Fire door inspections aren’t just about NFPA 80 compliance — they’re about ensuring fire doors function properly when it matters most. Even minor issues like a misaligned latch or obstructed closing device can compromise fire door integrity. With many fire doors failing inspections due to poor installation or maintenance, regular inspections are your frontline defense against fire and smoke spread. In this article, we’ll cover what to check during inspections, provide an NFPA-compliant checklist, and explain how software can streamline your inspection process.
Table of Contents
- Why Regular Fire Door Inspections Matter
- Your NFPA-Compliant Fire Door Inspection Checklist
- Fire Door Inspection Report 101
- How Often Should Fire Doors be Inspected
- Common Issues Found During Fire Door Inspections
- How Fire Door, Alarm, and Sprinkler Inspection Software Helps
Why Regular Fire Door Inspections Matter
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in 2023, there were approximately 1.39 million fires in the United States, resulting in an estimated 3,670 civilian deaths, and $23 billion in property damage. This staggering data highlights the significance of effective fire protection measures, including the proper maintenance of fire door assemblies.
The NFPA has established clear guidelines for the inspection and maintenance of fire doors through NFPA 80 – Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives. Key points include:
- NFPA 80 5.2.1: Fire door assemblies must be inspected and tested at least annually. A written record of the inspection must be signed and made available for review by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
- NFPA 80 5.2.2.1: As an alternative to annual inspections, fire door assemblies may be inspected, tested, and maintained under a written performance-based program, provided it is approved by the AHJ.
In addition, there are other relevant guidelines, such as:
- NFPA 101 Life Safety Code 8.3.3.2.2: Provides precise information on the minimum fire ratings of fire doors.
- UL 10C: Standard for Positive Pressure Fire Tests of Door Assemblies.
- 2021 International Building Code (IBC): Provides the rules and standards for how buildings should be designed and built to ensure safety, including fire protection.
- NFPA 105: Prescribes minimum requirements for smoke door assemblies for use in providing safety to life and protection of property from smoke.
These requirements emphasize the need for consistent inspections to ensure that fire doors remain in optimal working condition. Failure to comply can not only lead to costly penalties but also result in catastrophic loss of life and property.
Your NFPA-Compliant Fire Door Inspection Checklist
While we cannot provide a complete NFPA 80 fire door inspection checklist, the following key points cover the essential areas to inspect and ensure compliance during your fire door inspection. In accordance with NFPA 80, visual inspections should be completed from both sides of the door assembly to assess its overall condition:
| Item | Inspection Details |
| Door Frame | Inspect for warping, dents, corrosion, and proper anchoring. Ensure there are no gaps or cracks that compromise the frame’s integrity according to NFPA 80 standards. |
| Door Leaf | Check for cracks, holes, visible damage, and alignment within the frame. |
| Hardware | Test hinges, latches, and locks to ensure proper functionality and that all components are securely fastened. |
| Seals | Inspect intumescent and smoke seals for tears, detachment, or other damage. Replace any worn or compromised seals. |
| Labels | Verify that all labels are visible, legible, and compliant. Replace missing or damaged labels as needed. |
| Gaps | Measure gaps to comply with NFPA 80 standards: 1/8 inch (sides/top) and 3/4 inch (bottom). Adjust gaps if necessary. |
| Self-Closing Devices | Test that the door closes and latches automatically. Repair or replace if it fails to latch or sticks. |
| Clearance Around the Doorway | Ensure the area around the fire door is free from obstructions to allow effective operation. |
| Condition of Walls and Ceilings | Inspect adjacent walls and ceilings for damage or modifications that compromise fire barrier integrity. |
| Fire Door Accessibility | Make sure doors are not locked, blocked, or improperly propped open. |
| Signage | Confirm required signage (e.g., “Fire Door—Keep Closed”) is visible, legible, and intact. |
| Fire Door Coordinator | For double doors, ensure the coordinator device functions correctly and allows proper sequencing of door leaf closures. |
| Smoke Detectors and Alarms | Verify proper functionality and integration of detectors and alarms linked to the fire door system. |
| Hold-Open Devices | Check that devices release automatically when the fire alarm is activated. |
| Fire-Rated Components | Inspect adjacent fire-rated hardware like wall-mounted dampers or fire-rated windows. |
| Fire Drills Testing | Confirm proper door operation during fire drills, including automatic closing and latching. |
| Emergency Lighting | Ensure emergency lighting near the fire door is operational for safe evacuation. |
| Record-Keeping | Maintain detailed, up-to-date inspection, maintenance, and repair records, including corrective actions taken. Accurate records are essential for demonstrating NFPA 80 compliance. |
Fire Door Inspection Report 101
A fire door inspection report is a formal document that provides comprehensive proof of the inspection process, including findings and any corrective actions taken. Creating and maintaining a detailed fire door inspection report is essential for demonstrating compliance with NFPA 80 standards. Such reports are also valuable for future reference and audit purposes.
