Fire Stopping

Fire stopping with a clear record of the work

Pipes, cables and other services pass through the walls and floors that separate parts of a building. Where a fire-resisting element is penetrated, the detail around that opening needs an appropriate solution. Later service changes can also disturb an existing installation, leaving a property manager to establish what has changed and what needs attention.

Interseal UK undertakes new and remedial fire stopping as part of passive fire protection programmes. We support social housing providers, managing agents and project teams with surveys, recommendations, installation and agreed project records. Our work is planned around the building, its occupants and the required performance of each location.

Define the opening before selecting the system

A fire stopping product is one part of an installation detail. The wall or floor construction, service type, opening dimensions, configuration and required performance all influence whether a proposed solution is suitable. Different pipes or cable arrangements may need different details even within the same building.

Before work starts, establish the supporting information and any technical questions that need to be resolved. This may involve reviewing the fire strategy, available drawings, existing survey and relevant manufacturer evidence. Where the as-found condition differs from the proposed detail, it should be reviewed before installation proceeds.

Typical areas to discuss

An agreed package can address service penetrations, linear joints and remedial defects at compartment lines. Common project locations include service risers, plant areas, communal routes and areas affected by refurbishment or mechanical and electrical upgrades.

The scope might include:

• Reviewing an existing schedule or surveying accessible installations.
• Identifying openings and recording the condition found.
• Developing a remedial proposal using suitable supported details.
• Coordinating access, service interfaces and other trades.
• Installing the agreed systems and recording completed work.
• Identifying any remaining areas or issues for follow-up.

If the extent of defects is uncertain, a fire compartment survey may be the appropriate first step. Cavity and fire barrier systems within concealed voids have a different role and should be scoped accordingly.

Coordinate work in occupied buildings

Access is often the main practical constraint. A riser may serve several homes; a seal may be behind a fixed panel; nearby equipment may need attention from another trade. Agree permissions, any service isolation arrangements and the sequence of work before the installation team arrives.

Resident communications, protection of finishes, housekeeping and maintaining safe access all belong in the site plan. Our Fabrick Group case study describes survey and remedial work across occupied housing, including coordination with other trades during high-rise riser works.

Evidence that connects to each location

A usable record should help your team find an installation again. Agree the required location references, photographs, product details, installation information and drawing links at the start. Also confirm any inspection or certification requirements and how they apply to the specific package.

Our published portfolio experience includes registers of works, labelled installations, plan references and photographic records. The handover requirements for your project should be written into the agreed scope, including how incomplete or inaccessible items will be shown. This helps future maintenance teams understand what was installed and where further work remains.

What affects the quotation?

The number of openings is only one factor. Dimensions, substrate condition, service arrangements, the supported system detail and the ability to reach each location affect labour and materials. Access equipment, enabling works, waste removal, reinstatement and phased visits may also need to be included.

Send available drawings, a survey schedule and photographs with your enquiry. Identify forthcoming service alterations so that responsibility for protecting and reinstating fire stopping can be coordinated across the programme. Avoid assuming that every opening can be priced from the same generic rate.

For projects around Nottingham and Middlesbrough, or a wider portfolio, our team can discuss the next step. The quote preparation guide explains the information that helps us define the work.