What is a common issue with fire doors that leads to them being reported as not functional?

Fire doors are critical components of a building's fire safety strategy, designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke between different areas. A common issue leading to fire doors being reported as not functional includes a variety of problems such as incorrect installation, physical damage, and faulty closing mechanisms.

Incorrect installation can result in misalignment or gaps that compromise the door's effectiveness during a fire, making it less able to contain smoke and flames. Physical damage, such as dents, cracks, or warping, can also prevent a fire door from sealing properly when closed, significantly reducing its protective qualities. Furthermore, faulty closing mechanisms can cause the door to not close fully, or to remain open, which is contrary to its purpose of containing fire and smoke.

Since all these issues can individually lead to a fire door being deemed non-functional, it follows that they collectively represent the common problems associated with fire doors. Thus, the comprehensive nature of the answer reflects the reality of fire door inspections and the various reasons they may fail.