If you have received a fire door inspection report with defects — or you are worried about what happens if a fire door fails inspection — you are not alone. Many property teams discover issues during the first structured review of doors across a building or portfolio.
If defects are identified during a fire door inspection, the findings should be reviewed, prioritised, and considered alongside wider fire safety arrangements. Some issues may need remedial works, some may need further investigation, and re-inspection may be useful after corrective work.
This guide explains what “fails inspection” usually means in practice, common reasons defects are recorded, sensible next steps, mistakes to avoid, and how remedial works and re-inspection fit together. It supports — but does not replace — our dedicated after-inspection guidance page.
Quick answer: what happens if a fire door fails inspection?
When defects are identified during a fire door inspection, the first step is to review the report carefully, understand which doors are affected, and prioritise follow-up action proportionately. Some defects may need urgent management attention; others may be planned into a remedial programme.
A fire door inspection records visible defects and observed condition at the time of visit. It is not always a simple pass/fail certificate for the entire building, and recorded defects do not automatically determine whole-building compliance. Responsible persons and duty holders should consider findings alongside wider fire safety arrangements and seek competent advice where needed.
What “fails inspection” actually means
The phrase “failed inspection” is often used informally, but a professional fire door inspection is usually a structured record of observed condition — not a single legal pass/fail stamp for the premises.
Inspectors document visible defects where observed during the agreed scope. A door may be noted as defective because of excessive gaps, a faulty closer, missing seals or another visible issue. That finding describes what was seen on the day; it does not by itself mean the whole building is non-compliant or unsafe in every respect.
An inspection report may help support internal records and remedial planning. It does not guarantee compliance, does not replace a fire risk assessment, and is not the same as product certification for a door set unless that is explicitly part of a separate competent process.
Common reasons fire doors are marked defective
Defects vary by building, but several issues are recorded frequently during fire door inspections in London residential and commercial properties.
- Excessive gaps around the head, sides or meeting stiles
- Missing or damaged intumescent and smoke seals
- Self-closing device not working or door not closing fully
- Door failing to latch into the frame
- Damaged frame, architraves or insecure fixings
- Incorrect or missing hinges and hardware
- Unauthorised alterations, holes or non-approved hardware changes
- Non-compliant or damaged glazing and vision panels
- Poor or missing fire door signage
- Door wedged or held open without an approved hold-open device
What to do next after defects are found
A sensible response starts with the report, not panic. Property teams, responsible persons and managing agents should work through findings systematically.
- Review the inspection report and confirm which doors are referenced
- Prioritise defects according to location, use and severity where noted in the report
- Speak to a competent fire safety adviser if you are unsure about wider implications
- Brief contractors with clear door references and defect descriptions
- Arrange remedial works where appropriate using suitably competent specialists
- Keep records of actions taken, works completed and any follow-up inspections
- Consider re-inspection after remedial works to review updated condition
- Update internal maintenance plans if recurring defects appear across the building
What not to do after a fire door fails inspection
Certain reactions are common but unhelpful — and some can make the underlying issue worse.
Interim management measures may be needed for some defects, but they should be considered carefully and documented. Long-term resolution usually requires competent remedial action, not temporary workarounds left in place indefinitely.
- Do not ignore the report because only some doors were listed
- Do not assume the issue is only paperwork if visible defects were recorded
- Do not ask for a compliance certificate without addressing recorded defects
- Do not carry out unsuitable DIY repairs without competence or specification
- Do not remove closers, seals or hardware without understanding the door set design
- Do not wedge doors open while waiting for remedial works without a managed interim plan
- Do not assume one defective door means every door in the building is the same condition
How remedial works and re-inspection fit together
Remedial works address defects recorded during inspection — for example replacing damaged seals, adjusting or replacing closers, repairing frames, correcting signage or resolving wedging issues. Specifications should be confirmed with suitably competent contractors; a visual inspection does not replace specialist remedial design where that is required.
After remedial works, re-inspection may be useful to review updated door condition where agreed in scope. This is not the same as issuing a compliance certificate. It is a follow-up visit to record what can be observed after corrective action.
Together, inspection, remedial works and re-inspection can form a practical workflow for property teams managing fire doors over time. Each step should be documented for internal records.
What records to keep after defects are found
Good records help property teams show that findings were reviewed and action was planned or completed. While record-keeping duties depend on the building and applicable arrangements, useful documentation often includes:
Structured records may help support compliance management internally, but they do not by themselves prove statutory compliance. Responsible persons should confirm applicable duties for their premises.
- The original inspection report and door schedule
- Internal prioritisation notes or management actions
- Contractor quotations, instructions and completion records
- Photo records where captured during inspection or after works
- Re-inspection reports where follow-up visits were arranged
- Notes on doors that could not be accessed on the original visit
Get help reviewing defects and planning next steps
If you have received defects in a fire door inspection report and need support with remedial planning or re-inspection, we can discuss scope once property details and the existing report are understood.
We provide fire door inspections, remedial works support and re-inspections for London and Greater London properties, subject to availability and agreed scope. Request a quote or contact us to discuss your building.