Fire Doors

Fire Door Defects
 by Mark Collard

7 Common Fire Door Defects Found During Inspections

Fire doors are designed to save lives by slowing the spread of fire and smoke. However, during routine inspections, it’s common to find defects that could prevent them from performing as intended in an emergency.

Many of these issues develop gradually through everyday use and are often easy to miss without a professional inspection.

Here are seven of the most common defects our FireQual-certified engineers encounter.

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  1. Damaged or Missing Smoke Seals

Intumescent and smoke seals play a vital role in limiting the spread of fire and smoke. If they’re damaged, painted over or missing altogether, the fire door may no longer provide its intended level of protection.

  1. Excessive Gaps Around the Door

Incorrect gaps between the door and frame can allow fire and smoke to spread more quickly. The latest BS 8214:2026places greater emphasis on correct installation tolerances and maintaining the complete fire door assembly.

  1. Faulty Self-Closers

A fire door should close fully under its own power and latch securely every time. Doors that stick open, slam shut or fail to latch properly should be investigated.

  1. Incorrect Replacement Hardware

Over time, locks, hinges, handles and other ironmongery are often replaced. If compatible fire-rated components aren’t used, the performance of the entire fire door assembly can be affected.

  1. Damaged Door Leaves or Frames

Impact damage, holes, deep scratches or poorly repaired sections can reduce a fire door’s ability to resist fire and smoke.

  1. Unauthorised Alterations

Additional locks, cable holes, signage, kick plates or glazing modifications may seem harmless but can affect the door’s certified performance if not carried out correctly.

  1. Poor Maintenance Records

Regular inspections and documented maintenance help demonstrate that fire doors are being managed responsibly. Keeping accurate records also makes it easier to plan repairs before defects become more serious.

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Fire Door Defects and inspections

Don’t Wait for a Fire Risk Assessment

Many fire door defects aren’t obvious until they’re inspected by a competent person. Identifying issues early helps protect building occupants, supports compliance and can reduce the cost of future repairs.

At John Murphy & Company Ltd, our FireQual-certified engineers carry out detailed fire door inspections, repairs and planned maintenance for schools, offices, care homes and commercial buildings.

If it’s been a while since your fire doors were professionally inspected, we’d be happy to help.

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BS 82142026 fire safety
 by Mark Collard

BS 8214:2026 – What Does the New Fire Door Standard Mean for Your Building?

Fire doors are one of the most important safety features in any commercial building – but only if they’re correctly installed, regularly inspected and properly maintained.

In March 2026, the British Standards Institution (BSI) published BS 8214:2026, replacing the 2016 edition. While it isn’t a legal requirement, it sets out the latest industry best practice for the specification, installation, inspection and maintenance of fire-resisting and smoke control doors.

For Facilities Managers and Responsible Persons, it’s an important reminder that fire door compliance doesn’t end once a door has been installed.

What’s Changed?

Fire Doors Are Treated as Complete Assemblies

The most significant update is that a fire door is now considered a complete door assembly, rather than simply the door leaf. Every component including the frame, hinges, glazing, intumescent and smoke seals, locks, closers and ironmongery must work together exactly as originally tested and certified.

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A Wider Range of Door Types

The previous edition focused primarily on timber fire doors. BS 8214:2026 now covers timber, steel, aluminium and composite fire doors, reflecting the systems commonly found across today’s commercial buildings.

Greater Focus on Smoke Control

Smoke is responsible for many fire-related injuries and fatalities, so the revised standard places greater emphasis on limiting smoke spread. It includes tighter guidance on smoke seals, threshold gaps, leakage performance and installation tolerances, recognising that even small defects can affect how a fire door performs in an emergency.

Higher Standards for Installation and Maintenance

The standard also provides clearer guidance on installation quality, including frame-to-wall sealing, door clearances, compatible hardware and quality assurance. Combined with regular inspections and maintenance, these measures help ensure fire doors continue to perform as intended throughout their service life.

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Fire Door Safety BS 82142026

What Does This Mean for You?

If your fire doors haven’t been inspected recently, now is the ideal time.

Everyday wear and tear can lead to damaged seals, worn hinges, faulty self-closers, excessive gaps or replacement hardware that no longer matches the original certification. Left unchecked, these seemingly minor issues can compromise a fire door’s performance when it’s needed most.

Routine inspections help identify defects early, support your fire risk assessment and demonstrate a proactive approach to building safety and compliance.

How JM&CO Can Help

At John Murphy & Company Ltd, we help commercial clients keep their buildings safe with professional fire door inspections, repairs and planned maintenance.

