Fire Doors: Critical Protections – but some maintenance required

In 2022, a child’s life was saved simply because a door was shut when a fire broke out, giving rescue teams time to reach him. Closed doors block fire and smoke and can stop the flow of oxygen, which fuels a fire. For those reasons, maintaining fire doors to keep them in good, working order is crucial. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 80 outlines the correct methods to install and maintain fire doors, frames, hardware and other related components to make sure they meet the required standards. The group’s guidelines require that fire doors and assemblies be inspected and tested at least once a year by a trained professional and that a written record of the inspection be signed and kept on file for review.

Below are common issues to watch for and how to complete a proper inspection.

• Doors blocked open: Storage should not be allowed under drop-down fire doors or in the opening of sliding or swinging fire doors. Swinging fire doors should never be wedged open. Consider signage on doors and/or marking the floors.
• Door track damage: Forklifts or other material handling equipment often cause damage to swinging or lifting fire doors.
• Removed, damaged or painted fusible links: Fusible links create the automatic mode of closure for the doors.

NFPA 80 lists several items to be verified during the annual service depending on the type of door, including hold-open devices, fusible link closure devices and door clearances. The following shall also be addressed:

• Before testing, perform a visual inspection to identify any damaged or missing parts that can create a hazard during testing or affect operation or resetting.
• Visually inspect fire door assemblies from both sides to assess the overall condition.
• Test automatic closing doors and windows to verify that the assembly will close under fire conditions.
• Reset assemblies after a successful test. Resetting of the release mechanism should be done in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Examine hardware. Inoperative hardware, parts and other defects should be replaced.
• Inspect tin-clad-type doors for dry rot of the wood core.
• Monitor chains or cables for excessive wear and stretching.

Insurance companies may require NFPA 80 compliance before issuing coverage. Oswald’s experienced team can help you evaluate your needs, manage risk and find the right coverage.

CLICK HERE to learn more about Oswald’s Risk Consulting services.

This article originally posted in 2019 and was updated in 2025.

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