CFP Carpentry & Fire Prevention recently completed fire door remedial works in Wembley, London, after several existing flat entrance doors were found to have excessive gaps around the door leaves.
The customer asked us to reduce the gaps and improve the existing door sets rather than immediately replacing them. Our team carefully adjusted the frames to achieve the required 2–4mm gaps, while also identifying an issue with the material previously used around one of the door frames.
As part of our wider fire door remedial service, we regularly correct defects identified during fire door inspections and fire risk assessments across London.
Excessive Fire Door Gaps Identified
The existing doors had excessive clearances between the door leaves and frames.
Correct door gaps are an important part of a fire door assembly. If the gaps become too large, they can affect the performance of the intumescent and smoke seals and reduce the effectiveness of the door as part of the building’s fire compartmentation.
The photographs taken before the remedial works show the existing gaps being checked and recorded prior to adjustment.
For buildings with multiple fire doors, CFP also provides comprehensive fire door surveys to identify issues including excessive gaps, damaged seals, unsuitable hinges, defective closers and problems surrounding the door frame.
Door Frames Adjusted to Achieve 2–4mm Gaps
To correct the excessive clearances, the architraves were carefully removed to allow access to the door frames.
The frames were then repositioned using hardwood wedges, allowing the door gaps to be reduced to approximately 2–4mm.
This approach enabled us to retain the existing door assemblies while correcting the clearances rather than unnecessarily replacing the entire door set.
Once the required positioning had been achieved, the frames could be secured and the architraves reinstated.
Similar frame adjustments form a regular part of our fire door remedial works where existing doors remain suitable for repair.
Unsuitable Material Identified Around the Door Frame
During the works, pink foam was visible within the gap surrounding one of the door frames.
This was noted during the works, and the customer was informed that the existing material would need to be removed and replaced with an appropriate mineral wool and fire-rated mastic system.
The surrounding gap between a fire door frame and the wall is an important part of the overall installation. The door leaf itself is only one part of the fire-resistant assembly; the frame and surrounding construction must also be appropriately treated.
CFP provides specialist fire stopping and compartmentation services alongside our fire door works, allowing issues around openings and penetrations to be addressed as part of the wider fire protection strategy.
Fire Door Remedial Works for Flats and Apartment Buildings
This Wembley project involved existing flat entrance doors within a residential development.
Flat entrance fire doors are particularly important because they form part of the separation between individual dwellings and communal escape routes.
Typical defects we encounter during fire door surveys and remedial projects include:
- Excessive gaps around door leaves
- Poorly positioned door frames
- Missing or damaged intumescent seals
- Defective smoke seals
- Incorrect or damaged hinges
- Door closers failing to shut the door correctly
- Excessive gaps beneath doors
- Unsuitable materials surrounding door frames
- Damaged door leaves or frames
Where an existing door cannot be economically or safely repaired, CFP can also provide a complete fire door installation service.
Fire Door Specialists in Wembley and London
CFP carries out fire door installation, surveys and remedial works throughout Wembley and across the wider London area.
Our London fire door company works with property managers, landlords, managing agents, contractors and building owners across residential and commercial properties.
Services include:
- Fire door remedial works
- Door gap adjustments
- Fire door frame realignment
- Fire door surveys
- Intumescent and smoke seal replacement
- Fire door closer adjustments
- Replacement fire door hardware
- Complete fire door installations
- Fire stopping and compartmentation works
You can learn more about our complete range of fire prevention services or view further completed fire door projects.
If your building has recently undergone a fire risk assessment and defects have been identified, contact CFP Carpentry & Fire Prevention to discuss suitable remedial works.