Our FireQual-certified engineers are trained to inspect the complete fire door assembly, checking hinges, glazing, intumescent and smoke seals, ironmongery, self-closers and frame gaps to ensure every component is working as intended.

Following each inspection, you’ll receive a clear report highlighting any defects, practical recommendations and prioritised remedial works, making it easier to plan maintenance and demonstrate compliance.

Whether you manage a school, office, leisure centre or a portfolio of commercial properties, we can provide one-off inspections, remedial repairs or ongoing planned maintenance to keep your fire doors performing to current best practice.

With the introduction of BS 8214:2026, there’s never been a better time to review your fire doors. If you’d like confidence that your building is meeting the latest industry standards, our team is here to help.

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Fire Door Companies Bucks
 by Amy Halstead

Fire Door Maintenance: Why It Matters for Safety and Compliance

Fire doors are one of the most important life safety features in any commercial building. When installed and maintained correctly, they help contain fire and smoke, protect escape routes, and give occupants valuable time to evacuate safely.

With the publication of BS 8214:2026, there is now even greater emphasis on ensuring fire doors are correctly installed, routinely inspected and maintained throughout their service life. While the updated standard isn’t new legislation, it reinforces industry best practice and highlights the importance of maintaining the complete fire door assembly—not just the door itself.

Fire Door Maintenance Is More Than a Visual Check

A fire door is only effective if every component continues to perform as originally tested and certified. This includes the door leaf, frame, hinges, glazing, intumescent and smoke seals, locks, ironmongery and self-closing devices.

Typical maintenance checks include:

  • Ensuring the door closes fully and latches correctly.
  • Checking for damage, warping or excessive gaps.
  • Inspecting intumescent and smoke seals.
  • Testing self-closing devices for correct operation.
  • Confirming hinges, locks and ironmongery are secure and compatible with the fire door assembly.

Even seemingly minor defects can significantly reduce a fire door’s ability to contain fire and smoke.

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Your Responsibilities

Under UK fire safety legislation, the Responsible Person—such as a building owner, employer, landlord or Facilities Manager—must ensure fire doors are kept in efficient working order through regular inspection, maintenance and prompt repair of any defects.

Routine inspections help identify issues before they become serious safety risks, support your fire risk assessment and provide documented evidence that fire doors are being proactively maintained. In higher-risk or high-traffic buildings, more frequent inspections may be appropriate.

Why Competent Maintenance Matters

Fire doors are certified life safety products and should only be repaired or maintained using compatible components and approved methods. Incorrect repairs, unsuitable replacement hardware or unauthorised alterations can compromise the performance of the entire door assembly.

That’s why BS 8214:2026 places greater emphasis on competent installation, inspection and ongoing maintenance to ensure fire doors continue to perform as intended throughout their lifetime.

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Fire Door Maintenance Company
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building maintenance berkshire
 by Amy Halstead

The benefits of outsourcing your building maintenance to a specialist contractor

Outsourcing building maintenance to a specialist contractor can offer numerous benefits to businesses of all sizes. By partnering with a reputable company like John Murphy and Company, you can reduce costs, improve operational efficiency, and enhance the overall performance of your facility. In this article, we will explore the benefits of outsourcing your building maintenance to a specialist contractor, and how John Murphy and Company can help your business achieve it’s goals.

 

Cost Savings

One of the most significant advantages of outsourcing building maintenance is cost savings. With a specialist contractor like John Murphy and Company, you don’t have to invest in expensive equipment, hire and train staff, or allocate resources to manage maintenance tasks. Instead, you can rely on a team of experienced professionals who have the necessary skills, tools, and knowledge to handle all your building maintenance needs efficiently and effectively.

By outsourcing your building maintenance, you can avoid unexpected expenses and reduce the risk of downtime, which can impact your bottom line. For example, if a piece of equipment fails, you may need to shut down operations until it’s repaired or replaced. This downtime can result in lost revenue, decreased productivity, and increased costs. By outsourcing your maintenance to a specialist contractor like John Murphy and Company, you can reduce the risk of downtime by ensuring that your equipment is properly maintained, and potential issues are identified and addressed before they become major problems.

 

Operational Efficiency

Another benefit of outsourcing your building maintenance is improved operational efficiency. John Murphy and Company can help you develop a comprehensive maintenance plan tailored to your specific needs, which can reduce downtime, increase productivity, and enhance safety.

By outsourcing maintenance, you can focus on your core business operations, instead of worrying about managing building maintenance tasks. This can allow you to allocate resources more effectively and improve your overall operational efficiency. For example, if you’re in the manufacturing industry, you can focus on producing your products while John Murphy and Company handles your building maintenance needs. This can help you increase production and improve your bottom line.

