9 Warning Signs Your Fire Escape Needs Repairs
As a property manager or owner, your duty is tending to the daily operations of the property. This includes thoroughly understanding your legal obligations to protect your tenants.
Does your building adhere to safety codes and regulations? Is the fire escape in good condition? Unsure of when to do maintenance on this feature? If you notice any of these nine warning signs, then your fire escape needs repairs. Schedule inspections and upgrades that will fix existing issues and prevent future ones.
1. Rust or Corrosion
Rust or corrosion on metal components is one common indicator that a fire escape needs repairs. These issues can weaken the fire escape’s structural integrity, making it less reliable during emergencies. Rust typically forms when metal has prolonged contact with moisture. This is unfortunately common with buildings in a humid, rainy climate or coastal zones.
Corrosion may start small but can spread quickly if neglected. Rust can compromise a fire escape’s strength by eating away at the metal bolts, platforms, and steps.
Necessary repairs include repainting the structure with anti-corrosion paint or applying protective coatings that can minimize exposure to moisture and preserve the metal’s integrity.
2. Loose or Missing Bolts
Loose or missing bolts indicate that a fire escape needs repairs. These bolts hold the structure together and keep it stable. Without them, platforms and steps could become misaligned or even detach from the structure.
For this reason, it’s crucial to have a trained fire safety professional examine these connections. Take it a step further and consult professionals with specialized knowledge and years of experience in fire escape construction, inspection, and maintenance, such as the AWS-certified welders and engineers at Maximum Fire Escapes. Our highly trained team members conduct thorough multi-point evaluations of all mechanisms in a fire escape system. We’ll examine bolted connections for deterioration, wear, and missing bolts that indicate your fire escape hardware needs reinforcing. From there, we expertly fortify them with new welds.
3. Misaligned Components
Misaligned components can disrupt a fire escape’s function and safety. Misalignment may result from repeated use, structural wear, or foundational shifts over time. Steps, platforms, or railings out of alignment often indicate deeper structural problems needing professional evaluation. Watch out for the following signs of misalignment:
Uneven step heights
Gaps between connected parts
Railings that no longer sit parallel to the staircase
These issues can pose tripping hazards and increase the risk of the fire escape collapsing during emergencies.
4. Cracks or Dents
Visible cracks or dents on any part of the fire escape demand immediate attention. These physical flaws may compromise the structural integrity of the structure and indicate material fatigue or prior impact. Examine areas most susceptible to damage, such as step corners, platforms, or joint welds.
A cracked step might not fully support the weight of anyone, leading to a heightened risk of accidents during real emergencies. Similarly, dents can weaken the metal over time, making it prone to breakage. Acting promptly and seeking immediate attention from a professional helps you identify whether these flaws require minor repairs or complete replacement.
5. Structural Instability
Structural instability is one of the most serious concerns regarding fire escapes. This damage typically occurs because of age, lack of maintenance, or repeated exposure to harsh weather. Some telltale signs that your fire escape is unstable include the following:
Visibly warped metal
Unexpected shifts during use
Framework that moves under light or noticeable pressure
Instability makes a fire escape unsafe, particularly when multiple people use it simultaneously. Make sure that an expert evaluates the structure if you detect instability; full or partial reinforcement might be necessary to bring the fire escape up to snuff.
Enlist the services of reliable fire protection professionals who know the standards your fire escape should meet. For example, the team of expert welders at Maximum Fire Escapes knows the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes your building must comply with. Our fire escape repair services guarantee that your fire escape will be safe enough to pass a thorough inspection and work in an emergency.
6. Peeling Paint
Peeling paint may seem like a cosmetic problem, but it also signals underlying concerns about the fire escape’s condition. Paint is a protective barrier against the elements, particularly moisture. When it peels, the underlying metal becomes vulnerable to corrosion and structural damage.
If you see unevenness, bubbling, or flakes on painted surfaces, they may be due to windy conditions, UV exposure, and temperature changes. Hiring professionals to repaint your fire escape with high-quality, weather-resistant coatings restores protection to the structure and preserves its appearance.
7. Unusual Noises
When your fire escape’s structure is unstable or bolts are loose or weak, you’ll likely be able to hear it. Creaks, groans, or squeaks often signal material stress or loose connections that could jeopardize the structure’s integrity. Listen for these sounds when using or testing the escape, especially around joints or platforms. You might think such noises are no big deal, but more severe issues may occur if you neglect them.
Pro Tip
Lubricating moving components with specialized products may reduce noise in minor cases, but it is imperative to schedule an inspection to address the cause of the sound.
8. Erosion Around Anchors
Anchor points secure fire escapes to the building or foundation. Compromised anchor points due to erosion or damage could destabilize the fire escape entirely.
Inspect for cracking or chipping around the concrete or surface material surrounding anchor points. Weathering, moisture exposure, and poor-quality installation are common culprits.
9. Difficulty in Operation
Perhaps the most noticeable sign that you should repair your fire escape is if it’s challenging to maneuver. You must be able to operate its ladders, steps, and gates.
If these parts become stiff or jammed due to rust, debris, or mechanical component failure, they can delay evacuation during an emergency. For this reason, you should test the operability of all moving sections to determine whether they glide smoothly into place.
Of all the warning signs your fire escape needs repairs, this one can result in the most immediate danger during an emergency. Your fire escape must be easy to deploy and use during an emergency, so consult the fire protection experts at Maximum Fire Escapes to schedule routine inspections and upgrades before it’s too late! Timely and thorough fixes will restore the safety of your fire escape, protecting you and your tenants.
