We completed a Fire door survey with EAC Fire & Security within a residential apartment development in Christchurch, Dorset.
The purpose of the survey was to assess the condition, performance, and compliance of communal and apartment entrance fire doors, ensuring they continue to provide effective fire compartmentation and protection for residents throughout the building.
Each fire door was inspected in accordance with current fire door guidance, with detailed measurements and photographic records taken to identify any defects or areas requiring remedial action.
What Work Was Carried Out
Our survey team conducted a full inspection of multiple apartment entrance doors throughout the building, including:
- Door leaf condition assessments
- Frame inspections
- Gap measurements around door perimeters
- Threshold gap measurements
- Inspection of intumescent and smoke seals
- Hinge inspections
- Door closer assessments
- Ironmongery inspections
- Fire-rated glazing inspections
- Operational testing
- Photographic recording of findings
- Compliance reporting
All findings were documented to provide the client with a clear understanding of each door’s condition and any remedial works required.
Detailed Gap Measurement Surveys
As part of the inspection process, precise measurements were taken around each door set to verify compliance with accepted fire door tolerances.
The survey included:
- Head gap measurements
- Leading edge gap measurements
- Hinge side gap measurements
- Threshold clearance measurements
- Corner tolerance checks
- Frame alignment assessments
Correct door clearances are critical to the performance of a fire door. Excessive gaps can allow fire and smoke to spread more rapidly during an incident, reducing the effectiveness of compartmentation within the building.
Why Fire Door Surveys Are Important in Residential Buildings
Apartment entrance doors are often one of the most important passive fire protection measures within residential buildings.
Their purpose is to:
- Contain fire within the affected flat
- Protect escape routes and communal corridors
- Reduce smoke spread throughout the building
- Provide residents with additional evacuation time
- Support compliance with current fire safety legislation
Regular inspections help identify wear and tear, damage, and compliance issues before they become significant fire safety concerns.
Common Issues Identified During Fire Door Surveys
Whilst every door is assessed individually, common issues often identified during apartment block surveys include:
- Excessive perimeter gaps
- Damaged or missing intumescent seals
- Poorly adjusted door closers
- Door leaves not fully self-closing
- Damaged frames
- Worn hinges and ironmongery
- Incorrect threshold clearances
- Non-compliant alterations
- General wear caused by daily use
Identifying these issues early allows remedial works to be planned and completed efficiently, helping maintain building safety standards.
Compliance Reporting
Following completion of the inspections, a detailed survey report was prepared outlining:
- Door locations and references
- Photographic evidence
- Measured tolerances
- Compliance status
- Observed defects
- Recommended remedial actions
- Priority ratings
- Asset records for future maintenance
This information provides building owners and managing agents with a clear roadmap for maintaining compliance and improving fire safety throughout the property.
Supporting Ongoing Fire Safety Management
Fire door inspections form a key part of a building’s wider fire safety strategy.
Regular surveys help ensure:
- Fire compartmentation remains effective
- Residents are protected in the event of a fire
- Legal responsibilities are met
- Maintenance issues are identified early
- Future remedial works can be budgeted and planned
By carrying out detailed inspections and producing clear compliance reports, EAC Fire & Security helps building owners maintain safe, compliant residential environments.
Project Summary & More pictures!
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Christchurch, Dorset |
| Property Type | Residential Apartment Block |
| Service Provided | Fire Door Survey & Compliance Assessment |
| Scope | Apartment Entrance Fire Doors |
| Survey Elements | Gap Measurements, Compliance Checks & Reporting |
| Documentation | Photographic Evidence & Survey Reports |
| Purpose | Fire Safety & Regulatory Compliance |