 

Enhanced Performance

Outsourcing your building maintenance to a specialist contractor like John Murphy and Company can help enhance the overall performance of your facility. Our team of experts can identify potential issues before they become major problems, which can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run. Plus, our proactive approach to maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your building and its components, reducing the need for expensive repairs or replacements.

For example, John Murphy and Company can help you identify potential issues with your HVAC system, such as worn belts or dirty filters, before they cause your system to fail. By addressing these issues proactively, you can avoid costly repairs or replacements and ensure that your HVAC system runs smoothly, which can improve your building’s energy efficiency and overall performance.

In addition, outsourcing your building maintenance can help you comply with regulatory requirements and industry standards. For example, if you operate in the healthcare industry, you may be subject to strict regulations regarding the maintenance of your facility. By outsourcing your maintenance to a specialist contractor like John Murphy and Company, you can ensure that your facility meets all regulatory requirements

 

Expertise and Experience

One of the key benefits of outsourcing your building maintenance to a specialist contractor like John Murphy and Company is our expertise and experience. Our team of professionals have the necessary skills, knowledge, and tools to handle all your building maintenance needs, from routine maintenance tasks to complex repairs and installations.

For example, if you need to install a new HVAC system or upgrade your electrical system, John Murphy and Company can provide expert guidance and support throughout the process. We can help you select the right equipment for your needs, ensure that it’s installed properly, and provide ongoing maintenance and support to keep your system running smoothly.

 

in Building Maintenance / Fire Doors / School Maintenance 0 comments
office fire door company scaled
 by Amy Halstead

The importance of fire door maintenance

Fire doors play a vital role in fire safety, helping to protect occupants and limit the spread of fire and smoke within buildings. However, many building owners and managers underestimate the importance of regular fire door maintenance, putting safety and legal compliance at risk. In this article, we explore why fire door maintenance matters and how John Murphy and Company – your trusted local building maintenance specialist can help keep your property safe and compliant.

What Are Fire Doors and Why Are They Important?

Fire doors are specially engineered doors designed to withstand high temperatures and prevent the spread of fire and smoke. They typically feature robust materials and intumescent seals that expand when exposed to heat, sealing gaps around the door to contain fire and smoke within specific areas.

By delaying fire spread, fire doors provide crucial extra minutes for occupants to evacuate safely and help protect the structural integrity of the building. Maintaining these doors is essential for effective fire safety.

Why Is Fire Door Maintenance Crucial?

Over time, fire doors suffer from wear and tear that can compromise their protective function. Common issues include:

  • Damaged or missing intumescent seals

  • Warped or damaged door frames

  • Worn or faulty hinges and self-closing devices

If not regularly inspected and repaired, these problems can render fire doors ineffective, exposing occupants to serious risks during a fire.

Regular fire door maintenance and inspections ensure doors operate correctly, providing reliable protection when it matters most.

Legal Requirements for Fire Door Maintenance

Building owners and managers are legally responsible for maintaining fire doors to meet safety standards. The key legislation includes:

  • Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005  Requires responsible persons to conduct fire risk assessments and maintain fire safety measures, including fire doors.

  • Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022  From 23 January 2023, responsible persons for multi-occupied residential buildings over 11 metres tall must:

    • Perform quarterly checks on all fire doors in common areas (including self-closing devices)

    • Conduct annual checks, where reasonably possible, on flat entrance doors leading to common parts

Additionally, these regulations require that residents are informed about the importance of fire doors in maintaining building safety.

Failing to comply with these legal duties can lead to severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment. Proper fire door maintenance is not just best practice- it’s the law.

Risks of Neglecting Fire Door Maintenance

Ignoring fire door maintenance can have dire consequences:

  • Fire doors may fail to contain fire and smoke, increasing danger to occupants

  • Increased risk of serious injury or fatalities

  • Legal liability and costly penalties for building owners and managers if found negligent after a fire incident

Ensuring fire doors are well-maintained safeguards lives and protects you from legal and financial repercussions.

How John Murphy and Company Can Help with Fire Door Maintenance

John Murphy and Company are experts in fire door inspections, repairs, and maintenance. Our services include:

  • Comprehensive fire door inspections by our Fire Qual trained, in-house fire door inspector

  • Identification and repair of faults to ensure full compliance with legal standards

  • Fire door replacements, including phased programmes for occupied or sensitive environments, minimizing disruption

  • Expert advice on legal obligations under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the latest fire safety regulations

Our skilled carpenters and fire safety specialists work closely with clients to maintain the highest safety standards and keep your building fully compliant.

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