FB180 Ablative Batt Fire Stopping Installation

This project involved the installation of FB180 fire stopping within a roof void of an existing building, where compartmentation needed to be reinstated and upgraded to meet current fire safety requirements.

The building construction consisted of:

• Traditional brick masonry walls

• Timber roof structure with exposed rafters and purlins

• A roof void containing service routes and access panels

Due to the nature of the structure, maintaining fire separation at the roof line and wall junctions was critical.

The Challenge

1. The primary challenge was achieving a continuous 180-minute fire-resisting barrier within an irregular roof space.

   Key issues included:

   • Sloping roof geometry creating complex junctions

   • Timber members intersecting the compartment line

   • Existing access hatches requiring fire integrity to be maintained

   • Gaps at wall-to-roof interfaces where fire and smoke could spread

   Without correct fire stopping, the compartment wall would have been compromised above ceiling level.

Our Solution

We installed a full FB180 fire-resisting barrier using ablative coated batt systems, carefully cut and fitted to follow the roof slope and structural elements.

The works included:

• Installation of FB180 ablative batts to form a continuous fire barrier

• Sealing of all joints, edges, and fixings using approved ablative coating

• Fire stopping around timber beams and structural penetrations

• Fire-protective lining to the access hatch to maintain compartmentation

• Ensuring continuity between masonry walls and roof structure

All materials used were tested and certified to achieve the required fire resistance.

Results

✔️ A fully reinstated FB180 fire compartment wall
✔️ Continuous fire and smoke resistance through the roof void
✔️ Compliance with current fire safety and building regulations
✔️ Clear, neat workmanship suitable for inspection and sign-off

The completed installation ensures that fire spread through the roof space is effectively restricted, protecting both occupants and the wider building.

Why This Matters:

Fire stopping above ceilings and within roof voids is often overlooked, yet it is one of the most common points of compartment failure.

This project demonstrates the importance of:

• • Correct product selection

  • Attention to detail at complex junctions

  • Experienced installation in non-standard spaces