Fire door inspection & maintenance: 7 mistakes you should avoid

Door wedged open, closer unhinged, sign painted over – on fire doors We see quite a few of these things in everyday life. The problem is: many of these "little things" can be... In a worst-case scenario, things can get really expensive. In this article, we'll show you how to... Keep an eye on fire doors in everyday life, recognize typical mistakes and be clear You separate: What can you organize yourself – and where do you need to call in a specialist company?

1. Why we need to talk about fire doors in everyday life

Things are often quickly left in the stairwell, and the basement door is "always" open. "always open" and nobody at the company has time to fix the defective one right now. Reporting door closers. Sound familiar? That's exactly how they start. Fire safety problems arise – quietly, in everyday life.

For us at Tormeister24 and Schweighöfer Tortechnik, Fire doors, garage doors, industrial doors and loading bridges together. If doors don't close properly or escape routes are blocked, this will help you The most beautiful industrial gate is useless. That's why we're bringing the topic out of the... "Grey area" and clearly show you what is important.

Jump to relevant sections & products:

Important: Our door seals are not for approved applications. Fire doors are designed for this purpose. That's precisely why we'll explain here where you can find them. You can optimize safely – and where fire protection is paramount.

2. Table of Contents

What really makes a fire door special
The 7 most common mistakes with fire doors
Interfaces to garage doors, industrial doors & loading bridges
Practical examples from residential buildings & businesses
How Tormeister24 & Schweighöfer can support you
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion & next step

3. What really makes a fire door special

3.1 Task & Function

It separates fire compartments and slows down fire and smoke for a defined period of time.
It protects escape and rescue routes so that people can leave the building safely.
It has been tested as a complete system: door leaf, frame, seal, fitting, installation situation.

In short: A fire door is not just "a slightly sturdier door", but part of a Fire protection concept – with approval and clearly defined properties.

3.2 Labeling & Approval

Type plate in the rebate or on the frame – with information on fire resistance class & manufacturer.
Approval as a system – changes require approval from the system manufacturer.
Inspections and documentation are part of the operator's obligations package.

If the type plate is painted over or illegible, the assessment in the In a real emergency, it's difficult – a classic scenario we unfortunately see often.

3.3 Typical deployment locations

Stairwells in apartment buildings and office buildings.
Access to underground parking garages, technical or storage areas.
Transitions between production, storage and escape routes in industry & logistics.

Fire doors are often located in close proximity to garage doors, Industrial doors or loading bridges – that's precisely why we're considering this topic. always in the system.

4. The 7 most common mistakes with fire doors

4.1 Door kept permanently open

Door wedges, cleaning trolleys or cardboard boxes block the self-closing mechanism.
The escape route loses its protective function – smoke and fire spread faster.
In a serious situation, there could be problems with the insurance company and the fire safety authority.

If a door needs to be open for operational reasons, it requires... Certified locking systems – no wooden wedge.

4.2 Retrofitted seals & “DIY solutions”

Additional sealing profiles change gap dimensions and the tested behavior in case of fire.
Self-adhesive seals can impair the closing behavior.
Without approval from the system manufacturer, this poses a real risk.

Our door seals are specifically designed for steel doors without Designed to meet fire protection requirements – for fire doors: keep your hands off! Ask a specialist.

4.3 Defective or detached door closers

The door no longer closes reliably.
Residents or staff briefly "unhook the latch" – and never put it back on.
In case of fire, the door remains open – and therefore ineffective.

A sticking door closer is not a comfort issue, but a This is a safety-related defect and should be reported and rectified.

4.4 Painted-over signs & nameplates

Instructions such as "Fire door - keep closed at all times" are painted over with wall paint.
The type plate becomes illegible – the approval is no longer clearly traceable.
Inspectors are less able to assess the door and system.

Painting is generally possible – but lettering, signs and The type plate should remain visible.

