How Often Should Fire Doors Be Replaced?

Fire doors are one of those building features people walk past every day without thinking much about them. That is exactly the point. A good fire door should sit quietly in place, close properly when needed, and help slow the spread of smoke and fire long enough for people to get out safely.

So, how often should fire doors be replaced? The honest answer is this: there is no single expiration date. A fire door does not automatically need replacing every five, ten, or fifteen years. What matters is its condition, its rating, its hardware, and whether the whole assembly still performs the way it was designed to perform.

Inspection Matters More Than Age

Fire doors should be inspected regularly, and in many commercial settings, that means at least once a year. That inspection should look at the full assembly, not just the door slab. The frame, hinges, closer, latch, glazing, seals, signage, and gaps all matter.

A door that is twenty years old may still be acceptable if it has been properly maintained and has not been damaged or altered. On the other hand, a much newer door may need replacement if it has been drilled, warped, forced open, poorly repaired, or fitted with the wrong hardware.

Signs A Fire Door May Need Replacing

A fire door should close fully and latch without help. If someone has to pull it shut, lift it, kick it, or jiggle the handle, that is a problem. Fire doors are not meant to be “mostly working.” They need to work every time.

Replacement may be needed if the door is badly warped, cracked, dented, delaminated, rusted, or no longer fits the frame correctly. Missing or painted over labels are another warning sign, especially if the door rating can no longer be verified.

Large gaps around the door are also a serious issue. Smoke and heat move fast, and even a small failure in the assembly can reduce the door’s effectiveness. If repairs cannot bring the door back into compliance, replacement is usually the safer and cleaner answer.

Hardware Can Decide The Door’s Future

Sometimes the door itself is not the real problem. Worn hinges, failing closers, damaged panic hardware, missing coordinators, or improper latches can all cause a fire door to fail inspection.

That is why it is important to use the right commercial door hardware from the start. Fire rated openings are systems. A strong door with the wrong hardware is not a proper fire door assembly. Choosing compatible, code appropriate hardware helps extend the life of the door and reduces expensive surprises later.

Replace When Repair Is No Longer Enough

A fire door should be replaced when damage, age, modifications, or failed components prevent it from doing its job. The key is not guessing. Have the door inspected, document the condition, and make repairs quickly when possible.

When replacement is needed, it is better to handle it before an inspection failure, insurance issue, or emergency exposes the problem.

Call CI Show Hardware

If your commercial fire doors are damaged, difficult to close, missing proper hardware, or simply overdue for attention, CI Show Hardware can help you choose reliable door hardware for safer, better performing openings. Contact CI Show Hardware today to find the right products for your building.

References

NFPA, Fire Doors And NFPA 80 FAQs

NFPA, NFPA 80 Standard Development

International Code Council, International Fire Code Information

Hollow Metal Manufacturers Association, Fire Rated Doors And Frames