Key Elements of a Fire Door Inspection Report:
| Item | Details |
| Inspection Date and Time | Clearly record when the inspection took place. |
| Inspector’s Information | Name, qualification, and contact details of the inspector conducting the fire door inspection. |
| Location Details | Precise identification of inspected doors, including room numbers, floor levels, and building zones. |
| Checklist Verification | Confirmation that the NFPA 80 fire door inspection checklist was completed thoroughly. |
| Deficiency Documentation | Comprehensive description of identified issues, supplemented by photos, videos, and notes. When using software, this information can be directly linked to 2D plans and 3D models for better clarity. |
| Corrective Actions | Recommendations and actions taken to address each deficiency, ensuring compliance with NFPA 80 standards. |
| Signatures | Inspector’s signature and signatures from relevant parties as required. |
| Report Generation Date | The date when the report was finalized and stored for future reference. |
How Often Should Fire Doors Be Inspected According to NFPA?
According to NFPA 80, fire door inspections should be conducted at least annually. However, certain scenarios may require more frequent checks:
- Automatic Release Doors: Inspect weekly to confirm proper closing during alarm activation.
- High-Traffic Areas: Inspect quarterly to ensure consistent functionality.
- All Other Fire Doors: Inspect semi-annually as a best practice, particularly in new builds where structural settling may affect door alignment.
Common Issues Found During Fire Door Inspections (and How to Fix Them)
Below are some of the most common problems encountered during inspections, along with recommended solutions:
| Issue | Solution |
| Door Gaps | Adjust or replace door seals as needed. |
| Broken or Worn Hardware | Replace faulty latches, hinges, or closing devices to maintain functionality. |
| Damaged Frames | Repair or replace frames that show signs of wear or damage. |
| Painted Over or Missing Labels | Ensure all labels are intact, legible, and compliant. |
How Fire Door, Alarm, and Sprinkler Inspection Software Helps
Fire alarm inspection software like PlanRadar offers significant advantages for managing fire door, alarm, and sprinkler inspections. By digitizing the process, professionals can:
- Streamline inspections fire doors, alarms, and sprinklers using customizable forms.
- Instantly document deficiencies with photos, videos, and notes, which can be added to 2D plans and 3D models for better visualization and reporting.
- Complete checklists and create reports using fire door inspection apps for mobile devices.
- Generate and export NFPA-compliant reports at the press of a button.
- Maintain a centralized, cloud-based record of all inspections for easy access and auditing.
For companies like SenezCo, who handle complex industrial and healthcare fire safety projects, the use of inspection software provides a critical efficiency boost. By minimizing off-site reporting and enhancing collaboration, PlanRadar helps teams focus on the inspections themselves rather than cumbersome paperwork. In fact, SenezCo reports saving 2–3 days per week by using inspection software to streamline fire door inspections, fire alarm inspections, and fire sprinkler inspections.
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