When it comes to protecting your building and the people inside it, every detail matters. One of the most overlooked but crucial components of your facility’s fire safety plan is the fire door. While these doors often blend into the background, their role in keeping fire contained and preventing the spread of smoke and flames is nothing short of vital. That’s why regular fire door inspections are a must—not just for code compliance, but for the safety of everyone who walks through your building.
At Keith’s Lock & Door Service, we specialize in fire door inspections and ensuring your building meets all necessary life safety codes. Let’s dive into why fire doors are so important, what needs to be checked during an inspection, and how our expert team can help you stay compliant.
What Are Fire Doors and Why Are They Important?
Fire-rated doors are designed to withstand extreme heat and flames for a specified period, giving people time to evacuate and helping prevent the spread of fire to other parts of the building. But fire doors aren’t just about the door itself—they’re part of a system that includes the door frame, hardware, seals, and the materials used in construction. All of these elements must work together to ensure the door functions as intended during an emergency.
Not only do fire doors help protect people, but they also play a key role in minimizing damage to your property. In fact, well-maintained fire doors can be the difference between a small fire and a devastating disaster.
Fire Door Inspections: What’s Involved?
A fire door inspection is more than just checking if the door opens and closes properly. There are several important components that need to be assessed:
- Frame and Door Integrity: The door and frame must be free of cracks or gaps, and everything should fit snugly. Any signs of wear could compromise the door’s ability to resist fire.
- Hardware: The hardware, such as hinges, locks, and closers, must be in good condition and fully functional. Non-compliant or damaged hardware can prevent the door from closing properly or from fully sealing during a fire.
- Seals: Fire doors often have special seals around the edges that expand when exposed to heat, helping to seal the door shut. These seals should be intact and undamaged to do their job in the event of a fire.
- Automatic Closers: Fire doors should be equipped with an automatic closing mechanism to ensure they close quickly and securely after someone passes through. These need to be regularly tested to ensure they work correctly.
- Labeling and Compliance: Fire doors should have a factory label indicating their fire-resistance rating, which should match your building’s needs. It’s also essential that they meet local code requirements. An inspection verifies that your doors are up to code and properly labeled for compliance.
Why Code Compliance Matters
Fire doors are not just about safety—they’re also a matter of code compliance. Local fire safety codes and regulations require that fire doors be inspected regularly and meet specific standards. Non-compliance can result in penalties, fines, or worse—your building could be deemed unsafe in the event of a fire.
That’s why it’s important to work with a trusted team like Keith’s Lock & Door Service to ensure all your fire doors meet the latest life safety codes. Our inspections will give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your facility is up to date and fully compliant.
How Keith’s Lock & Door Can Help
At Keith’s Lock & Door Service, we understand the importance of fire door safety. That’s why we offer comprehensive fire door inspections, helping you identify any issues before they become bigger problems. Whether you need an inspection to meet compliance standards or you just want to ensure your doors are functioning properly, our experienced team is here to help.
We work with the best materials and hardware to ensure your fire doors are top-notch, and we’re committed to providing solutions that work for your specific needs. From inspecting doors to installing new systems, we’ve got you covered.
Let Us Help You Keep Your Building Safe
A fire door inspection is an essential part of any building’s fire protection plan. At Keith’s Lock & Door Service, we provide thorough, reliable inspections to ensure your fire doors are up to code and ready for anything. Don’t wait until it’s too late — contact us today to schedule your fire door inspection and ensure your building is safe, secure, and compliant.
