Avoid Fines & Failures: Schedule Your Annual Fire Door Inspection

When it comes to protecting your facility, employees, and customers, fire-rated roll-up doors are a critical first line of defense. But did you know that annual fire door drop testing and inspection is not only essential for safety, but it’s also a legal requirement?

It is imperative to perform annual fire door drop testing to ensure proper fire protection and code compliance

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 80), all fire- and smoke-rated rolling doors must be inspected and tested at least once a year, regardless of their frequency of use. That includes doors that remain closed at all times.

At Loading Dock, Inc., we specialize in fire door inspections and drop testing across New York City and New Jersey, helping commercial property owners stay compliant, safe, and ready in the event of a fire emergency.

What Is a Fire Door Drop Test?

A fire door drop test ensures your fire-rated coiling door can close automatically and fully seal off an area during a fire. The test has two required steps:

✓ Step One: Confirms your door closes completely and properly at the correct speed (between 6" and 24" per second).
✓ Step Two: Verifies the automatic closing system resets correctly.

If your door fails the test, our trained technicians can make the necessary repairs, and retest the door to ensure it passes. If it still fails, replacement may be necessary.

Roll-Up Fire Door Drop Test

What’s Included in a Fire Door Inspection?

Our certified technicians perform a comprehensive inspection of your fire or smoke-rated rolling door, including:
• Door guides, curtain slats, end locks, and bottom bar
• Hood assembly and operating mechanisms
• Fusible links, release chains/cables, and reset devices
• Detection of dust, debris, grease, or improper paint
• Identification of worn, damaged, or missing components
• Surrounding area check for flammable materials

After the inspection and successful drop test, you’ll receive official documentation and certification for your records, proving NFPA 80 compliance.

Certified fire door inspection includes a full check of door parts, safety components, and surrounding hazards, with documentation provided for NFPA compliance

Why Annual Testing Is Non-Negotiable

Many property owners assume if their fire rolling door is rarely used, it doesn’t need testing. Unfortunately, that’s a common and risky misconception. All fire doors must be tested annually, regardless of usage. Here's why:

⁃ Fire marshals and building inspectors routinely check for compliance.
⁃ Failing to perform annual tests can result in code violations and fines.
⁃ More importantly, a malfunctioning fire overhead door can cost lives and property during an emergency.

a technician performing an annual fire door drop test on a rolling door-1 Even unused fire rolling doors require annual testing to meet code, avoid fines, and ensure they function properly in an emergency to protect lives and property

Trust the Experts in Fire Door Compliance

At Loading Dock, Inc., we’ve been serving commercial clients across Northern NJ, and the NYC Metro areas for over 40 years. Our technicians are properly trained and certified to handle all fire/smoke door testing, maintenance, and repairs.

Schedule your annual fire door drop test today! Don’t wait until an inspector or a fire, reveals your doors aren’t functioning. Stay ahead of code requirements and protect your building with our fire door drop test & inspection service.