Leaf
Leaf distortion
A twisted or bowed leaf may touch at one corner or along part of an edge. It should be confirmed, for example against the frame or a straight edge, rather than assumed.
Problem-Solving Guide
Warped or Sticking Fire Doors: Causes and Repair Options
A fire door that rubs, binds or sticks is often described as warped, but leaf distortion is only one of several possible causes. Working out where and when the door makes contact usually points to the real cause, and the cause decides whether repair is realistic. A sticking fire door should not be forced, wedged or left unable to close on its own; arrange a competent assessment.
Start With Where And When It Sticks
Before deciding anything, note exactly where the door touches and under what conditions. This is observation, not repair; it helps whoever assesses the door.
- Where: head, hinge side, lock side, a corner, or the floor or threshold
- When: all the time, only in damp or heating seasons, or since a recent change
- How: rubbing along an edge, catching at one point, or binding as it closes
- Whether the gap around the door looks even or tapers
- Any recent work: new flooring, decoration, hardware, seals or building work
Possible Causes To Distinguish
Hinges
Hinge wear or fixing movement
Worn knuckles or loosened screws let the leaf drop, often catching the head on the lock side or the floor. Covered in our hinges guide.
Frame
Frame or lining movement
A frame that has moved, loosened or been knocked out of line changes the opening. Covered in our frames and liners guide.
Environment
Moisture, finish or temperature
Changes in humidity, heating or heavy paint build-up can make a door tighter at some times than others.
Floor
Threshold or floor change
New flooring, mats or a raised threshold can catch the bottom edge.
Components
Seal or hardware interference
A displaced seal, a protruding keep or added hardware can cause contact that looks like a door problem.
Assess The Whole Door, Not One Symptom
The cause is confirmed by looking at the door as an assembly: gaps around the leaf, how it closes and latches, hinges, frame fixings, seals and hardware. That assessment should be compared with whatever evidence is available for the doorset and with the manufacturer's or supplier's instructions, because those define which repairs are supported.
Gap criteria are explained in our gaps and clearances guide, and closer and latching faults in our closers guide. This page focuses on identifying why a door is binding.
How The Cause Shapes The Outcome
Where the cause is hinges, fixings, a displaced component, floor interference or a frame that can be re-secured, repair may be possible, provided it uses the doorset's supported method and compatible components.
Where the leaf itself is significantly distorted, damaged or has been altered in a way that cannot be supported, or where the construction cannot be established for the required performance, replacement may be the sounder outcome. A missing label alone is not the deciding factor. Our repair or replacement guide covers that wider decision.
Illustrative Example
Illustrative only: a corridor fire door has started catching at the top lock-side corner. The building manager notes it began after the hinge-side screws were found loose. Assessment shows the top hinge fixings have pulled, letting the leaf drop. The leaf itself is straight. The repair is to re-secure the hinge using a method supported for that doorset, then recheck gaps, closing and latching. Nothing was trimmed.
What Not To Do
- Do not plane, sand or trim the leaf or frame
- Do not pack hinges or add strips without confirming the supported method
- Do not wedge the door open or remove the closer
- Do not increase closer power to force a binding door shut
- Do report it so a competent person can assess the cause
Related Pages
Component guides and services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get A Sticking Fire Door Assessed
Send photographs of the door, where it catches and any recent changes. We will assess the cause and provide a written repair or replacement quotation.