Fire stopping works completed at The Ivy in Chester, delivering compliant sealing of service penetrations. A strong example of how effective passive fire protection supports compartmentation and building safety.
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Fire stopping works completed at The Ivy in Chester, delivering compliant sealing of service penetrations. A strong example of how effective passive fire protection supports compartmentation and building safety.
Fire stopping works completed at The Ivy in Chester, delivering compliant sealing of service penetrations. A strong example of how effective passive fire protection supports compartmentation and building safety.
31 Homes, Bodelwyddan
Project Overview
We have commenced first-fix installation of residential fire suppression systems on a 31-dwelling housing development in Bodelwyddan, North Wales for our client Castlemead.
The development includes a mix of sprinkler systems and water mist systems, designed to provide compliant life safety protection within the homes.
Some of the properties on the development are being delivered for Wales & West Housing, supporting the delivery of safe and high-quality housing across the region.
Scope of Works
Our team is responsible for the design coordination and installation of the fire suppression systems across the site, including:
• Residential sprinkler systems
• Water mist systems
• First-fix pipework installation
• Coordination with other site trades
• Preparation for second-fix and commissioning
The systems are being installed during the first-fix stage, ensuring pipework is integrated into the structure before internal finishes are completed.
Project Progress
Works have now commenced across the plots with our installation team carrying out first-fix pipework installation.
By coordinating closely with the main contractor and other trades on site, we ensure the systems are installed efficiently and in line with the build programme.
Supporting Residential Developments Across North Wales
QSD Fire works with developers, housing associations and contractors across North Wales and the North West delivering:
• Residential sprinkler systems
• Water mist systems
• Fire suppression design and installation
• Multi-plot housing development installations
If you are planning a new housing development or residential scheme, our team can support your project from design through to commissioning.
📧 info@qsduk.com
🌐 www.qsdfire.com
Care Home Retrofit
Project Overview
QSD were appointed to design and install a full water mist fire suppression system within an existing care home facility.
The building remained fully operational throughout the works, requiring a carefully phased installation programme and close collaboration with site management.
The Challenge
Retrofitting fire suppression into existing care environments presents several challenges:
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Working around residents and care routines
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Protecting finished interiors
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Avoiding major structural alterations
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Maintaining compliance with current fire strategy requirements
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Minimising aesthetic impact
The client required a compliant, modern fire suppression solution without extensive building works.
The Solution
We designed and installed a low-profile water mist system tailored to the building layout.
Key elements included:
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Surface-mounted pipework installed neatly at ceiling level
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Discreet mist heads integrated into finished ceilings
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Zoned installation to allow phased working
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Integration with existing detection systems
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Full commissioning, testing and certification
Water mist was selected due to its reduced water usage, lower pipe diameters and suitability for retrofit environments.
The Outcome
✔ Enhanced life safety for vulnerable residents
✔ Minimal disruption during installation
✔ Clean and sympathetic finish
✔ Fully commissioned and compliant system
This project highlights how existing care facilities can be upgraded to modern suppression standards without major reconstruction.
If you are reviewing fire safety upgrades within a care or residential environment, contact QSD to discuss your options.
📧 info@qsduk.com
📍 Covering North Wales, Cheshire & surrounding areas
We were commissioned to install a high-performance sprinkler system in a large family home located in Wrexham. The homeowners sought to ensure the highest level of fire safety for their family and property. Our goal was to design and implement a sprinkler system that would provide robust protection while adhering to the latest fire safety standards.
Fire Sprinkler System | Projects Residential
About this Project
Automatic fire suppression systems are now mandatory in Welsh and Scottish homes.
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:
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Traditional brick masonry walls
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Timber roof structure with exposed rafters and purlins
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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
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The primary challenge was achieving a continuous 180-minute fire-resisting barrier within an irregular roof space.
Key issues included:
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Sloping roof geometry creating complex junctions
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Timber members intersecting the compartment line
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Existing access hatches requiring fire integrity to be maintained
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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.
