Do Fire Doors Expire? How to Know When to Replace Yours

Fire doors provide protection against the spread of fire. However, they need regular maintenance and will eventually need to be replaced. Understanding when to replace your fire door can help ensure it continues to meet safety regulations and protect your property effectively. In this article, we'll explore how long fire doors last and how often fire doors should be replaced.

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

Regularly checking your fire door for visible signs of damage is key to maintaining fire safety. If you spot any of these issues, it's important to replace the door so it continues to protect you in the event of a fire.

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.

Even if a fire door looks intact, hidden damage can compromise its effectiveness, which means it would need to be replaced.

How to Maintain Your Fire Door

Start by familiarising yourself with fire door regulations and requirements. You can find everything you need in our Ultimate Guide to Fire Doors: Regulations, Designs & Understanding Your Choices.

Regularly check for visible signs of damage. It's also important to have routine inspections by qualified fire professionals, as they can identify issues that may not be obvious to you. They can advise whether your fire door needs to be replaced or repaired.

Keep up with regular maintenance to ensure your fire door stays in good condition. Clean the door regularly to prevent dirt build-up, which can damage seals and other important components.

Internal Fire Doors at Internal Doors

When it's time to replace your fire door, you can trust Internal Doors for a wide selection of fire doors, including FD30, FD60 and glazed fire doors. Our range is designed to meet the strict fire safety standards and comes in various styles and finishes. With easy ordering and fast delivery, browse our fire doors today or contact us if you have any questions.