Fire door won't close? Hong Kong repair and replacement guide

Fire doors form part of a building's fire separation. Closed smoke-stop doors between corridors and stairs help limit smoke and fire spreading into escape routes. For inspection or replacement, check the requirements for the door's location, use and approved design.

For a quotation, identify the floor and whether this is a stair door, flat entrance or another location. Share photos and any approved plans, fire safety direction or door schedule with the building professional reviewing the requirement.

Look for doors held open by wedges or stored items, failure to close, damaged hinges or closers, and damaged leaves or glazing. The FSD checklist identifies missing, defective and improperly closed smoke-stop doors as deficiencies.

Record the date, floor, door location and photos, then ask management to arrange inspection and repairs. Report doors that drag, slam or are difficult to use so the cause can be checked. Do not disconnect the closer or prop the door open.

FSD advises residents to keep smoke-stop doors closed and escape routes clear. Do not add a padlock, bolt or other obstruction as a way to keep an escape door shut.

Before adding access control, ask the responsible building professional to review escape operation, power-failure behaviour and applicable requirements. Have existing powered equipment checked against its design; do not disconnect or rewire it yourself.

Confirm the fire-resistance rating and configuration required for the door's location and approved design. BD guidance calls for a supplier's statement and test or assessment reports demonstrating the required performance. Ask which documents will be provided with the quotation.

Ask the quotation to identify the leaf, frame, glazing, hinges, closer and associated fittings, and explain how the documents apply to the proposed installation. Have changes to glazing, openings, frames or ventilation grilles assessed before work is authorised.

BD advises owners or managers to engage an Authorized Person when fire-resisting construction is defective or has been altered without authorisation, including assessment and any necessary approval process. Confirm the appropriate professionals and contractor before arranging the work.

File before-and-after photos, completed work, operation checks, product documents and outstanding items under the floor and door reference. If a fire safety direction applies, confirm who will submit each document and follow up on the department's response.