{"id":102170,"date":"2025-12-08T08:58:27","date_gmt":"2025-12-08T14:58:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/?p=102170"},"modified":"2026-03-09T11:33:43","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T16:33:43","slug":"nfpa-80-fire-door-inspections-in-chicago-pass-on-the-first-visit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/blog\/nfpa-80-fire-door-inspections-in-chicago-pass-on-the-first-visit\/","title":{"rendered":"NFPA 80 Fire Door Inspections in Chicago: Pass on the First Visit"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"sl-blog-post\">\n<style>\n    \/* Canonical inline styles (brand accent = #cc0000). Keep body content intact. *\/<br \/>\n    .sl-blog-post { padding: 20px; border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; color: #222; line-height: 1.6; }<br \/>\n    .sl-blog-post a { color: #cc0000; text-decoration: none; }<br \/>\n    .sl-blog-post a:hover { text-decoration: underline; }<br \/>\n    .sl-content img { max-width: 100%; height: auto; }<br \/>\n    .sl-callout { background: #f9f9fb; border-left: 4px solid #cc0000; padding: 16px 24px; margin: 20px 0; }<br \/>\n    .sl-callout li { margin: 6px 0; }<br \/>\n    .sl-faqs { margin-top: 36px; border: 1px solid #eee; background: #fafafa; padding: 20px; }<br \/>\n    .sl-faqs h2 { font-size: 1.5rem; margin: 0 0 12px; }<br \/>\n    .sl-faqs .faq-item { margin-bottom: 16px; }<br \/>\n    .sl-faqs .faq-question { font-weight: 700; margin: 0 0 6px; color: #cc0000; }<br \/>\n    .sl-faqs .faq-answer { margin: 0; }<br \/>\n  <\/style>\n<p><!-- Key takeaways --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"sl-callout\" aria-label=\"Key takeaways\">\n<li>Annual NFPA 80 fire door inspections help protect lives and are commonly required by authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs).<\/li>\n<li>Use a methodical 13-point checklist for swinging doors; other door types have their own checklists in NFPA 80.<\/li>\n<li>Common fail points in Chicagoland buildings include excessive clearances, label issues, improper hardware, and damaged seals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"sl-content\"><strong>INSPECTION.<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s a word that can produce anxiety in almost all of us. No matter how hard you have worked to ensure your commercial property, school, government or multi-unit residential building is up to code, it\u2019s easy to worry that you\u2019ve overlooked something. When it comes to fire door inspections, following the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines can help save lives. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Of course, it is of the utmost importance that your fire doors are up to code. The good news is that it is possible to pass an inspection on the first visit with minimal stress, if you approach the situation methodically, and especially if you call us in to help.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are Fire Doors?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A fire door, as the name suggests, provides protection in case of a fire; they are considered part of your building\u2019s passive fire protection system (\u201cpassive\u201d because they only contain fires. Active measures include fire alarms and sprinkler systems). Fire doors are built of sturdy materials and hardware and are lined with seals and gaskets to help seal off a room. Ratings range from 20 to 180 minutes, meaning the door can hold fire and sometimes smoke at bay for at least that length of time. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding NFPA 80 Fire Door Standards<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The National Fire Protection Association issues the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nfpa.org\/codes-and-standards\/nfpa-80-standard-development\/80\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NFPA 80 Standard for Fire Door and Other Opening Protectives<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which sets standards for doors designed to seal off a space and resist fire for a specified time. The standards are widely adopted by state and municipal governing bodies such as the City of Chicago or the Illinois State Office of the Fire Marshall.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NFPA 80 dovetails with NFPA 101, the life safety codes and functions like a subsection. The life safety codes are more comprehensive and have more to say about means of egress and accessibility. The fire door codes are specifically concerned with how a door and its hardware perform in a fire.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In short, to satisfy NFPA 101 life safety standards, all your fire doors will first have to satisfy NFPA 80 fire door standards.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Note that for doors that need to be rated for smoke leakage, you should refer to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nfpa.org\/codes-and-standards\/nfpa-105-standard-development\/105\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NFPA 105 Standard for Smoke Door Assemblies and Other Opening Protectives<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Designate or Hire an Expert<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your first priority should be to identify someone on your team who will be your fire door expert or else to hire a consultant who can help. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/sfm.illinois.gov\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Illinois State Office of the Fire Marshall<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> does not have a specific requirement about who conducts fire door inspections. It only requires that that person understands the codes, that you conduct annual inspections, and that someone document and sign the inspection report.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a security and safety partner, we at Anderson Lock have <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/door-services\/fire-door-inspections\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">three certified fire door inspectors<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on staff who can help you conduct an inspection and identify any repairs or replacements that will keep you up to code.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you work with us or someone else, you should still have an on-site point of contact. This person should attempt to familiarize themselves with NFPA 80 well enough to know what questions to ask and whether their consultants are being thorough enough.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When Will the Fire Marshal Conduct an Inspection?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal may conduct an inspection if you have a state-<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">licensed day care or group home or an educational facility. In Chicago, the city Fire Prevention Bureau conducts inspections of:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hospitals<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-102278 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/School-Images-1.jpg\" alt=\"Commercial fire-rated door and frame in a school corridor\" width=\"671\" height=\"479\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/School-Images-1.