CFP Carpentry & Fire Prevention recently completed a programme of fire door remedial works to 11 flat entrance doors at a residential property in Peckham, London, following defects identified during a Fire Risk Assessment.
The project involved correcting excessive door gaps, adjusting existing door frames and ensuring the self-closing devices operated correctly across the affected flats.
For property managers, landlords and responsible persons dealing with similar issues, CFP provides dedicated fire door remedial services alongside comprehensive fire door surveys and inspections.
Fire Door Defects Identified Following the FRA
The Fire Risk Assessment identified issues affecting a number of the flat entrance doors.
One of the main problems was excessive or inconsistent gaps between the door leaves and their frames.
Correct gaps are an important part of a functioning fire doorset. CFP has also produced a detailed guide covering fire door gap tolerances and the types of gaps that can result in a failed inspection.
Rather than replacing otherwise serviceable doors, our team carried out targeted remedial works to retain the existing doors wherever possible.
Adjusting the Flat Entrance Door Frames
To correct the door gaps, sections of architrave were carefully removed to gain access to the existing frames.
The frames could then be repositioned using hardwood wedges, allowing the doors to be adjusted so that the gaps around the sides and head of the doors were brought back to approximately 2–4mm where required.
Once the frame adjustments had been completed, the surrounding areas were sealed before the architraves were reinstated.
This type of work forms an important part of our fire door remedial service, particularly where existing doors are capable of being repaired rather than unnecessarily replaced.
Door Closers Adjusted and Installed
The self-closing operation of the flat entrance doors was also checked.
Existing door closers were adjusted where necessary and additional closers were fitted where required.
Each affected door was checked to ensure that it could return to the closed position from different opening angles.
Self-closing devices are particularly important on flat entrance fire doors. We explain their role in more detail in our guide to UK fire door self-closer requirements.
Remedial Works Completed Across 11 Flats
The programme involved working across 11 individual flat entrance doors within an occupied residential building.
The works included:
- Removal of architraves where required
- Adjustment of existing timber door frames
- Hardwood wedges used to reposition the frames
- Door gaps adjusted to approximately 2–4mm where required
- Perimeter areas resealed following adjustment
- Architraves reinstated
- Existing door closers adjusted
- New door closers fitted where required
- Closing action checked from different opening positions
Flat entrance doors form an important part of the fire protection strategy within blocks of flats. Property managers and residents can read more about whether a flat entrance door needs to be a fire door and who is responsible for fire door inspections within blocks of flats.
Retaining Existing Fire Doors Through Remedial Work
This project demonstrates that a failed Fire Risk Assessment does not always mean that complete replacement doorsets are required.
Where the existing door and frame are suitable, carefully completed remedial work can sometimes address defects relating to:
- Door gaps
- Frame alignment
- Intumescent and smoke seals
- Hinges
- Door closers
- Latches
- Ironmongery
- Threshold gaps
Where a doorset cannot be satisfactorily repaired, CFP can also provide complete fire door installation services and bespoke fire doors where non-standard sizes or specifications are required.
Fire Door Remedial Contractors in London
CFP Carpentry & Fire Prevention carries out fire door inspections, remedial works and new fire door installations throughout London and across the South of England.
Our London fire door company service covers residential blocks, HMOs, commercial buildings, offices, communal areas and managed properties across Greater London.
We regularly work with:
- Managing agents
- Freeholders
- Landlords
- Housing providers
- Facilities managers
- Commercial property owners
- Principal contractors
You can also view further examples of completed work within our fire door projects.
If a recent FRA or fire door inspection has identified defects within your building, contact CFP Carpentry & Fire Prevention to discuss the remedial works required.
