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Unauthorised alteration to a fire door recorded during inspection

Defect Guide

Unauthorised Fire Door Alterations

Fire doors are designed and tested as complete door sets. Unauthorised changes to the door leaf, frame, glazing, ironmongery or hardware can affect certification, operation and fire-resisting performance.

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Defect Overview

What Are Unauthorised Fire Door Alterations?

Unauthorised alterations may include added hardware, removed components, drilled holes, unsuitable locks, unapproved glazing changes, cut-outs, ventilation grilles or repairs that are not supported by suitable evidence.

For property managers, landlords, facilities managers and responsible persons, visible modifications should be reviewed alongside certification records, maintenance history and the intended performance of the complete door set.

Risk & Impact

Why This Defect Matters

Unauthorised alterations can affect whether a fire door set still matches its intended tested configuration.

  • The door may no longer match its tested configuration
  • Certification or evidence may be affected
  • Hardware changes can alter closing or latching performance
  • Holes, cut-outs or added fittings may weaken the door leaf
  • Further specialist review may be needed

Inspection Notes

How Inspectors Record Unauthorised Alterations

Where visible modifications are observed, inspection notes should describe the alteration, location and any related performance concerns.

  • Door reference or location
  • Evidence photo of the modification
  • Description of the alteration or missing component
  • Related operation, latch or closer observations
  • Notes on available certification or maintenance records where seen
  • Suggested remedial priority where applicable

Visible alterations are recorded at the time of inspection. Specialist advice or further evidence may be needed to confirm suitability and remedial requirements.

Visible Indicators

Common Signs of Unauthorised Alterations

These are examples of visible indicators that may be recorded where observed during inspection.

  • Added locks or hardware

    Additional or non-standard hardware may alter operation or weaken the door leaf.

  • Unsealed drilled holes

    New holes without suitable sealing may affect fire-resisting performance.

  • Removed or replaced components

    Missing or substituted parts may change the tested door set configuration.

  • Unapproved glazing changes

    Glazing replacement or modification may not match the original specification.

  • Cut-outs, vents or grilles added to the door

    Penetrations in the door leaf may compromise fire and smoke separation.

  • Surface-mounted items affecting operation

    Added fittings may obstruct closing, latching or seal contact.

  • Poor previous repair or patching

    Unsupported repairs may indicate informal alteration without suitable evidence.

Remedial Planning

What Should Be Done Next?

The next action depends on severity, building type and inspection findings. Unauthorised alterations should be reviewed against available evidence and addressed through competent specialist advice where required.

Recommended next steps may include:

  • Record the alteration and door location
  • Photograph the modified area
  • Check available certification or maintenance records
  • Review whether the alteration affects operation or performance
  • Arrange specialist advice or remedial works where needed, then re-inspect if required

Typical journey after a defect is recorded: inspection finding → defect noted in the fire door report → remedial works planned → re-inspection confirms the issue has been addressed where appropriate → door register or report evidence updated. See also inspection limitations and next steps after defects are found. For London bookings, see fire door inspections London.

Seeing a different visible issue? Use the Fire Door Defect Identifier to find the closest guidance and next steps.

FAQ

Common Questions About This Defect

Do letter plates, cat flaps or extra hardware count as unauthorised alterations?
They often do if they were added without evidence that the door set remains suitable — apertures and non-standard ironmongery can affect integrity, smoke control and certification. Inspectors commonly record such changes for further review even when the door still operates. Not every hardware upgrade is automatically unacceptable, but undocumented changes raise concern.
Why might an altered fire door need further assessment beyond a visual check?
Visual inspection can identify the alteration, but confirming whether performance is still acceptable may need product evidence, manufacturer guidance or specialist review. Cutting apertures, changing locks or adding surface hardware can have effects that are not obvious from appearance alone. Further assessment helps decide whether reinstatement, approved components or replacement is appropriate.
What remedial options are typical for unauthorised fire door alterations?
Options may include removing the alteration and reinstating the leaf or frame, fitting only suitably evidenced components, or replacing the door set where the change cannot be justified. The right path depends on the alteration type, available evidence and building risk. Competent specialist advice should guide the decision rather than informal DIY fixes.
Is re-inspection expected after alterations are remedied?
Yes — once remedial works are complete it is good practice to re-inspect the door, confirm operation and update records against the original finding. Where specialist assessment recommended specific works, a follow-up check helps demonstrate those actions have been carried out.

Related Defects

Related Fire Door Defects

Other common fire door inspection defects that may be recorded alongside this issue.

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