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/School-Images-1-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/School-Images-1-1024x732.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/School-Images-1-768x549.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/School-Images-1-1536x1097.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/School-Images-1-600x429.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/School-Images-1-992x709.jpg 992w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/School-Images-1-1200x857.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/School-Images-1-560x400.jpg 560w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/School-Images-1-525x375.jpg 525w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 671px) 100vw, 671px\" \/><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hotels<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Correctional facilities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nursing homes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shelters<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Day cares<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Schools<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After-school programs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">New construction<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Building rehabilitation<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inspections typically occur annually, but some facilities will have monthly walkthroughs to check specific features.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cover NFPA 80 Basics with This 13-Point Checklist<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To conduct your own fire door inspection, you will need to check for visible wear or damage to key structural components and test the doors opening and closing mechanisms, including any electronic controls.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chapter 5 of NFPA 80 covers inspections. For swinging doors \u2014 the most common type \u2014 you need to check for these 13 things:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any labels are clearly visible and clear enough to read<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are no visible holes or breaks in the surface of the door, frame, or threshold<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any vision lites or glazing features are intact and secure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The door, frame, hinges, hardware, and threshold are all aligned and in working order<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are no missing or broken parts<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Door clearances are not beyond the standards set in chapters 4 and 6, typically \u00be in. beneath the door and \u215b in. between the door and the frame<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The self-closing device functions properly, specifically, that the door goes properly from fully open to fully closed<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The inactive leaf of any coordinator closes before the active leaf<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All latching hardware catches and secures the door when it is closed<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No other hardware is installed on the door or frame that interferes with its proper operation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are no \u201cfield modifications,\u201d that is, changes you made after installation, that compromise its function (or, as NFPA 80 puts it, that \u201cvoid the label\u201d)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any required meeting edge protection, gaskets, or seals are in place and sound<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any signage meets the requirements of chapter 4<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Note that improper signage can cause problems with items 3, 10, 11, and 13 if you install it improperly or the signs are too large. Signs seem like trivial things, but when it comes to fire doors, it\u2019s best to be careful. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Note, too, that other kinds of doors, like sliding or rolling steel doors, have their own inspection checklists. Consult Chapter 5 of NFPA 80 to double check those.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Know the Common Fail Points for Chicago Buildings<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Older Chicagoland buildings, especially, run into certain common problems that compromise their fire door safety and can lead to failed inspections. These include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Excessive clearances<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Repeated use, settling frames, and age can lead to increased gaps around your doors.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Improper hardware swaps<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Using non-listed or rated hardware with inadequate hardware, or improperly installing hardware, can void the door\u2019s label and make it no longer up to code.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Painting over labels<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Routine improvements like repainting doors and frames may have the unintended consequence of covering over labels, so make sure your painters take proper precautions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Damaged gasketing or seals<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> In heavy traffic areas like stairwells and elevator lobbies, the seals on your fire door can wear down or even be ripped off.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Failure to self-close and\/or latch<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It\u2019s important to test the self-closers on your doors and to make sure they latch properly. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Your staff<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Unfortunately, the people on your team can be the source of a fire safety problem. Train your staff not to wedge open fire doors. It\u2019s a surprisingly commonplace issue that prevents self-closers from working properly and can lead to the spread of smoke and fire. Watch for certification programs or fire safety workshops that you can send your team to.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preparing for a Fire Marshal Inspection<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re getting ready for an official inspection from the fire marshal or a third party, take these steps to set yourself up for success.