How to seal a fire door? Here's how to cleanly separate comfort and safety.
Drafts in the stairwell, a cold basement hallway, a gap under the steel door – and the question: "Can't I just put a seal on it?" This is exactly where it gets tricky: Fire doors are not a DIY project. In this article, we'll clarify where Door seals fit perfectly – and where fire protection clearly takes priority.
1. Why we need to talk about fire doors
At Tormeister 24 we see both: customers who want to save energy – and inspectors, who pay very close attention to fire doors, especially in apartment buildings. In underground parking garages or businesses, these worlds meet directly.
Many people don't know: A fire door that is incorrectly "sealed" can have serious consequences in an emergency. This could become a problem – for insurance, liability, and of course, for safety. Therefore, we are bringing the topic out of the gray area and making it clear: What are you allowed to do? What should a professional handle, and where do our products really help?
- Door seals for steel doors & access doors
- Gap seals for sectional doors
- Seals for ramps & loading technology
- Schweighöfer Gate Technology – Projects & Fire Doors
Note: Our door seals are not approved for fire doors – we explain this in detail here.
2. Table of Contents
- Fire door, fireproof door, steel door – the differences
- Where door seals fit perfectly – and where they don't.
- Important fire safety rules for doors, gates & systems
- Practical examples from everyday life: residential buildings, businesses, logistics
- How Goalkeeper 24 and Schweighöfer can specifically support you
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion & next step
3. Fire door, fire-resistant door, steel door – what is what?
3.1 Standard steel door / basement door
- It primarily serves for access, burglary protection, and comfort.
- No or only minor fire protection requirements.
- Retrofitting door seals is usually possible here.
3.2 Fire door / Fire protection door
- Part of a fire protection concept (e.g. T30, T90 etc.).
- Tested with approval, type plate and defined structure.
- Any structural alteration could jeopardize this approval.
3.3 Industrial Door & Loading Technology
- Roller doors, sectional doors, high-speed doors, loading bridges.
- Often with requirements relating to occupational safety, accident prevention, and fire protection.
- This concerns safe operation, emergency exits, escape routes and cycle times.
Rule of thumb: The more “safety” is involved (escape route, fire compartment, industrial plant), The less of a good idea do-it-yourself is – and the more important a specialist company becomes. who knows the facility.
4. Where door seals fit perfectly – and where they don't.
4.1 Ideal applications for door seals
- Warehouse and workshop doors, side doors, cellar doors.
- Doors in technical rooms, utility rooms or ancillary rooms.
- Transitions from hall to office, where no fire barriers are required.
That's exactly what our door seals for steel doors and access doors are for. Done: Remove drafts, remove dirt and vermin, reduce energy losses.
4.2 Clear boundary: Fire doors
- Our door seals are not approved for fire doors.
- The combination of door leaf, frame, seal, fittings and installation situation It has been tested as a system.
- Simply gluing on an additional seal "quickly" can circumvent this test.
If you are unsure whether your door is a fire door: Check the type plate or briefly ask our expert advisor.
4.3 Gates, ramps and loading areas
In the area of gate systems, seals are a huge lever – especially when... Industrial sectional doors, roller doors and loading docks.
This is less about fire protection and more about energy, comfort, and... Protection of goods – especially in logistics and the food sector.
5. Fire safety rules for doors, gates & systems
5.1 What you should remember
- Fire doors are certified systems – not DIY projects.
- Subsequent additions (seals, strips, sheets) are only permitted if approved by the system manufacturer.
- Escape and rescue routes must remain safely passable at all times.
5.2 Operator obligations within the company
- Regular inspection of gates, doors, and loading bridges in accordance with applicable regulations.
- Documentation of maintenance, repairs and inspections.
- Clear responsibilities: Who is internally responsible, and which specialist company handles what?
For a more in-depth look, it's worth taking a look at our article. “Industrial doors in the company: Maintenance & spare parts” in the blog section.
5.3 Typical mistakes we see again and again
- A "sealing lip" was glued to a fire door without approval.
- Fire door wedged open or permanently held open.
- Loading gate without a functioning closing edge safety device.
- Gates without regular maintenance – until the inspector arrives or an accident occurs.
6. Practical examples from everyday life: residential buildings, businesses, logistics
6.1 Apartment building with underground parking
There is a fire door in the stairwell; additional doors lead down to the underground parking garage. Steel doors. Solution:
- Fire doors untouched, only maintenance by specialist company.
- Steel doors retrofitted with suitable door seals .
- The garage door itself is regularly serviced and sealed at the bottom.
6.2 Logistics hall with loading technology
Key topics: energy losses, personnel safety, fire protection areas.
