FAQs
Can every fire door be repaired?
Not every door. If the core of the door is structurally damaged, or if it has been cut down too much in the past, a replacement is safer and more cost-effective. During our survey, we will tell you honestly if a door is “beyond economic repair.”
Why can’t my general builder do these repairs?
Fire door remediation is a specialist skill. Using the wrong screws, non-rated hinges, or incorrect seal types can actually invalidate the door’s original fire certification. As FireQual and UK Fire Door Training accredited installers, we ensure every repair maintains the door’s integrity.
Why is paint on a fire door seal a problem?
Intumescent seals expand when heated to block smoke and flames. Paint can prevent this expansion, rendering the seal useless. These must be replaced to maintain safety.
Will I get a certificate after the work is done?
Yes. For every installation and remedial project, Dovetail Fire Doors provides a Fire Door Safety & Compliance Certificate. This is a vital document for your Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) and proves to the Fire Authority that you have met your legal obligations.
What is the ``£1 Coin Test`` I keep hearing about?
It’s a simple rule of thumb. A £1 coin is approximately 3mm thick. If you can slide it between the door and the frame and it fits snugly, your gaps are likely compliant. If it’s loose or won’t fit, your door needs professional adjustment.
How long does a typical remedial job take?
Most minor remediations (seals, hinges, and closers) can be completed in 60 to 120 minutes per door, meaning we can often bring an entire HMO or small office back to compliance within one to two days.
Do you work with the new 2026 standards?
Absolutely. We are already advising clients on the transition to BS EN 1634-1 standards to ensure that any work we do now doesn’t need to be redone when the new building safety deadlines arrive.
How often should fire doors be inspected?
For residential buildings over 11m, communal doors need quarterly checks and flat doors need annual checks. For most commercial settings, we recommend a professional survey every 6 months.
Do you cover the whole of Devon?
Yes. Based in Torbay, we provide fire door services across Torquay, Exeter, Plymouth, and the wider South West region.
Why should I use a specialist for installations rather than a general builder?
A fire door is a life-safety device, not just a piece of joinery. Professional installation requires precision that goes beyond standard carpentry. We ensure that:
- The Frame and Leaf Match: We verify that the door and frame are compatible as a certified “door set or assembly.”
- Precision Clearances: We maintain the mandatory 2mm–4mm gaps required for the intumescent seals to work effectively.
- Hardware Compatibility: We only use fire-rated, CE/UKCA-marked ironmongery, ensuring the screws and fixings don’t compromise the door’s integrity.
- Legal Proof: Every project completed by Dovetail Fire Doors Ltd is backed by a Fire Door Safety & Compliance Certificate. This is your legal proof of competency under Article 18 of the Fire Safety Order and is essential for your building’s insurance and fire safety audit trail.