Fire doors are a critical part of a building’s passive fire protection system, designed to slow the spread of fire and smoke and give people time to escape. While the door leaf and frame often get the most attention, the hinges are just as essential to the door’s performance and safety.
Hinges carry the full weight of the fire door and allow it to open and close correctly. If hinges are poorly fitted, damaged, or not suitable for fire doors, the door may drop, stick, or fail to close fully. Even a small gap caused by hinge failure can allow fire and smoke to spread rapidly, undermining the purpose of the fire door.
Fire door hinges must be fire-rated and tested to withstand high temperatures for the same duration as the door itself, commonly 30 or 60 minutes. In a fire, standard hinges can deform, seize, or fail altogether, causing the door to fall out of the frame or remain open. Certified fire-rated hinges are designed to maintain their integrity under extreme heat, keeping the door correctly positioned when it matters most.
Correct installation and ongoing maintenance are equally important. Hinges should be securely fixed with the correct number and type of screws, and there should be no missing, loose, or replaced components. If hinges are painted over, their performance can be compromised and they are no longer compliant, as paint can interfere with their movement and heat resistance. Regular inspections can identify early signs of wear, misalignment, or damage that could compromise fire safety.
In short, hinges are not just a minor component—they are fundamental to the reliability of a fire door. Choosing the right hinges, installing them correctly, and maintaining them properly helps ensure that fire doors perform as intended, protecting lives and property in an emergency.
