Free Online Tool

Fire Door Defect Identifier

Spot which visible issue category best matches what you are seeing and get general guidance on sensible follow-up. It provides general guidance only and does not confirm compliance, pass or fail a door, replace a professional inspection, or certify a fire door.

General guidance only
Based on your answers
Visible issue focus
Defect guide links
Does not replace inspection
Not legal advice

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Important: General Guidance Only

This tool provides general guidance only. It does not confirm compliance, replace a fire risk assessment, or certify any fire door. Results are based only on the answers you provide and do not mean a property is safe or unsafe.

Who It Is For

Who Should Use This Defect Identifier?

The identifier is designed for anyone who can see a specific fire door concern and wants practical next-step guidance before arranging formal inspection.

Landlords & property owners
Identify visible door concerns in flats, HMOs, or small portfolios before arranging inspection or remedial review.
Managing agents & facilities teams
Help staff and residents describe visible issues consistently and route concerns to the right next step.
Hotels & hospitality staff
Understand corridor, guest room, and back-of-house door concerns seen during routine checks.
Offices, schools & care settings
Useful where higher occupancy, vulnerable users, or escape routes make visible defects worth reviewing promptly.
Responsible Persons
Support proportionate planning when a specific visible issue is reported but formal inspection has not yet been arranged.
Anyone unsure which defect applies
Use the unknown or multiple issues option and follow links to defect guides or the readiness checker.

How It Works

Four Steps to Your Guidance Result

The identifier takes a few minutes. Answers are used to provide general guidance only — not a compliance certificate.

Step 01
Select the visible issue
Choose the concern that best matches what you can see — for example gaps, seals, a wedged door, or closer problems.
Step 02
Say where the door is
Select the door location to help tailor general next-step guidance.
Step 03
Answer follow-up questions
Answer a short set of Yes / No / Not sure questions based on the issue you selected.
Step 04
See your guidance result
Receive a result label, practical next steps, and links to relevant defect guides — instantly and without a form.

Your Result

What Your Guidance Result Means

Results use review labels based on your answers. They do not confirm compliance or replace a professional inspection.

Review recommended
A review may be useful based on your answers. This does not confirm a defect — inspection can still help record observed condition.
Inspection recommended
Arranging a competent inspection may be sensible to record observed condition and support remedial planning.
Prompt review recommended
Prompt review may be sensible where your answers suggest a more urgent visible concern or critical location.

Common Issues

Common Visible Fire Door Issues

These are frequent visible concerns recorded during inspections. This list is for general guidance only.

Doors not closing fully
May relate to closers, latches, alignment, or obstructions — inspection can record what is observed.
Read defect guide
Wedged or propped open
Fire doors held open without approved devices cannot self-close as intended.
Read defect guide
Excessive gaps
Uneven or large gaps may need competent measurement and review rather than DIY filling.
Read defect guide
Damaged seals
Missing or damaged intumescent or smoke seals are a common visible concern.
Read defect guide
Damaged frames
Frame damage can affect alignment, fixing, and smoke control performance.
Read defect guide
Poor signage
Missing or unclear signage can be corrected after competent review.
Read defect guide

Planning

When to Arrange Inspection or Remedial Review

A defect identifier supports planning. A competent on-site inspection records observed condition and visible defects.

When a visible issue is reported or observed during routine checks
After lock changes, decoration, refurbishment, or contractor works affecting doors
Where doors on escape routes, stairwells, or communal areas show visible concerns
When you need clearer records before planning remedial works or re-inspection
When multiple visible issues are present and prioritisation is unclear
When you want structured documentation to support internal compliance management

Defect Identifier Questions

Clear answers about what this tool does — and does not — provide.

Does this tool confirm if my fire door is compliant?

No. It provides general guidance based on your answers only and does not confirm compliance.

Can this tool tell me if a fire door has failed?

No. It does not pass or fail doors and does not replace an inspection report.

Is this the same as a fire door inspection?

No. A professional inspection involves on-site review by a competent inspector. This tool helps you think about visible concerns only.

Should I upload photos of the defect?

No photo upload is needed. Describe what you can see using the options and questions. Photos do not replace a competent on-site inspection.

What should I do if the door does not close?

Avoid wedging the door open, note the location, and arrange a competent fire door inspection to record observed closing and latch performance.

What should I do if seals or gaps look wrong?

Do not attempt DIY gap filling or seal replacement without competent guidance. Arrange inspection to record what is observed.

Do I need remedial works or re-inspection?

That depends on what is confirmed on site after inspection. Remedial works may be appropriate where defects are confirmed; re-inspection may follow remedial works.

Is this legal advice or a fire risk assessment?

No. It is general guidance only and does not replace a fire risk assessment or professional inspection.

Next Steps

Need a Competent Fire Door Inspection?

Whether your result suggests review, inspection, or prompt review, a competent inspection can help record observed condition, identify visible defects and support remedial planning.

Get a Fire Door Inspection Quote View Sample Report

Fire Door Defect Identifier

Important: General Guidance Only