Defect Guide
Damaged or Missing Fire Door Seals
Fire door seals are critical components of a door set. If intumescent or smoke seals are missing, damaged, painted over, interrupted or incorrectly fitted, the door may not provide the expected level of smoke and fire resistance.
Defect Overview
What Are Damaged or Missing Fire Door Seals?
Intumescent seals are designed to expand in heat, while smoke seals help restrict smoke movement. Seals should normally be continuous, correctly fitted, undamaged and compatible with the fire door set.
For property managers, landlords, facilities managers and responsible persons, seal condition should be reviewed alongside gaps, frame alignment and ironmongery, as these factors often affect how seals perform in use.
Risk & Impact
Why This Defect Matters
Seal defects can reduce the ability of a fire door set to restrict smoke movement and maintain fire separation performance.
- Smoke may pass through unsealed gaps
- Fire resistance may be reduced
- Damaged seals may not activate or perform correctly
- Painted, split or loose seals may need replacement
- Missing sections can create weak points in the door set
Inspection Notes
How Inspectors Record Seal Defects
Where seal damage or missing sections are observed, inspection notes should identify the location and extent of the defect.
- Door reference or location
- Evidence photo of damaged or missing seals
- Seal type and affected section
- Visible interruptions around ironmongery
- Related gap or frame observations
- Suggested remedial priority where applicable
Inspection records visible seal condition at the time of visit. Replacement or further investigation should be carried out using suitable compatible seal products and competent installation.
Visible Indicators
Common Signs of Seal Problems
These are examples of visible indicators that may be recorded where observed during inspection.
Missing seal sections
Gaps in the seal run may leave parts of the door edge unprotected.
Split, loose or damaged seals
Physical damage can prevent seals from expanding or making continuous contact.
Painted-over intumescent strips
Paint or coating over intumescent material may affect intended performance.
Smoke brushes that are flattened or worn
Worn smoke seals may no longer restrict smoke movement effectively.
Interruptions around hinges, locks or ironmongery
Breaks in seal continuity at hardware points can create weak areas.
Seals not contacting the door leaf or frame
Poor engagement may indicate alignment issues or incorrect installation.
Incorrect or inconsistent seal type
Unsuitable or mixed seal types may not match the intended door set specification.
Remedial Planning
What Should Be Done Next?
The next action depends on severity, building type and inspection findings. Seal defects should be addressed using suitable compatible products installed by competent contractors.
Recommended next steps may include:
- Record the affected seal location
- Photograph missing or damaged sections
- Check related gaps, frame alignment and ironmongery
- Arrange replacement using suitable compatible seals
- Update inspection records after remedial works
After reviewing findings, property teams may need remedial works support, a follow-up inspection, or guidance on next steps after defects are found.
Seeing a different visible issue? Use the Fire Door Defect Identifier to find the closest guidance and next steps.
Related Defects
Related Fire Door Defects
Other common fire door inspection defects that may be recorded alongside this issue.
Defect Guide
Excessive Gaps
Gaps exceeding accepted tolerances can reduce smoke and fire separation performance.
View defect guideDefect Guide
Damaged Frames
Frame damage can affect fixing, alignment, smoke control and the fire-resisting performance of the door set.
View defect guideDefect Guide
Faulty Self-Closing Devices
A fire door that does not close fully may fail to protect the compartment when needed.
View defect guideDefect Guide
Fire Stopping Issues
Incomplete or damaged fire stopping around the frame can create pathways for fire and smoke spread.
View defect guideDefect Guide
Fire Door Regulations
Fire door requirements depend on the building type, use, risk profile and applicable fire safety duties.
View defect guide
Book an Inspection
Need Fire Door Defects Recorded Clearly?
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Related Fire Door Inspection Resources
- Fire door defect identifier
- Fire door inspection defects hub
- Fire door inspection service
- Sample fire door inspection report
- Visible fire door defect checklist
- Responsible-person fire door checklist
- Fire door remedial works
- Fire door re-inspections
- Inspection report dashboard
- Request a fire door inspection quote