Fire Door Alterations: What Should You Check Before Drilling, Cutting or Replacing Components?

Fire doors need maintenance. That isn’t really up for debate. Hinges wear. Closers wear. Locks and latches wear. Seals get damaged. Doors move. Frames move. Things get knocked, damaged and sometimes badly repaired. The problem starts when maintenance turns into alteration without anyone checking what the original door actually is. I’ve seen plenty of situations where somebody has looked at a problem, decided what the door should have, and then altered it to suit. That is the bit I don’t like. My approach is simple: Identify the door first. Alter it second. The current government guidance is also clear that existing fire doors need to remain in good working order and good repair, but it does not mean that every existing fire door has to be brought up to the standard that would apply to a brand-new door today. GOV.UK…