 60-, or 120-minute ratings.

Rolling Fire Doors

Rolling fire doors are widely used in industrial facilities and warehouses due to their space-saving design and robust construction. They typically consist of interlocking slats of steel or aluminum, rolling up into a compact coil above the door opening.

Common Repairs:

Motor and Operator Issues: Faulty motors or operators can prevent the door from deploying automatically during a fire emergency. We repair or replace these parts to ensure proper functionality.

Damaged Slats: Daily use or impact damage may cause individual slats to become warped or broken, compromising fire resistance. Replacing or repairing damaged slats maintains the door’s integrity.

Release Mechanism Malfunctions: Rolling fire doors must deploy automatically when triggered by the building’s fire alarm. Our experts diagnose and repair faulty release mechanisms, guaranteeing a reliable response during an emergency.

Fire-Rated Swinging Doors

Description: Fire-rated swinging doors are a common sight in stairwells, hallways, and exit paths. These doors are designed to close automatically during a fire, creating a fire-resistant barrier.

Common Repairs:

Automatic Closers and Hinges: Misaligned or worn-out door closers and hinges can lead to improper door closure, compromising fire safety. We replace and adjust these critical components.

Damaged Frames: Door frames play a vital role in fire resistance. Warped or damaged frames can hinder a door's ability to close properly. Our technicians can repair or replace frames to restore fire code compliance.

Seal and Smoke Gasket Repairs: Properly functioning seals and smoke gaskets are essential for blocking smoke and flames. We repair or replace worn gaskets to ensure maximum safety.

Fire Shutters and Curtains

Description: Fire shutters and curtains are often used to compartmentalize open spaces, such as in kitchens, service counters, and storage areas. They offer fire and smoke protection while remaining unobtrusive when not in use.

Common Repairs:

Automatic Release System Adjustments: Fire shutters and curtains rely on sensors and control panels to deploy when triggered. We repair and calibrate these systems to maintain reliable operation.

Damaged Curtain Sections or Slats: Regular wear, impact, or corrosion can compromise the curtain’s ability to resist flames. Repairing or replacing damaged sections is essential for preserving their fire-resistant capabilities.

Fire-Resistant Glazed Doors

Description: Fire-resistant glazed doors combine visibility with fire protection. These doors are commonly used in office buildings, hospitals, and educational institutions, providing a balance of safety and aesthetics.

Common Repairs:

Cracked or Damaged Glass Panels: Cracks in fire-resistant glass compromise its ability to withstand heat and flames. We specialize in replacing damaged panels with certified fire-resistant glass.

Seal and Frame Integrity: Fire-resistant glazed doors rely on a tight seal and strong frame to maintain their fire ratings. Our team ensures that frames are properly aligned, and seals are replaced when needed.

we’ll explore the different types of fire doors, common repairs they require, and why timely maintenance is critical. If a fire door is found to be non-compliant, it is crucial to take immediate and systematic steps to rectify the issues and ensure safety according to established standards such as NFPA 80. Here’s a structured approach to addressing non-compliance:

Initial Assessment

Conduct a Thorough Inspection:

Check for visible damage such as dents, warping, or holes that could compromise the door's integrity. Verify that the fire door has a clear and legible certification label indicating its fire rating. Measure gaps around the door to ensure they are within acceptable limits (typically no more than 1/8 inch for steel doors) to prevent smoke and flames from passing through.

Evaluate Hardware Functionality:

Inspect all hardware components, including hinges, locks, and closers, to ensure they are functioning properly. Non-functioning hardware can prevent the door from closing securely during a fire.

Repair and Replacement

Repair Damaged Components:

Fix any damaged parts of the door or frame. This may involve straightening warped areas or replacing compromised sections.

Replace Non-Compliant Hardware:

Substitute any hardware that does not meet NFPA 80 standards with compliant alternatives. Ensure that all components are made from heat-resistant materials.

Ensure Proper Installation:

Confirm that the fire door is installed correctly according to relevant guidelines. Improper installation can significantly reduce its effectiveness in a fire situation.

Regular Maintenance

Implement Regular Inspections:

Schedule routine inspections by certified professionals to ensure ongoing compliance with safety standards. This includes operational tests to confirm that doors close and latch properly.

Maintain Documentation:

Keep detailed records of inspections, repairs, and maintenance activities. Documenting these actions is essential for tracking compliance and addressing recurring issues effectively.

Staff Education and Awareness

Educate Building Occupants:

Inform staff about the importance of fire doors and proper usage protocols, including not propping doors open or blocking access to them. Conduct regular fire drills to familiarize everyone with emergency procedures.

Monitor Compliance Vigilantly:

Encourage all building occupants to report any issues with fire doors immediately, such as doors being blocked or held open improperly, which could jeopardize safety during an emergency

By following these steps diligently, you can ensure that fire doors remain compliant, thereby enhancing the overall safety of the building and its occupants in case of a fire emergency.

Why Timely Maintenance and Repairs Matter

Regular maintenance and timely repairs are crucial for fire doors. Fire doors that fail to function correctly during an emergency can put lives and property at risk. Our experts at Door and Dock Solutions conduct thorough inspections, testing, and repairs to ensure all components of your fire door systems are in optimal condition.

Trust the Experts at Door and Dock Solutions

With decades of expertise serving commercial and industrial clients across Texas, Door and Dock Solutions is your go-to partner for fire door repair and maintenance. Our team ensures your fire doors remain reliable, compliant, and ready to protect your facility when it matters most. Need service or have questions about your fire doors? Contact us today for a consultation and let our experts provide the safety and reliability your business deserves! Emergency Call now 24/7 Phone: 832 - 232 - 9150