When it comes to protecting lives and property, fire doors are a critical part of your building’s fire safety strategy. But installing them is only half the battle — regular maintenance is essential to ensure they perform as designed during an emergency.
The problem? Not all contractors are equal. Choosing the wrong provider can leave you non-compliant, at risk of fines, and exposed to serious safety liabilities.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you choose the right fire door maintenance contractor for your building.
1. Check for Third-Party Accreditation
When selecting a contractor, always ask if they’re accredited by recognised fire safety schemes, such as:
- FIRAS (Fire Installer Certification Scheme)
- BM TRADA Q-Mark
- IFC Certification
Why it matters: These schemes independently verify that contractors are competent, compliant, and regularly audited. Without proper accreditation, you risk invalidating insurance and failing fire safety inspections.
2. Ask About Relevant Experience
Not all fire door maintenance is the same. Different building types — from offices and apartment blocks to warehouses and schools — require different approaches.
Questions to ask:
- Have they worked on buildings similar to yours?
- Do they understand your specific compliance obligations?
- Can they provide case studies or references?
Choosing a contractor with relevant experience ensures they’ll spot issues faster and keep you compliant.
3. Understand Their Inspection & Reporting Process
A professional contractor should provide clear, detailed reports after every maintenance visit, including:
- Which doors were inspected
- Issues found and recommended actions
- Photos documenting defects
- Compliance status against current regulations
Transparent reporting gives you an audit trail — essential for proving compliance under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
4. Verify That They Use Certified Parts
Even the best fire door maintenance is pointless if the replacement parts aren’t certified.
Ask your contractor:
- Do they use manufacturer-approved components?
- Are seals, hinges, closers, and glazing compliant?
- Can they provide documentation for parts used?
This ensures the integrity and certification of your fire doors remain intact.
5. Ask About Response Times and Support
Fire door issues can pose serious safety and compliance risks if left unresolved for too long. While full 24/7 emergency callouts aren’t always necessary, it’s important to choose a contractor who can:
- Schedule urgent repairs quickly
- Prioritise safety-critical defects
- Offer ongoing support and advice between maintenance visits
Choosing a contractor with clear response times and a reliable support structure ensures you’re never left waiting when safety is on the line — without paying extra for unnecessary “emergency” packages.
6. Compare Pricing — But Don’t Choose on Cost Alone
Price matters, but it shouldn’t be the only factor. Going for the cheapest quote can backfire if:
- Corners are cut on materials
- Maintenance isn’t thorough
- Reports aren’t compliant
Look for contractors who balance cost with quality, giving you long-term protection rather than just ticking a box
7. Check Their Knowledge of Current Regulations
Fire safety legislation changes frequently, and your contractor should stay up to date with:
- The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
- Fire Safety Act 2021
- Latest BS 8214 standards
An informed contractor helps you avoid fines and liability by keeping your building compliant.
8. Ask About Ongoing Support & Scheduling
Fire door maintenance isn’t a one-off job — it’s an ongoing obligation. The best contractors will:
- Help you set up a maintenance schedule
- Remind you when inspections are due
- Provide support between visits
This takes the administrative burden off your team and ensures you never miss a compliance deadline.
Why Choosing the Right Contractor Matters
Neglecting fire door maintenance can lead to:
- Invalidated insurance
- Hefty fines
- Increased risk to life and property
Choosing the right contractor means more than compliance — it’s about protecting people and property.
Take the Next Step
At Global Facilities, we’re certified, experienced, and trusted to keep buildings safe and compliant. Our team provides:
- BM TRADA-accredited services you can rely on
- Comprehensive digital inspection reports for full compliance records
- Fast, reliable scheduling to keep your fire doors maintained without disruption
Let us help you stay compliant and protect what matters most.
Book Your Fire Door Maintenance Today and check out how long it takes to fit a fire door.
