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- Damage / Alterations
Fire Door Damage & Alterations
Damage, drilling, cutting, trimming, modifications or other changes that may affect the fire doorset. This section helps identify what has changed and what evidence needs to be considered before remedial work.
Fire Door Damage and Alterations: Establish What Changed
Damage and later alterations can change a fire door’s construction, clearances, seals, hardware or ability to close. Common warning signs include impact damage, drilled holes, routed areas, damaged lippings, replacement locks, cut seals and repairs that conceal the original condition. The significance depends on the exact doorset and the location and extent of the change.
Start by recording the damage and identifying any previous work. Establish whether the alteration is supported by manufacturer instructions or suitable evidence for the doorset. Do not assume that a repair is acceptable simply because the door still opens and closes. Where the original construction or repair limits are uncertain, escalate the assessment rather than improvise.
Our fault-finding guide helps separate symptoms from likely causes. For related checks, see installation guidance and inspection and maintenance.
Damage / Alterations: Practical Guidance and Fault Finding
Damage and alterations can affect a fire door’s construction, clearances and hardware operation. Before repair, establish what changed, how extensive the damage is and whether the proposed work is permitted for the identified doorset. Cosmetic appearance alone is not a reliable measure of significance.
Map the defect
Record the location, dimensions and apparent depth of damage. Distinguish surface marks from damage to an edge, core, lipping, hardware recess or glazing assembly.
Look for evidence of alteration
Check for redundant holes, oversized mortices, new access-control equipment, replacement components and changes to seals. Compare against the original configuration where information is available.
Choose a documented repair route
Do not assume that filler, new lipping, extra screws or a different hardware item is acceptable. Confirm the repair detail with the manufacturer or other competent source.
Close the inspection loop
Record the decision, work completed, parts used and post-work checks. If the doorset cannot be identified or the damage is outside known repair guidance, refer for further assessment.
Related Proudman guidance
Always confirm the applicable doorset documentation, manufacturer instructions and relevant requirements before altering a fire door. This guidance supports inspection and fault finding; it does not replace a competent assessment or an approved repair method.