How Long Do Fire Doors Last?
Fire doors don’t have a set expiration date. In fact, they can last for decades with the right maintenance. If they did have an expiration date, it would be when they no longer meet fire safety regulations. The lifespan of a fire door depends on how often it’s used, how well it’s maintained and the conditions it’s exposed to. Since internal and external fire doors face different conditions, they may not last the same amount of time.Internal Fire Doors
Internal fire doors are used indoors, where conditions such as temperature and humidity are more stable. This helps them last longer since they aren’t exposed to harsh weather. Because of this, warranties for internal fire doors can sometimes be longer compared to external fire doors.Fire Regulations
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 provides strict guidelines for fire doors to be correctly installed and properly maintained. By not meeting these regulations, your fire door could fail to perform during a fire.When to Replace a Fire Door?
Visible Damage to a Fire Door
A fire door should be replaced when it shows visible signs of damage that compromise fire safety standards. This includes:- Cracks or damage in the door or frame
- Excessive rust build-up
- Worn or missing seals (intumescent strips)
- Door doesn’t close properly or has gaps
- Missing or damaged components
- Previous fire damage affecting fire resistance
Non-Visible Damage to a Fire Door
Sometimes a fire door should be replaced even if it appears undamaged. It's not just visible damage that means it's time for a replacement. Fire doors are made up of different components and materials that can affect the level of protection they offer.- The core structure of a fire door is solid, but it can degrade over time, which impacts its fire resistance.
- Delamination can occur when the layers of material within the door begin to separate, typically due to use over time.
- If components have been replaced with non-fire-rated parts, the door can no longer be considered fire-rated.