A fire door frame depends on its fixing arrangement and the surrounding wall as well as the visible frame members. Gaps at the wall junction, missing or displaced packers, unsuitable fixings, loose finishes and movement between the frame and substrate can all affect alignment or the continuity of fire stopping.

Look for changes in the frame-to-wall gap, cracking at the architrave, movement when the door operates, and signs of previous patching. The architrave may conceal important details, so avoid dismantling it without a clear reason and an appropriate method. Confirm the required frame fixing and fire-stopping detail before specifying remedial work.

Related guidance is available in our fire door frames information, the installation guide and fault finding. Record the observed condition and the evidence supporting the selected repair.