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Take an inventory<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If you don\u2019t already have an inventory, it\u2019s time to make one. You should have a list of each fire door and its assemblies, including ratings, locations, hardware, etc. Record dates when different elements were installed.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Conduct your own 13-point inspection<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Using the list above and your inventory, see if you can spot and correct any problems on your own.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Organize your documents<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> You\u2019ll want to keep records of past inspections as well as work orders, product information, etc. Keep it organized in a place you can find it again.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Train yourselves<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Train and retrain your staff to notice damage to fire doors and not to block them or the paths to them.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To learn even more about fire inspections, read <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/blog\/fire-door-inspections-what-facility-managers-need-to-know\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">our \u201cWhat to Know\u201d guide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trust Anderson Lock for to Pass Your Fire Door Inspection<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-98734 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG_8486.jpeg\" alt=\"Certified fire door inspector examining door hardware\" width=\"449\" height=\"449\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG_8486.jpeg 888w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG_8486-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG_8486-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG_8486-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG_8486-600x600.jpeg 600w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG_8486-400x400.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG_8486-525x525.jpeg 525w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG_8486-100x100.jpeg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 449px) 100vw, 449px\" \/><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fire door compliance is important for the safety of your people and property, and with regular inspections and proper maintenance, you can stay current and stay safe. At Anderson Lock, our certified fire inspectors are here to help with personalized guidance and support. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/contact\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact us<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> today to learn more.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><!-- FAQs --><\/p>\n<section class=\"sl-faqs\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-heading\">\n<h2 id=\"faq-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n<p class=\"faq-question\"><strong>How often should fire doors be inspected?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"faq-answer\">At least annually under NFPA 80. Some facilities also perform monthly walkthroughs to verify key features like self-closing and latching, as noted by many AHJs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n<p class=\"faq-question\">\n<strong>Who is allowed to perform the inspection in Illinois or Chicago?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"faq-answer\">The Illinois State Office of the Fire Marshal does not prescribe a specific credential. The inspector must be knowledgeable about applicable codes, perform annual inspections, and document and sign the report. Many facilities hire certified fire door inspectors for thoroughness.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n<p class=\"faq-question\">\n<strong>What\u2019s the difference between NFPA 80 and NFPA 101?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"faq-answer\">NFPA 80 covers the construction, installation, and inspection of fire doors and other opening protectives. NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) addresses broader life safety topics like means of egress and accessibility. Doors must meet NFPA 80 to comply with NFPA 101 requirements.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n<p class=\"faq-question\">\n<strong>What are common reasons fire doors fail inspection?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"faq-answer\">Excessive clearances, painted-over or missing labels, incorrect or non-listed hardware, damaged or missing gasketing\/seals, and doors that don\u2019t self-close or latch properly are frequent issues.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n<p class=\"faq-question\">\n<strong>Do sliding or rolling steel doors use the same checklist?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"faq-answer\">They\u2019re covered in NFPA 80 but have different inspection points. Review Chapter 5 for the correct checklist, and use NFPA 105 when smoke-leakage ratings are required.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n<p class=\"faq-question\">\n<strong>What documentation should I keep for the fire marshal?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"faq-answer\">Maintain an inventory of all rated openings (with ratings, locations, hardware), prior inspection reports, work orders, and product data. Organize records so they\u2019re readily available during inspections.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- Meta Description: Learn NFPA 80 fire door inspection basics, a practical 13-point checklist, and how to prepare for Illinois\/Chicago fire marshal inspections. 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Review Chapter 5 for the correct checklist, and use NFPA 105 when smoke-leakage ratings are required.\"}\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\":\"Question\",\n      \"name\":\"What documentation should I keep for the fire marshal?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Maintain an inventory of all rated openings (with ratings, locations, hardware), prior inspection reports, work orders, and product data. Organize records so they\u2019re readily available during inspections.\"}\n    }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Annual NFPA 80 fire door inspections help protect lives and are commonly required by authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs). Use a methodical 13-point checklist for swinging doors; other door types have their own checklists in NFPA 80. Common fail points in<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":657,"featured_media":102279,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[846],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-102170","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-helpful-hints"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>NFPA 80 Fire Door Inspections in Chicago: Pass on the First Visit - 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