4.5 Modifications to glazing & fittings

"Just quickly" install a window or replace the handle – without system approval.
Inappropriate locks or fittings can impair the self-closing function.
Glazing must be compatible with the door system in terms of fire protection.

Anything beyond adjustment and maintenance falls under the purview of... Fire doors should be handled by a specialist company.

4.6 Escape routes as storage space

Cardboard boxes, garbage cans or pallets directly in front of the fire door.
In case of emergency, blocked paths and tripping hazards in the escape route.
A frequent point of criticism from inspectors and fire departments.

Rule: The area in front of and behind fire doors must remain clear – even when space is limited.

4.7 No documented maintenance

There are checks in place, but no verifiable records.
It is unclear who is internally responsible and which specialist company is conducting the inspection.
In the event of damage, it is difficult to prove that everything was in order.

Fire doors should be regularly inspected by qualified personnel. will be done – with clear documentation. That's less bureaucracy than Life insurance.

5. Interfaces to garage doors, industrial doors & loading bridges

5.1 Underground parking garage & stairwell

Typical case: Communal garage, large gate, next to it a fire door to Stairwell. The gate is being modernized, the door will remain "as it is".

Garage door: drive, safety technology, gap seals – all easily planned.
Fire door: Maintenance and, if necessary, replacement by a specialist company.
Door seals: Only on the "normal" steel doors, not on the fire door.

5.2 Industrial hall with loading bridges

Industrial gates, loading bridges, and gap seals meet at the ramp. and often also fire doors to corridors or stairwells.

Gap seals on gates and ramps reduce drafts and energy loss.
Security technology (light barriers, contact strips) protects personnel and goods.
Fire doors secure the escape routes from the hall area.

When working on projects, we always look at the big picture – not just... one component.

5.3 Where you can safely optimize

Door seals on normal steel doors without fire protection requirements.
Gap seals for garage and industrial doors.
Upgrading of safety technology (e.g. light barriers, contact strips) on gates.

And: Where fire protection is involved, we'll tell you clearly when our A specialist company must take over – honesty is always better than "It'll be fine."

6. Practical examples from residential buildings & businesses

6.1 Apartment building with underground parking

Situation: Underground parking garage door is being modernized, residents complain about it Drafts in the stairwell, fire doors don't close properly.

Garage door: New drive, suitable safety technology, floor sealing.
Stairwell: Fire doors inspected, door closers adjusted, defects documented.
Basement doors: Retrofitted with door seals – without touching the fire doors.

Result: Less draft, smoother operation, cleaner fire protection – and Significantly more relaxed property management.

6.2 Logistics operation with loading technology

Initial situation: High turnover rates, cold loading dock, frequent inspections by Occupational safety & fire protection.

Gap seals installed on loading bridges and gates.
Safety technology (light barriers, contact strips) retrofitted.
Fire doors in the interior were serviced and documented by a specialist company.

This reduces energy losses – without cutting corners in the wrong places.

6.3 Office or administrative building

Situation: Many fire doors, changing users, no one feels comfortable responsible. Escape routes are often misused as storage space.

Clear responsibilities defined (internal + external specialist company).
Regular visual inspections and annual audits are organized.
Employees received brief training: "What am I allowed to do, what am I not allowed to do?"

Result: Fewer discussions, more clarity – and a building that is in The audit goes through much more smoothly.

7. How Tormeister24 & Schweighöfer support you

7.1 Online shop – quickly find the right parts

Spare parts for garage and industrial doors – from roller holders to safety contact strips.
Gap seals for gates, ramps & doors – clearly described and assigned.
Clear indications of where products should not be used on fire doors.

You won't get a guessing game, but clearly described products that we see in action every day.

7.2 Having a specialist company behind you

Behind the shop is Schweighöfer Tortechnik, a team that manufactures gates, Doors and loading technology are serviced on-site every day – including fire doors.

Maintenance and inspection of gate systems, loading bridges and fire doors.
Project support for residential complexes, commercial and industrial properties.
Honest statements: What can be done online, what has to be done as a project?

