Brandschutz Service Berlin
Fire protection doors are a central component of structural fire safety. They protect lives and property by preventing the spread of flames and smoke during a fire. However, they can only fulfill this function if they are regularly inspected and maintained. In this guide from Brandschutz Service Berlin, you will learn how fire protection door maintenance works, which regulations apply, and why professional inspection is mandatory.
A fire protection door (also referred to as a fire-rated door) separates different fire compartments within a building. It is made of fire-retardant or fire-resistant materials which, for a defined period of time – depending on the fire resistance class T30, T60 or T90 – prevent the penetration of fire and smoke.
As a result, escape and emergency routes remain usable for a longer period of time, and the fire brigade can respond more effectively. You can find more information on the importance of fire compartments in our guide Fire compartments in fire protection: what you need to know.
Regular maintenance of fire protection doors is required by law. According to the Berlin State Building Code, DIN 4102-5, and the Workplace Ordinance, all fire protection installations must remain fully functional at all times. Only then can they reliably close and withstand flames in an emergency. Neglected doors lose their fire resistance and therefore their protective function—with severe consequences for safety, insurance coverage, and liability.
The following regulations define the maintenance and testing requirements for fire protection doors:
Additionally, the Berlin State Building Code (LBO) requires fire protection doors to be regularly inspected and maintained by qualified specialists.
The required frequency depends on how often the door is used and the level of stress placed on it:
Professional maintenance includes a full visual and functional inspection of all components. This involves checking:
After inspection, a maintenance report is created as proof for authorities and insurance companies.
Only qualified fire protection door specialists may perform maintenance. These professionals have special training, manufacturer knowledge, and certifications according to DIN 14677. Non-experts may not adjust or maintain fire protection doors, as improper modifications can compromise the fire resistance classification.
Common issues identified during routine checks include:
Even minor defects can invalidate the door’s approval. Immediate repair is therefore essential.
Many fire protection doors are equipped with hold-open systems (FSA) that keep them open during normal operation but close automatically in the event of smoke detection. Maintenance of these systems is particularly important and must be conducted at least annually by certified professionals according to DIN 14677. Maintenance tasks include:
If the hold-open system is not functioning properly, the door may not be kept open.
After each maintenance procedure, an inspection report must be issued. It includes:
A service label attached to the door frame records the maintenance date and the next due date. This documentation is essential to demonstrate compliance with operator obligations.
Failing to meet maintenance obligations can lead to serious consequences:
Regular maintenance is therefore not only a safety measure but also a legal requirement.
With Brandschutz Service Berlin, you have an experienced partner at your side. We provide:
For more details, visit our pages on Maintenance & Servicing or Installation.
Fire protection doors should be serviced at least once a year by a certified specialist. In heavily frequented buildings such as schools, hospitals, or underground car parks, a semi-annual inspection is recommended. In addition, operators should perform monthly visual checks to detect functional issues at an early stage.
Only qualified specialists trained in accordance with DIN 14677 may carry out maintenance. They possess the required training and manufacturer-specific knowledge. Non-professionals must not perform maintenance work, as improper adjustments can compromise the door’s fire resistance.
Costs depend on the type, number, and technical equipment of the doors (e.g., with hold-open systems). Prices generally range from €50 to €150 per door. Regular maintenance saves money in the long term by preventing expensive repairs or loss of insurance coverage. For more information, see our page on Maintenance and Servicing.
Warning signs include: Door does not close automatically, door drags or does not latch properly, damaged or loose seals, missing or unreadable identification plates, malfunctioning hold-open systems or doors propped open with wedges. If any of these issues occur, immediate inspection by a qualified specialist is necessary.
Neglecting maintenance can have severe consequences: Loss of insurance coverage, fines of up to €50,000, personal liability in the event of damage or injury and possible shutdown of the building by authorities or the fire departmentRegular maintenance is therefore not only a legal obligation but also a critical safety measure.
After each service, the operator receives an inspection report detailing: Door location and identification, inspection results and identified defects, corrective measures taken and name, date, and signature of the inspector. A maintenance label is affixed to the door frame showing the service date and next due date. This documentation is essential proof for building authorities, fire departments, and insurance providers.
Yes. In many cases, older doors can be upgraded by replacing closing mechanisms, seals, or fittings. A condition assessment by Brandschutz Service Berlin will determine which upgrades are feasible and cost-effective. Learn more under Fire Protection Doors and Gates.
Yes. Fire protection doors prevent the spread of fire. Smoke protection doors primarily stop the movement of smoke gases. Both functions can be combined in a single door (e.g., T30-RS). The appropriate solution depends on the building layout and legal requirements.
Yes. Hold-open systems (FSA) on fire protection doors must be serviced annually by a certified specialist in accordance with DIN 14677. This includes testing:
If the hold-open system is defective, the door may not be kept open.
For questions about maintenance or inspection of your fire protection doors, Brandschutz Service Berlin is happy to assist you: 030 – 33 89 57 33 or info@brandschutz-service.berlin You can also find more information in our Fire Protection Guide.
