Fire-Rated Drop Testing & Certification in Naples, FL

Q: How often must fire doors be drop tested?

Annually. NFPA 80 mandates a drop test and inspection once every 12 months, with written records kept for the Fire Marshal.

Q: What happens if my door fails the test?

We issue a Deficiency Report listing required repairs. The door cannot be certified until these repairs are made and the door passes a re-test.

Q: Can I paint my fire door?

You can paint the slats, but NEVER paint the fusible links, cables, or rating labels. Painted links will fail to melt in a fire, causing an inspection failure.

Q: Do you test fire shutters?

Yes. We inspect and test rolling counter fire shutters in pharmacies and cafeterias, ensuring they meet the same NFPA 80 standards as larger doors.

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In a commercial building, a Rolling Fire Door is the silent sentinel. It sits open 99% of the time, hidden in the ceiling. But in the event of a fire, it is the only thing stopping smoke and flames from spreading between warehouse sections, kitchens, or elevator shafts.

Because these doors are rarely used, they are prone to mechanical failure. That is why the NFPA 80 (National Fire Protection Association) code mandates that every rolling fire door be inspected and tested annually. At Garage Door Naples, we are certified to perform these critical Drop Tests. We don’t just “sign the paper”we ensure your life-safety equipment will actually work when it matters most.

It’s Not Just a Recommendation It’s the Law (NFPA 80)

Local fire marshals in Collier County and Bonita Springs strictly enforce NFPA 80. This code states: “Fire door assemblies shall be inspected and tested not less than annually, and a written record of the inspection shall be signed and kept for inspection by the AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction).”

Failure to comply can result in:

Heavy fines from the Fire Marshal.

Your building insurance policy being voided.

Shut down of your facility until compliance is met.

What is a "Drop Test"?

A Drop Test simulates a fire condition to prove the door will close automatically.

Step 1: Visual Inspection

We check the door for open holes, broken parts, and missing labels. We ensure the guides are not blocked by conduits or shelving (a common violation).

Step 2: The Operational Drop (Gravity Check)

We mechanically disengage the drive motor. The door must close completely using only gravity or the force of its internal closing spring. It must close at a speed between 6 and 24 inches per second. If it gets stuck halfway, it Fails.

Step 3: The Reset & Certification

Once the door passes two consecutive drops, we reset the tension/governor mechanism. We then apply a Certification Sticker to the door and provide you with a signed Drop Test Log for your records.

Why Fire Doors Fail Inspection

Painted Fusible Links

The “Fusible Link” is the trigger mechanism designed to melt at 165°F. Often, painters spray right over these links. Paint insulates the metal, preventing it from melting in time. Painted links are an instant failure.

Damaged Guides or Slats

If a forklift has dented the vertical tracks (guides), the door will bind during its descent. Gravity isn’t strong enough to pull it past the dent.

Spring Tension Loss

Over time, when left idle, the internal springs lose power. The door might start to drop, but then stall a few feet from the floor. We must add dangerous amounts of tension to fix this.

We Service All Major Fire Door Brands

We are trained on the specific release mechanisms of every major manufacturer:

Cornell Iron Works

Cookson

Wayne Dalton

McKeon

Raynor

Auto-Reset vs. Mechanical Reset: Upgrading Your Safety

Old-school fire doors are a nightmare to test because resetting the spring tension takes 2 hours of dangerous ladder work. The Solution: Upgrade to an Auto-Reset Operator.

How it works: These motorized operators allow you to “Key Test” the door. You turn a key on the wall, the door drops (simulating a fire), and then you press “Open” to reset it automatically.

Benefit: It makes testing cheap and easy, so you can do it monthly instead of fearing the annual inspection.

Emergency Repair for Failed Fire Doors

Did the Fire Marshal just visit and red-tag your door? We offer Emergency Compliance Repair. We carry standard fusible links, sash chains, and tension wheels on our trucks to fix the deficiency immediately so you can re-book your inspection.

Smoke Seals & Perimeter Gaskets

Fire doesn’t always kill; smoke does. Many modern codes require Smoke & Draft Control (UL 1784). We inspect the “Smoke Seals”, the brush or silicone gaskets on the guides and header. If these are missing or brittle, smoke can bypass the door. We install UL-listed smoke gaskets to ensure your facility meets the strictest life-safety standards.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Code

How often must fire doors be drop tested?

Annually. NFPA 80 requires a drop test and inspection once every 12 months. However, we recommend a visual check every 6 months to ensure guides aren’t blocked.

What happens if my door fails the test?

If the door fails to close fully or closes too fast/slow, we cannot certify it. We will provide a Deficiency Report listing exactly what needs repair (e.g., “Replace tension spring” or “Repair bent guide”). Once repaired, we re-test and certify.

Can I paint my fire door?

You can paint the curtain slats, but you MUST NOT paint the fusible links, sensor cables, or the rating label plate. If the label is painted over, the door loses its UL rating and may need to be re-labeled or replaced.

Do you test fire shutters (counter doors)?

Yes. We inspect rolling counter shutters found in pharmacies, cafeterias, and ticket windows. These are subject to the same NFPA 80 requirements as large warehouse doors.

What documentation do I get?

You receive a Drop Test Report Form (DSD-240 or equivalent) detailing the door’s location, serial number, and test results. We also attach a physical Inspection Sticker to the door frame with the date and technician’s signature.