Fire doors that don't latch — the silent score killer

A fire door that closes but does not latch has failed its one job, and corridor doors get checked building after building. Closers out of adjustment, warped frames, and latches packed with paint are the usual causes — all cheap fixes found only by walking every door. How often does your team do a full door swing-and-latch pass?

The latch pass is the highest-value hour in building prep, full stop. Push every door shut from a few inches open and let the closer do the work; the ones that bounce, drag, or stop a quarter-inch proud are your list. Most of them are closer adjustments and strike plates, not new doors — but you only know that if somebody walks every single one, not just the doors on the tour route. When did your team last do a full latch pass on every corridor and stair door — and how many failed that test?