As a property manager, you’re responsible for far more than just day-to-day operations — you’re the frontline defender of tenant safety and compliance. One of the most overlooked yet essential pieces of life safety infrastructure in any condo building is the fire-rated rolling door. To ensure these systems function correctly in an emergency, annual fire door drop testing is not just recommended — it’s a legal and insurance requirement.
What Is Fire Door Drop Testing?
Fire doors, particularly rolling fire doors, are designed to compartmentalize fire and smoke, preventing the spread through hallways, garages, and shared spaces. A drop test is a procedure where the fire door is released to ensure it closes properly and completely under gravity or its closing mechanism. This test simulates what would happen during a fire alarm or activation scenario.
Why Annual Testing Is Required
- Building Code Compliance
Under the NFPA 80 and Ontario Fire Code, annual fire door drop testing is required for all rolling fire doors. This applies to mechanical, electrical, and fusible link components that ensure the door will function properly during a fire. - Insurance Obligations
Insurance providers often require documentation that fire protection systems — including fire doors — are tested and compliant. Failure to do so can lead to denied claims or policy cancellations in the event of a fire. - Tenant Safety
The most important reason: lives are at stake. A fire door that doesn’t close could allow smoke and flames to travel rapidly through corridors and shared amenities, putting dozens or even hundreds of residents at risk.
Common Locations for Fire Doors in Condos
- Underground parking garages
- Garbage and recycling rooms
- Mechanical/electrical rooms
- Loading docks
- Amenity spaces with fire separation requirements
What Property Managers Need to Do
- Schedule Annual Drop Testing: Ensure all fire doors are tested once every 12 months by a qualified technician.
- Keep Documentation: Maintain inspection and test reports as proof for insurance audits and fire marshal inspections.
- Fix Deficiencies Promptly: If a door fails the test, repairs or replacements should be completed immediately — not deferred.
Why Choose Wilcox Door for Your Fire Door Testing?
At Wilcox Door Service Inc., we specialize in commercial and multi-residential fire door inspections and testing. Our certified technicians follow all applicable codes and provide clear reporting for your records. We make sure your building isn’t just compliant — it’s safe.
Protect your residents. Protect your liability. Schedule your fire door drop testing today.