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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:
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Installation of FB180 ablative batts to form a continuous fire barrier
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Sealing of all joints, edges, and fixings using approved ablative coating
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Fire stopping around timber beams and structural penetrations
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Fire-protective lining to the access hatch to maintain compartmentation
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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:
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Correct product selection
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Attention to detail at complex junctions
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Experienced installation in non-standard spaces
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Gainbrough Park – Abergele
Fire Sprinkler Systems
Project Type: New-build residential development
Number of Plots: 21
System Installed: Mains-fed fire sprinkler systems
Project Stage: First fix commenced
Project Overview
QSD Fire was appointed to design and install mains-fed fire sprinkler systems for a 21-plot new-build residential development at Gainbrough Park, Abergele.
The objective of the project was to provide reliable, compliant fire protection to each dwelling, seamlessly integrated into the build programme from the earliest stage.
Our Solution
For this development, we delivered a fully mains-fed sprinkler solution, removing the need for storage tanks or pumps while ensuring consistent water supply and low ongoing maintenance for homeowners.
Working closely with the build team, we commenced first fix installations in line with the construction schedule, allowing pipework to be neatly and efficiently incorporated within the fabric of each property.
All systems have been designed to meet current regulatory requirements and best-practice standards, with a focus on long-term reliability and ease of future servicing.
Key Benefits
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Mains-fed systems for simplicity and reliability
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Early involvement to support programme efficiency
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Fully compliant, life-saving fire protection
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Discreet integration within new-build homes
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Reduced maintenance requirements for end users
Project Status
First fix is now underway across the development, with installations progressing in line with the wider build programme. QSD Fire will continue through to second fix, testing, commissioning, and final handover as plots are completed.
Why QSD Fire
With extensive experience in residential and multi-plot developments, QSD Fire provides a complete sprinkler solution — from design and installation through to commissioning and ongoing support — helping developers deliver safer homes with confidence.
Fire-Rated Roof Cavity Closers – Loft Space Upgrade
Project overview
During a site inspection of an existing residential property, gaps were identified at the junction between the masonry party wall and the pitched roof structure within the loft space. These voids presented a clear risk of fire and smoke spread through the roof cavity, compromising compartmentation.
The risk
Roof voids are a well-known but often overlooked route for fire spread. In this case, the absence of effective cavity barriers meant that, in the event of a fire, flames and smoke could bypass the masonry wall and rapidly travel into adjoining areas via the roof structure.
The solution
We installed a fire-rated roof cavity closer, carefully cut and formed to follow the roof pitch and tightly sealed against both masonry and timber elements. Particular attention was paid to detailing around rafters and junctions to ensure continuity of fire protection.
The installation restores the fire integrity of the compartment line while allowing the roof structure to remain ventilated where required.
Outcome
✔️ Fire and smoke spread risk significantly reduced
✔️ Compartmentation reinstated at roof level
✔️ Installation aligned with fire stopping best practice
✔️ Improved compliance and life safety provision
Conclusion
This project highlights how critical correct fire stopping is in roof spaces — especially in existing buildings where original construction may not meet current standards. Addressing these details early helps avoid costly remedial works and, more importantly, protects lives.
We’re pleased to announce the expansion of our fire protection services to include professional fire stopping installations.
Fire stopping is a critical element of building safety, designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke through service penetrations, structural openings, and concealed voids. When installed correctly, it helps maintain compartmentation and ensures buildings perform as intended in the event of a fire.
Our fire stopping service focuses on:
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Correct sealing of service penetrations
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Maintaining fire-rated walls, floors, and compartments
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Supporting compliance with current building regulations
Using tested and approved fire stopping systems, our team delivers neat, well-documented installations suitable for inspection and sign-off. We work across new builds, refurbishments, and remedial projects, ensuring fire protection measures are installed correctly and consistently.
By adding fire stopping to our services, we’re able to offer clients a more complete fire safety solution, reducing coordination issues and ensuring critical details are not overlooked.
Get in Touch
If you have an upcoming project or require advice on fire stopping compliance, contact our team today to discuss your requirements and arrange a site visit or quotation.
LOCATIONS
North West and Wales
Including: Cheshire, Chester, Conwy, Gwynedd , Mold, Wirral, Ellesmere Port, North Wales & beyond even to places like Birmingham