7.3 From question to solution – without detours

You send photos, measurements and a few keywords about its use.
We'll tell you what you can solve yourself using Tormeister24.
And where our assembly team or a partner company should take over.

This is how trust is built: a clear recommendation instead of "Try this" – and in the end, a system that works.

8. Frequently Asked Questions about Fire Doors (FAQ)

1. How can I tell if a door is a fire door?

You will usually find a type plate in the rebate or on the frame with information such as Fire resistance class, manufacturer and approval number. Also included are... Fire doors are often marked accordingly (signs, Labels). If you are unsure, photos of the door and the door area further our expert advice.

2. How often must a fire door be inspected?

The applicable intervals depend on usage, building type, and local regulations. Annual inspections by qualified personnel are often required. or recommended. In heavily frequented areas, shorter intervals may be necessary. It might be advisable. If in doubt: Check the fire protection concept and consult a specialist company.

3. Who is responsible for fire doors in the building?

As a rule, the operator or owner is responsible – in the case of For example, in apartment buildings, the property management company; in companies, the Management or the designated person responsible for occupational safety or fire protection. It is important that responsibilities are clearly defined.

4. Am I allowed to paint or cover a fire door with stickers?

Painting is usually only possible with suitable paints and without damaging the Seals, fittings, signs and nameplates permitted. Large sheets, Wooden cladding or decorative additions can be problematic. If in doubt, it's best to quickly check with a specialist company – once asked, it's better than discussed in a serious situation.

5. Am I allowed to retrofit an additional seal to a fire door?

Generally not, unless the system manufacturer has specifically designed it that way. Retrofit solution approved. Additional seals modify the tested System. For comfort and energy-saving issues, you should rather look at the doors. without fire protection requirements or to optimize the adjacent gates – e.g. with door seals and gap seals from our shop.

6. Can I convert a normal steel door into a fire door?

A genuine fire door is a certified system. A normal steel door Adding "more sheet metal" or a different seal does not necessarily lead to Fire door. If a fire barrier is required, a An approved door with proof of installation is required – this is a case for the Specialist company.

7. What is the approximate cost of maintaining a fire door?

This depends on the number, condition, accessibility, and type of object. Often, Fire doors as part of a package including gates, loading bridges and other items Safety equipment serviced. It would be best if you sent us a brief update about it. Building, existing doors and desired services – then we can assess it more realistically.

8. What does my garage door have to do with fire protection?

A garage door is usually not a fire protection element directly, but it does influence fire safety. Comfort, energy, and in some cases also escape routes (e.g., communal garages). The doors around the gate are crucial: stairwell doors, Access to technical and basement rooms. Here we clearly separate: gate and Seals via the shop – fire doors via the specialist company.

9. What do I do if a fire door no longer closes properly?

Do not ignore it. Do not wedge the door shut, but report the fault and Document it. Often a specialist company can adjust the closer or Replace worn parts. Important: Keep an eye on it until it is repaired. whether the affected area is in particular need of protection.

10. Who can I contact if I am completely unsure?

Send us photos and information about the building (e.g., residential complex, business, logistics). and briefly your request. We'll tell you which topics you can address with products from you can solve the problem in the shop, and where our team from Schweighöfer Tortechnik or A partner company should be added.

Conclusion: Improve comfort, take fire safety seriously

A fire door is not a decorative element, but a safety-relevant one. Component. If you respect its task, avoid typical mistakes, and If you clearly separate where you are allowed to optimize and where you are not, your building will more comfortable and safer at the same time.

You are unsure how to install doors, garage doors, industrial doors and If you're considering a sensible integration of loading technology into your facility, then get in touch. with us – including photos, some measurements and a brief look at its use. We'll sort it out together, without technical jargon, but with plenty of practical experience.

Request a quote now, no obligation.

Fire door inspection: 7 mistakes &amp; tips | Tormeister24