- Industrial doors optimized with suitable gap seals.
- Loading bridges and ramps equipped with seals.
- Fire doors in the corridors may only be handled by certified specialist companies.
6.3 Medium-sized company with workshop
Common configuration: sectional door on the hall, several side doors, partially Fire protection requirements.
- Sectional door: Sealing and spare parts conveniently available via Tormeister 24.
- Side and basement doors: Door seals for steel doors.
- Fire doors: Inspection, maintenance and, if necessary, replacement via Schweighöfer Tortechnik.
7. How we support you with fire doors & more
7.1 Online shop: quickly find the right products
- Spare parts and gap seals for garage doors & industrial doors.
- Door seals for steel doors with clear instructions ("Not for fire doors").
- Selected products that our technicians themselves install in everyday practice.
So you're not getting experiments, but material that works in practice.
7.2 Having a specialist company behind you
Behind Goalkeeper 24 is Schweighöfer Tortechnik a company that manufactures garage doors, industrial doors, fire doors and every day Loading technology is supervised in the field.
- Advice on equal terms – from people who know what an investment really looks like.
- Project support for companies, property management firms and businesses.
- Clear statements: What do we do online, what only works through the specialist service?
7.3 Make better decisions – less risk
- You know where you can safely optimize (sealing, comfort, energy).
- You know which doors and gates prioritize fire protection.
- You avoid trouble with inspectors, insurers, and fire safety officers.
This is precisely how trust is built – and in the long run, a successful investment. instead of constantly causing stress.
8. Frequently Asked Questions about Fire Doors and Door Seals (FAQ)
1. How can I tell if I have a fire door?
There is usually a type plate in the rebate or on the frame with information such as "T30", "T90", Manufacturer, year of manufacture, and registration number. If these are missing, a look in the [unclear] often helps. Building documents or a brief consultation with the property management or our service.
2. Am I allowed to seal a fire door myself?
Generally, no. Every additional seal alters the tested system. Only if If the system manufacturer explicitly provides for approved retrofit solutions, then something like this is possible. come into question – and that should then be handled by a specialist company.
3. Where can I safely use door seals?
On normal steel doors, access doors, basement and workshop doors without fire resistance requirement. That's exactly what ours are for. Door seals for steel doors designed – including a note that they are not intended for fire doors.
4. How do I find the right seal for my gate?
The decisive factors are the type of door (sectional door, roller door, high-speed door), the installation situation and Gap dimensions. In the categories Gap seals for sectional doors and seals for ramps & lifting platforms You will find information on the area of application and selection in each case.
5. What happens if I modify a fire door "incorrectly"?
In an emergency, the door may no longer fulfill its tested function. This could have consequences. This concerns liability, insurance coverage, and acceptance by experts. Therefore: Anything beyond maintenance and adjustment in fire protection should be left to professionals.
6. How often must fire doors and gates be inspected?
Different regulations and manufacturer specifications apply to commercial and industrial plants. specifications. Annual inspections by a qualified specialist company are standard practice. We We will help you define the appropriate intervals for your business.
7. What role do loading technology and industrial doors play in fire protection?
Loading stations are often located near fire compartments, escape routes, or fire department access roads. This is not just about energy efficiency, but also about reliable operation and emergency opening. and keeping escape routes clear. Therefore, maintenance and appropriate safety technology are essential. so important.
8. Can I order online and still receive an individual assessment?
Sure. Send us pictures, measurements and some information about how you'll use it – we'll tell you what to do. You can solve it yourself via Tormeister 24, and where our team from Schweighöfer Tortechnik You should take a look at it. This is how we combine an online shop with genuine expert advice.
9. Are there special solutions for underground car parks that combine fire protection and comfort?
Yes. Often it's a combination of a properly adjusted garage door, clean maintenance, and... Fire doors and targeted sealing of the "non-hazardous" doors. This is exactly where we help you plan a coherent overall package.
10. Who can I contact if I am completely unsure?
Simply contact us via the contact form or give us a call. (Signposts briefly describe the building type.) Usage and what you plan to do – we'll sort that out with you and, if necessary, get our The Schweighöfer Tortechnik service team will be there.
Conclusion: Optimize comfort, keep fire protection clean
Saving energy, eliminating drafts, ensuring airtight loading equipment – all of this is important. Equally important: Do not modify fire doors and safety-related systems "on a whim". If you clearly distinguish where sealing is useful and where fire protection is paramount, You make your building more comfortable and safer at the same time.
Send us photos, measurements and a few keywords about your door or gate system – we'll tell you We'll be honest with you about what you can solve with products from the shop and where our specialist company can help. should take over.
Request a quote now, no obligation.