Why Important
Door closers are required by Wirral Council on new and upgraded fire and smoke-check doors.
What to look for
Check the planning approvals for the heritage building to identify which doors were expected to be ‘fire doors’. Depending on the expected use to the heritage building, occupancy, and Planning Conditions/Building Regulation Approvals, door closers should be retained.
When to look
When the initial detailed survey is undertaken. Collect photographs of the existing situation.
Undertake annual inspections or when the building has a change of use/occupancy.
How to fix
Surface-mounted units will cause the least damage to the door but are very obtrusive and are not always aesthetically acceptable – if used, the older style closers are best.
Alternatively, concealed door closers can be used, which can be fixed either into the hinge stile or the top rail of the door.
Avoiding creating problems
Although removing modern door closing mechanisms may be desired to improve the aesthetic of the heritage building, fire safety may outweigh the reasons for approval to be granted by Wirral Council.