Fire doors · Closing and latching
What should you check when a fire door will not close or latch?
Short answer
Start with what is physically stopping the door. A door that does not reach the closed and latched position needs the cause identified — not the closer simply wound up until it slams.
What changes the answer
- obstruction or floor contact
- hinge wear or movement
- frame distortion
- closer condition and adjustment
- latch alignment
- seals or added hardware
- air pressure and operational conditions.
What to check on site
- remove an obvious temporary obstruction only if it is safe to do so
- video the door closing from fully open
- photograph hinges, closer and latch
- record where contact occurs
- do not force or modify parts to make it work.
What to do next
Send a short video and photographs. That is usually enough for us to route the issue to adjustment, repair, hardware review or further inspection.
General information only. A conclusion about a specific condition requires the actual construction, the evidence behind it and the site condition to be reviewed.