Fire Safety Hardware Installations, Repairs, and Maintenance

Doors won’t self-close or latch completely. Fire-rated doors must automatically close and fully latch to prevent fire and smoke from spreading into protected areas. If they require manual force or swing open after closing, the hardware may be misaligned or failing.

Exit hardware is loose, broken, or missing. Damaged or worn-out panic bars, touch bars, or lever handles can prevent quick egress and create safety risks during an emergency evacuation. Any sticking, rattling, or malfunctioning hardware should be replaced.

Maglocks or electronic releases don’t disengage during fire drills. Electromagnetic locks that fail to release when the fire alarm is triggered are a serious code violation and could trap occupants inside during a real emergency.

Missing or damaged smoke seals or intumescent strips. These critical materials expand under heat to seal gaps around doors and block fire and smoke. If they’re cracked, peeling, or missing, the door will not perform as designed in a fire.

Door closers are leaking, misaligned, or ineffective. A leaking hydraulic closer or one that slams, drifts, or fails to pull the door shut compromises the door’s ability to function during an emergency and may damage the door frame over time.

Hold-open devices don’t release when alarms sound. Fire doors held open by magnets or mechanical devices must release instantly when an alarm is triggered. If they stay open, your door no longer provides fire compartmentalization and may result in code violations.

Stairwell doors don’t allow re-entry from inside. In multi-story buildings, stairwell re-entry is a code requirement that allows occupants to return to a safe floor if lower levels are blocked. If your hardware doesn’t allow re-entry, it may need replacement or reconfiguration.

Recent renovation or reconfiguration of your building layout. Changes to floor plans, door usage, occupancy classifications, or space functions often require updated fire safety hardware to maintain compliance with local building and fire codes.

Fire doors are propped open or blocked by staff. Doors that are regularly held open with wedges, furniture, or magnets undermine the fire protection systems and are often a sign that the hardware is inconvenient, poorly placed, or not functioning correctly. 

Doors show visible damage, rust, or warping. Physical wear like dented panels, rusted hinges, warped frames, or sagging doors can compromise fire resistance ratings and lead to performance failure during a fire.

No visible labeling on fire-rated doors or hardware. Fire doors and rated components must have manufacturer-applied labels to verify their rating. If these labels are missing, painted over, or illegible, your doors may fail inspection and require full replacement.

Unauthorized modifications to door hardware. Field changes like new lock holes, replaced exit devices, or removed closers can void a fire label. If alterations were made without verifying code compliance, the door may no longer meet safety standards.